Kratom: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

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Kratom is an herbal product made from the leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), said to have opioid-like effects.

Kratom is an herbal product made from the leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), said to have opioid-like effects. Kratom's reported benefits include helping people cope with withdrawal symptoms and drug-related cravings, pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges.
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Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and is sold as a tea or in capsules and marketed as a natural stimulant. This herbal product is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Using kratom comes with some risks, too, ranging from nausea and constipation to respiratory depression or slowed breathing.
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In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

 


 

Is Kratom Powder an Opioid?

Kratom powder is not an opioid. Kratom powder is said to have opioid-like effects and psychostimulant effects. Kratom works on or activates opioid receptors in nerve cells. The effects are mild compared to those of opioids or heroin. This means the adverse effects of kratom or kratom side effects are also milder in comparison to those of opioids.
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The naturally occurring chemical compounds in kratom also bind to receptors affecting various aspects of mental health, including serotonin receptors and dopamine receptors. These plant compounds or kratom alkaloids and receptors are linked to kratom's stimulating or arousing effects.

 


 

What Are Kratom's Uses?

Researchers have reported several reasons people give for using kratom today, including:

  • Pain relief and management

  • Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety

  • Coping with the effects of drug withdrawal (especially opioid drug withdrawal)

Researchers say most people who use kratom report using it for more than one reason. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that though people use kratom to help cope with certain conditions including substance use disorders, kratom is not approved for safe use in helping someone cope with substance use disorders and that regulated, safe, and effective medications do exist to help people reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
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Traditional Uses for Kratom

Kratom has traditionally served as a method of increasing energy and improving work productivity as well as fighting fatigue among farming populations in Southeast Asia.

 


 

Kratom Side Effects

The FDA has issued a general warning against using kratom due to the potential for adverse effects including drug abuse and addiction. Some of this concern stems from the fact that kratom is an unregulated herbal remedy.
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Kratom Contamination

Contamination in herbal supplements like kratom includes excess traces of heavy metals and bacteria. The FDA has issued numerous warnings about kratom contamination, including on the risk of developing heavy metal toxicity and exposure to contamination from salmonella.

 


 

General Side Effects of Kratom Include:

  • Nausea

  • Constipation

  • Dizziness

  • Discoloration of the cheeks

  • Drowsiness

  • Dry mouth

  • Euphoria

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Increased sociability

  • Nervousness or restlessness

  • Respiratory depression or slowed breathing

  • Sweating

  • Vomiting

  • Weight loss over time with repeat or regular use

The U.S. Department of Justice and the DEA say low doses of kratom have stimulating effects and higher doses have more sedating effects.

 


 

More Serious Side Effects of Kratom Include:

  • Hallucinations

  • Delusions

  • Tremors

  • Loss of libido

The DEA notes several cases of psychosis or hallucinations have been reported after kratom consumption. Though possible, a research review suggests serious adverse effects from kratom are very rare. The FDA has reported few cases of kratom-related deaths.
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Kratom Dependence and Withdrawal

Kratom dependence can cause someone to experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Hostility or aggression

  • Aching of muscles and bones

  • Jerky limb movements that can look similar to seizures but are not seizures

 


 

Warning

The long-term health effects of kratom use, kratom use during pregnancy, and the safety profile of kratom use while operating machinery or while consuming other substances are not well understood. There is some evidence to suggest kratom use during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
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Forms of Kratom

In Southeast Asia:

  • Kratom tea

  • Chewing kratom leaves

In the U.S.:

  • Powder form

  • Capsules

  • Extracts (tincture or resin)

Common self-reported methods of use:

  • Toss and wash

  • Mixed with drinks

  • Encapsulated powder

 


 

Kratom Dosing

Dosing for kratom can be hard to determine due to lack of standardized data. Research suggests U.S. users report doses from under 1 gram to 7 grams, with most averaging 1–3 grams per use.
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Legal Status of Kratom in the U.S.

Kratom is legal in the United States but may be restricted or banned in some states and counties. It is not a scheduled substance federally, but it is a drug of concern. Laws vary widely and may change.

As of 2023, kratom is banned or regulated in 22 U.S. states, and legislation is ongoing in others. Check your local laws for updates.
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Countries Where Kratom Is Banned

  • Argentina

  • Australia

  • Belarus

  • Bulgaria

  • Croatia

  • Denmark

  • France

  • Germany

  • Ireland

  • Israel

  • Japan

  • Latvia

  • Lithuania

  • Malaysia

  • New Zealand (unless prescribed)

  • Poland

  • Romania

  • Russia

  • Singapore

  • South Korea

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • Thailand

  • Vietnam

 


 

Alternatives to Kratom

Sakae Naa is one alternative, though also under FDA scrutiny. It may pose risks similar to kratom and lacks full safety data.

 


 

Summary

Kratom is a natural herb with a complex profile. It is not an opioid, but it can bind to opioid receptors. Effects range from stimulating to sedating depending on the dose. While many people find relief from pain, anxiety, or withdrawal symptoms, kratom use carries some risks.

It is essential to source kratom from reputable suppliers with transparency and testing.
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