Can You Take Gamma-Butyrolactone and Kava Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

GBL converts to GHB, a potent GABA-B agonist and CNS depressant. Kava is also a GABAergic sedative. Combining two potent GABAergic depressants significantly increases the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining GBL with Kava. Both are potent GABAergic depressants and their combined sedative effects can be unpredictable.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Zvosec DL, et al. Adverse events, including death, associated with the use of 1,4-butanediol. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(2):87-94.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.