Kava on 20/20 (and SJW)
Question:
Monday’s broadcast of 20/20 included a segment on what they claimed was a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Kava, some contended, worked better than the Xanax or Ativan they previously used. Anyone actually tried this one? People on the show were reporting near- immediate effects. (But they did mention that it was most effective for anxiety that is "less severe.") And while I’m on the subject, I’d also like to ask about SJW. I’ve seen it discussed in this group before and recently met someone who once used it for depression. My questions: 1) Is it effective for anxiety? 2) How does it compare with meds like Xanax, etc? 3) Can it be taken with other meds? 4) Are there other restrictions (food, alcohol, etc)? Thanks in advance. — R. Alan Squire
Response:
On 23-Jun-98 19:19:38, R. Alan Squire wrote : >And while I’m on the subject, I’d also like to ask about SJW. I’ve >seen it discussed in this group before and recently met someone who >once used it for depression. My questions: >1) Is it effective for anxiety? >2) How does it compare with meds like Xanax, etc? >3) Can it be taken with other meds? >4) Are there other restrictions (food, alcohol, etc)? >Thanks in advance.
As far as I know, SJW is only good for mild depression and *not* anxiety. It *may not* work for everyone. I understand that it should not be taken with prescribed meds. >– >R. Alan Squire
Regards. Sylvain Van der Walde. swa…@swalde.u-net.com (Male resident of London, England, UK).
Response:
1) SJW was tested mainly for depression. It is completely uncertain that it will do much for anxiety. 2) Xanax is useful mainly for Anxiety and PD, associated or unassociated with depression. SJW is not supposed to be a potent antianxiety drugs, which makes this comparison impossible. 3) There is some evidence that SJW has MAOI properties. That is, it might possess some of their interactions potential… 4) SJW is supposed to be a safe herb, with proven effectiveness and relative freedom from side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -R. Alan Squire wrote: > And while I’m on the subject, I’d also like to ask about SJW. I’ve > seen it discussed in this group before and recently met someone who > once used it for depression. My questions: > 1) Is it effective for anxiety? > 2) How does it compare with meds like Xanax, etc? > 3) Can it be taken with other meds? > 4) Are there other restrictions (food, alcohol, etc)? > Thanks in advance. > — > R. Alan Squire
Response:
On Tue, 23 Jun 1998 18:19:38 GMT, "R. Alan Squire" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<squ…@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote: >Monday’s broadcast of 20/20 included a segment on what they claimed >was a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Kava, some contended, >worked better than the Xanax or Ativan they previously used. Anyone >actually tried this one? People on the show were reporting near- >immediate effects. (But they did mention that it was most effective >for anxiety that is "less severe.") >And while I’m on the subject, I’d also like to ask about SJW. I’ve >seen it discussed in this group before and recently met someone who >once used it for depression. My questions: >1) Is it effective for anxiety? >2) How does it compare with meds like Xanax, etc? >3) Can it be taken with other meds? >4) Are there other restrictions (food, alcohol, etc)? >Thanks in advance.
I saw a post in A.S.A.P. recently from someone (don’t recall who) stating that "long term use" of Kava can potentially cause liver damage. I have no idea if there is a shred of truth in this, and I’m not trying to scare anyone. But if you take, or are considering taking, this natural med, it might pay to do some research. Doug Dunbar To reply by e-mail, please remove xx.
