Side effects of Kanna

12 April 2009 (More side effects to be added soon)

Side effects range from mild to non-existant.

No serious side effects from the use of Kanna have been reported.

Some mild side effect have been reported. Slight headache and nausea, soft stool. Increase in irritability for a short period after treatment is initiated, insomnia, sedation. Some side effects can be corrected by lowering the dosage. Sedation can be corrected by taking Sceletium as a single dose at night.

Dried unfermented Kanna has a high oxalate content, up to 5.1 % has been recorded. Oxalates are associated with kidney stones, kidney damage, and even kidney failure. One study estimates the normal average daily intake of oxalates per person to be around 150 mg. On a high dose of Kanna of 200 mg twice daily (higher then normal usage), and assuming maximum oxalate content of 5.1% , the amount of daily oxalate intake from Kanna would be 20.4 mg. This in itself is perhaps unlikely to cause harm , but if combined with other high oxalate foods and with an added sensitivity towards oxalates, could perhaps be problematic.Normally though, I would not expect oxalates from dried Sceletium to be nephrotoxic if the user adheres to the recommended dosage. Calcium rich foods diminish the absorpsion of oxylates. Avoid using fresh undried Kanna. Oxalates can cause irritation to the mouth. If this occurs it may be better to take Kanna with meals. Milk or ice cream can be taken to help sooth symptoms of the mouth.

Due to lack of data, the use of Sceletium during pregnancy is not recommended.

Although no drug interactions have been reported, Sceletium should be used with caution when taken with other drugs for anxiety, depression and other mental conditions. It should not be used together with other serotonin reuptake inhibitors e.g. Prozac, or MAO inhibitors.

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