Slightly more energy initially, followed by a need to slow down. Although sometimes temporary weakness or dizziness can be experienced. Some users report feeling sleepier. Whether you feel more alert or sleepy from kava ingestion depends on your individual biochemistry and also on the product you are using. Often there's a feeling of alertness and stimulation followed by being drowsy and sleepy hours later.
Many people have the misconception that kava is a sedative.
This herb actually causes alertness, at least initially. The sedation follows many hours later. The lack of mental slowing allows kava to be used during the day. There are many situations likely to make us stressed out and anxious. The use of kava could potentially reduce the anxiety associated with these stressful events, thus minimizing any worry and unpleasantness.