Sedatives & Hypnotics
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Street names: Kava kava, Awa, Yaqona
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Relaxation, mild euphoria, social disinhibition
- Body heaviness, numbness of mouth/tongue
⚠Key risks
- LIVER TOXICITY — rare but severe: hepatitis, liver failure requiring transplant; banned/restricted in multiple countries
- Interactions with alcohol, benzodiazepines, liver-metabolized drugs
- Heavy use: kava dermopathy (scaly skin), weight loss
- Short-term: impaired driving ability
✚Overdose signs
- Jaundice, dark urine (liver)
- Nausea, weakness
- Confusion (with other depressants)
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kava (Piper methysticum) | Legal supplement | LIVER TOXICITY — rare but severe: hepatitis, liver failure requiring transplant; banned/restricted in multiple countries; Interactions with alcohol, benzodiazepines, liver-metabolized drugs | ~$15–$40 per powder bag |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Kava (Piper methysticum) look like?
Brown powder, capsules, drinks/teas; sold at health stores, kava bars, gas stations
What are the signs of a Kava (Piper methysticum) overdose?
Jaundice, dark urine (liver); Nausea, weakness; Confusion (with other depressants) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
LIVER TOXICITY — rare but severe: hepatitis, liver failure requiring transplant; banned/restricted in multiple countries Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.