Posted by Tony P on September 13, 2001, at 1:21:14
In reply to Re: Effexor and sleep » mgrueni, posted by Elizabeth on September 12, 2001, at 3:15:03
[snip]
> > And, what do you think about Kava-Kava to help his sleep disorder?
>
> I'm not well-versed about this one, but I believe it enhances GABA-A binding. It can have dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines. The serotonin syndrome is not an issue as far as I'm aware, but the herb may have some noradrenergic activity. I can find no citations in the literature regarding which enzymes are involved in its metabolism.
>
> It's thought to be a reversible MAO-B inhibitor; this should not cause any interactions with serotonergic drugs.
>
> -elizabethI've found Kava to be safe personally with Serzone (not an SSRI but certainly serotonergic). See my post a couple of weeks ago (archived now) re taking the standardized powder with hot choc. mix for best absorption. Watch out for overstimulation taking Kava at bedtime, though - it seems to have an initial stimulant and disinhibiting effect for an hour or two, then the relaxation kicks in.
Oddly, Wellbutrin seems to dull the Kava's stimulant effect on me - it's almost like I'm feeling so good on the WB, why bother trying to feel better??
Tony
poster:Tony P
thread:78136
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010907/msgs/78699.html