Diazepam Interactions

Diazepam (Valium) and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants that act on the GABA-A receptor, producing additive and sometimes greater-than-additive sedation with a real risk of dangerously slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and death. Diazepam and its active breakdown products linger in the body for days, so the dangerous window extends well beyond a single dose.

Kava's kavalactones act on the GABA-A receptor, the same system diazepam enhances, so combining them produces additive central nervous system depression and excessive sedation. A published case report describes a man who became semicomatose within days of adding kava to a benzodiazepine. Kava also carries a separate, documented liver-safety signal.