Kava vs Propranolol for anxiety
Short answer: For anxiety, users rate them about the same: 93% report improvement with Kava (196 reports) and 94% with Propranolol (101 reports).
Kava has 41 meta-analyses and 37 randomized trials on PubMed; Propranolol has 268 and 1,961.
Based on 431 reports about Kava and 166 about Propranolol. Not medical advice.
| Kava Supplement | Propranolol Medication | |
|---|---|---|
| Users say it helped | 63%helped224 reports · high confidence | 79%helped105 reports · high confidence |
| Verdict | Mostly positive | Mostly positive |
| Research | AResearch: Strong | AResearch: Strong |
| Meta-analyses / RCTs | 41 / 37 | 268 / 1,961 |
| Mainly used for | ||
| Anxiety % reporting improvement | 93% (196) | 94% (101) |
| Sleep % reporting improvement | 86% (37) | 40% (5) |
| Mood % reporting improvement | 80% (35) | 20% (5) |
| Pain & inflammation % reporting improvement | 100% (10) | 100% (2) |
| Heart & lipids % reporting improvement | — | 100% (12) |
| Common side effects | drowsiness, liver damage, stomach issues, irritability | insomnia, depression, fatigue, weight gain |
| Typical dose reported | 60 mg kavalactone equivalent / daily | Not listed |
Numerous interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drugs have been documented. While the significance of many interactions is uncertain, several interactions, particularly those with St John's wort, may have serious clinical consequences.
Drugs, 2009 ↗“I felt insanely relaxed, any anxiety was dropped to 0, and I could think more clearly.”
In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 were associated with the greatest efficacy for AIA, with vitamin B6 having the best efficacy and tolerance profile. Trazodone, mianserin, and propranolol appeared as effective alternatives with slightly less favorable efficacy and tolerance profiles. These findings should assist prescribers in selecting an appropriate medication for treating AIA.
JAMA Netw Open, 2024 ↗“I just got a script for propranolol that I can take as needed and it's been a game changer.”
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Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate