Need Help

[Steph]

I have not mentioned yet that I am on quite a bit of meds. Some is psychotropic and some for blood pressure, cholesterol and Percocet for pain. I was trying to not need the Percocet. I was allowed three a day. I started to take three at the same time, not really for pain, but to feel "good". I'm trying not to take the Percocet and thought maybe kava would help me get through this. The feeling I seem to have most of is agitation. I know that coming off the Percocet could be causing this. However, I seem to feel this after taking the kava. I may have felt something positive from the kava last night, but not sure. I tried using more kava, thinking that it was RT. I've been taking a half bottle of kava kalm in the morning, whole bottle before lunch. I eat supper early, and have a mixture of one tablespoon with juice at 7:00 p.m. I don't know if I should continue or just stop. I'll be receiving a sample pack of micronized from GHK in a couple of days. I know this is not a medical forum. I'd just like some comments from people who have had experience with kava or may have gone through something similar. I'd appreciate any help one this.

 

[The Kap'n]

Specifically which medications do you take for blood pressure, and cholesterol?

Percocet is generally paired with acetaminophen. We definitely wouldn't suggest taking acetaminophen along with kava as it may compounds liver stress. Percocet (oxycodone) is a demon in it's own right. The quicker you get to the point where you don't need it, the better.

The psychotropic drugs, if they say "do not take with grapefruit juice" you may want to stay away from kava while taking as well.

This question alone makes me think that we need a spreadsheet of what to avoid while drinking kava (or avoid kava while taking the medications)

 

[Steph]

I take metoprolol and Pravastatin. My psychotropic meds do say no grapefruit juice

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

What exactly are you trying to achieve with the opiate ? Are you addicted already? If not then stop them immediately would be my advise IF I were aloud to advice. if you are I addicted and would like to get off them but still in severe pain I WOULD reccomend K@. But ultimately as captain said aspirin aND all that jazz doesn't mix with kava.... but I would also like to add that opiates and kava mixed together can definitley cause agitation... even during wds from opiates kava seems to help but that agitation is allways there. This happened to me coming off of K@ ... kava made me edgy for some reason but now that only happens if I drink way to much of a heady kind

 

[The Kap'n]

Prevastatin, here's what drugs.com says about it concerning the liver.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects of pravastatin have included elevated in liver function tests (1.3%). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have reported hepatic side effects of hepatitis, including chronic active hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, fatty change in the liver, cirrhosis, and fulminant hepatic necrosis.[Ref]

Persistent elevations in liver function tests three times normal values have been reported in up to 1.3% of patients in clinical trials. In one review of 1,142 patients, elevations in serum transaminases led to discontinuation of pravastatin in 1% of patients. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended and pravastatin should be discontinued in patients with persistent, significant elevations (three times normal) in liver function parameters.

As much as I absolutely hate to say it, you may want to think about ceasing your kava usage. Your health safety is far more important than a plant from the south pacific, and safety will always be held in the highest regards here.

 

[Blippy5]

It may be one time to talk with a doctor if you want to try kava, or other options. Some doctors are out right against non prescription options, some are not. Maybe consider medical MJ? If you are in a state which allows, it can be very helpful for pain.

 

[Steph]

Prevastatin, here's what drugs.com says about it concerning the liver.



As much as I absolutely hate to say it, you may want to think about ceasing your kava usage. Your health safety is far more important than a plant from the south pacific, and safety will always be held in the highest regards here.

I hate to say it, too. I think my journey has come to an end. I really enjoyed the forums. Seems a shame to have to throw away my sample pack. Thanks everybody for your help.

 

[The Kap'n]

@Steph thanks to your question we will now have a new section in the "New To Kava" tab at the top. Right now it's just a cited page from rxlist, but we'll make our own in time.

 

[Steph]

It may be one time to talk with a doctor if you want to try kava, or other options. Some doctors are out right against non prescription options, some are not. Maybe consider medical MJ? If you are in a state which allows, it can be very helpful for pain.

Funny you should bring that up. This election we are voting on the recreational and medical use here in Ohio.

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

Lol no need to throw it away! I'll gladly pay for the shipping if you wnana send it ol binxys way

 

[August West]

@Steph where do you live? I'm in Cincy. And don't pitch the kava, I've heard it's shelf life is a looong time if certain steps are taken with proper storage And if you by chance live near me, I'll buy it! Lastly consider telling a loved one about the opiates and have them help you maintain proper usage until you hopefully can go without them. They're a lifesaver when actually needed, but they can bite you in the ass if not treated with utmost caution.

 

[Steph]

August, I decided to keep the Kava. I've already opened two of them.

@Steph where do you live? I'm in Cincy. And don't pitch the kava, I've heard it's shelf life is a looong time if certain steps are taken with proper storage And if you by chance live near me, I'll buy it! Lastly consider telling a loved one about the opiates and have them help you maintain proper usage until you hopefully can go without them. They're a lifesaver when actually needed, but they can bite you in the ass if not treated with utmost caution.