Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Kava
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Kava: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Kava has sedative and anxiolytic effects and may add to the drowsiness caused by cyproheptadine. Kava is also associated with hepatotoxicity, which is a further reason to avoid casual use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Kava can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects, probably through GABAergic modulation by kava.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and counsel patients about sedation and driving. Stop kava if drowsiness is excessive or liver symptoms develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Kava?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Kava can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Kava has sedative and anxiolytic effects and may add to the drowsiness caused by cyproheptadine. Kava is also associated with hepatotoxicity, which is a further reason to avoid casual use.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Kava?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, and counsel patients about sedation and driving. Stop kava if drowsiness is excessive or liver symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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