Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) tincture is an extraction of kava kava root in alcohol. The active ingredients in the root (known as kavalactones) can cause sedation, euphoria, and mild hallucinations. Some of the chemicals contained in the extract numb the lips, mouth and throat. As kava kava is typically extracted with water to make a beverage, care should be taken extracting the root with alcohol, as control of the amount of kavalactones extracted can vary. One of these is a MAO-B inhibitor, and another is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.
Kava kava also can react with prescription medications, especially antipsychotics, anticonvulsives, anti-anxiety medications, and alcohol.