MAJOR — Use With Caution
🔴 CAUTION — Major interaction between Kava and Lorazepam. Avoid unless under direct medical supervision.
Evidence level: STRONG
Kava and Ativan both strongly activate GABA receptors. The combination can be dangerously sedating.
Additive GABA-A agonism → excessive sedation, CNS/respiratory depression.
Combining Kava and Lorazepam can increase sedation. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until you know how this affects you. Start with the lowest possible dose of each. Have someone check on you. Never add alcohol to this combination.
Take Lorazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Kava at a separate time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) enhance GABA activity and can amplify sedation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Higher risk with: older age, obesity (affects drug distribution), sleep apnea, concurrent alcohol use, respiratory conditions like COPD, opioid use.
Excessive drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, falls. If breathing becomes slow or labored, call 911.
Ask your doctor: "Is there a safer alternative to Kava that I can take with Lorazepam?" Bring a list of ALL supplements and medications you take.
Combining sedatives increases overdose risk. Discuss with your doctor: magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, or passionflower may provide anxiety relief with fewer interaction risks. Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly — taper under medical supervision.
Kava and Ativan both strongly activate GABA receptors. The combination can be dangerously sedating.
Take Lorazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Kava at a separate time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) enhance GABA activity and can amplify sedation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Excessive drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, falls. If breathing becomes slow or labored, call 911.
Combining sedatives increases overdose risk. Discuss with your doctor: magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, or passionflower may provide anxiety relief with fewer interaction risks. Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly — taper under medical supervision.
Ask your doctor: "Is there a safer alternative to Kava that I can take with Lorazepam?" Bring a list of ALL supplements and medications you take.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).