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)
📋Quick facts
Also known asKava kava, Awa, Yaqona
CategorySedatives & Hypnotics
Schedule / classLegal supplement (US); restricted Germany, Switzerland, UK (some forms), Australia
AppearanceBrown powder, capsules, drinks/teas; sold at health stores, kava bars, gas stations
Street price~$15–$40 per powder bag; kava bar drinks $5–$15
Legal statusLegal supplement US; restricted/banned in Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia (varying forms)
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: EMA, FDA
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 |
| Phenibut | Not scheduled US | RAPID TOLERANCE — daily use creates dependence in 2–3 weeks; Withdrawal is BRUTAL and dangerous: severe anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures — worse than benzodiazepine withdrawal for some | ~$20–$50 per 50g powder |
| Tianeptine (Gas Station Heroin) | Not federally scheduled | 'Gas station heroin' — produces opioid dependence WITHDRAWAL as severe as oxycodone/heroin; FDA: linked to coma, respiratory depression, seizures, and DEATH | ~$15–$40 per bottle |
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.