Kava: with concurrent Gabapentin and Benzo

[infraredz]

I take Gabapentin and Clorazepate (pro-drug for desmethyldiazepam) daily for anxiety; 3600mg and 30mg respectively.

I have been noticing a tolerance to the Clorazepate, and my doctor agrees that there is very good reason to suspect the tolerance being the cause of recent anxiety. I have been looking at Kava as a way to try to treat my anxiety which is not really constant, but rather periodic.

I know that:
-Kava allegedly has a reverse tolerance curve
-Kava has alleged affinity for GABA_A affinity, as well as MAOI-B effects

My question is regarding the pharmacological interaction of Gabapentin/Diazepam with Kava. I know that down-regulation occurs with long term use of benzos and I have heard somewhere that Kava actually causes up-regulation. Is this true? If so, what does that mean theoretically for me?

Will Kava be effective given my daily medications (ie. will the medications 'overpower' the Kava)?

My local health foods store has the alcohol extract containing standardized doses of kavalactones (75mg per serving). What are doses like in this regard (ie. for slight effects, for moderate effects, for strong effects) in general AND for someone taking the above-mentioned meds?

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

The reverse-tolerance of Kava isn't dependent on its agonism at GABAa; it will cumulatively produce a stimulating anti-depressant effect, which would probably go against your desired anxiolytic effect.

My advice is to not use herbal medications, as they can't be meaningfully weighed out, not to mention the very diverse MOAs of Kava, possibly leading to extra problems which you will then have to sort out. Best to stick with drugs which more directly target your symptoms without adding a bunch of extra factors. And I know you didn't explicitly indicate this, but don't use alcohol to treat your disorder either.

 

[weekend addiction]

The reverse-tolerance of Kava isn't dependent on its agonism at GABAa; it will cumulatively produce a stimulating anti-depressant effect, which would probably go against your desired anxiolytic effect.

My advice is to not use herbal medications, as they can't be meaningfully weighed out, not to mention the very diverse MOAs of Kava, possibly leading to extra problems which you will then have to sort out. Best to stick with drugs which more directly target your symptoms without adding a bunch of extra factors. And I know you didn't explicitly indicate this, but don't use alcohol to treat your disorder either.

He never said anything about using alcohol where did that come from? Also herbal medicines are very effective. With kava I would order the fresh root and make the drink yourself. I have done this many times and the resulting brew is very medicinal. The extracts are very lacking. With what meds your taking any MAO effects are of no concern.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

That has no bearing on whether or not the reverse-tolerance is based on GABAergic effects. No one is denying that kava can work as an anxiolytic.

He never said anything about using alcohol where did that come from? Also herbal medicines are very effective. With kava I would order the fresh root and make the drink yourself. I have done this many times and the resulting brew is very medicinal. The extracts are very lacking. With what meds your taking any MAO effects are of no concern.

Don't think you actually read my post.

 

[EarthBounded]

With what meds your taking any MAO effects are of no concern.

This is a brave statement.

OP stay away from Daily use of Kava it is most likely not going to "cure" anything, and Liver problems can come on very quick with incorrect use of this root.

Yes Herbal Meds are very effective, but in terms of harm reduction they are many side effects and dosing is usually a problem.

If you are very educated with Herbal Medication then by all means use it

 

[amanitadine]

There are some studies that did show flumazenil having an effect on kava treated mice brain cells. . I think the old studies arguing no allosteric modulation at GABA-A are just that . . Old. If i can find em ill dig em and post em But, kava can also have significant stimulatory effects, depending on the dose and "strain". Can backfire on those using it for anxiety!

 

[bloodshed344]

OP stay away from Daily use of Kava it is most likely not going to "cure" anything, and Liver problems can come on very quick with incorrect use of this root.

This is a brave statement.

OP, don't worry about any health problems from Kava aside from mixing it, which is a real concern. However don't listen to anyone's advice on whether you should take it or not. Buy yourself some whole roots, chew it (yes, no preparation. You just put the stick in your mouth and chew) and see if it works and gives you desired effects. The dopamine rush alone could be anxiolytic or anxiogenic.