Description

People living in areas where it grows sometimes use it to treat diarrhea, pain, cough, and fatigue.

People living in the United States have shown increasing interest in using this substance as an alternative to opioid pain relievers. Other people use it to experience the psychotropic effects, or the “high.”

While it is currently legal in the U.S., the Drug Enforcement Agency list it as a “Drug of concern” due to several potential safety issues.

Kratom

OTHER NAME(S): Biak-Biak, Cratom, Gratom, Ithang, Kakuam, Katawn, Kedemba, Ketum, Krathom, Kraton, Kratum, Madat, Maeng Da Leaf, Mambog, Mitragyna speciosa, Mitragynine Extract, Nauclea, Nauclea speciosa, Thang, Thom.

Overview

Kratom is a tree. The leaves are used as a recreational drug and as medicine. Kratom is banned by some states in the U.S. due to safety concerns.

People use kratom for withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, as well as cough, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Using kratom can also be unsafe. Kratom use has been linked to serious side effects including hallucinations, seizures, liver damage, withdrawal, and death. Due to these and other serious safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to warn people to avoid using products containing kratom or its ingredients.

How does it work ?

Kratom contains a chemical called mitragynine. Mitragynine works like opioid drugs such as codeine and morphine to relieve pain.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Acute pain.
• Anxiety.
• Athletic performance.
• Chronic pain.
• Cough.
• Depression.
• Diabetes.
• Diarrhea.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• High blood pressure.
• Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity.
• Withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs.
• Other conditions.
• More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of kratom for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Kratom is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people. Kratom can cause many side effects, including tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, need to urinate, constipation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, and thyroid problems. Kratom in large doses may cause trouble breathing, brain swelling, seizure, liver damage, and death.

Kratom can cause dependence when taken regularly. People who use kratom regularly and then stop taking it may experience decreased appetite, diarrhea, muscle pain and spasms, twitches, watery eyes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, anger, hot flashes, and fever.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Kratom is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Babies born to women who have used kratom during pregnancy have experienced withdrawal symptoms. These babies required special treatment for addiction.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if kratom is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Alcoholism: People with alcohol dependence who use it appear to have an increased risk of suicide compared to those who use it but are not dependent on alcohol.

Heart conditions: In theory, it might worsen existing heart conditions. It might increase the risk of a very fast heartbeat.

Mental disorders: In theory, it might worsen existing mental disorders. Also, people with mental disorders who use it appear to have an increased risk of suicide compared to those who use it but do not have a mental disorder.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of it depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for it. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Kratom: Is It Safe?

What is kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. It’s native to Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other South Asian countries.

The leaves, or extracts from the leaves, have been used as a stimulant and a sedative. It’s also been reported for treating chronic pain, digestive ailments, and as an aid for withdrawal from opium dependence.

However, there haven’t been enough clinical trials to help understand the health effects of kratom. It also hasn’t been approved for medical use.

Why and how do people use it?

At low doses, it has been reported to work like a stimulant. People who have used low doses generally report having more energy, being more alert, and feeling more sociable. At higher doses, it has been reported as being sedative, producing euphoric effects, and dulling emotions and sensations.

The main active ingredients of it’s are the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. There is evidence that these alkaloids can have analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant effects. For this reason, it is often used to ease symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The plant’s dark green leaves are usually dried and either crushed or powdered. You can find fortified it powders, usually green or light brown in color. These powders also contain extracts from other plants.

It is also available in paste, capsule, and tablet form. In the United States, kratom is mostly brewed as a tea for the self-management of pain and opioid withdrawal.

Stimulant effects

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), a small dose that produces stimulant effects is just a few grams. The effects usually happen within 10 minutes after ingesting it and can last up to 1 1/2 hours. These effects can include:

• alertness
• sociability
• giddiness
• reduced motor coordination

Sedative effects

A larger dose of between 10 and 25 grams of dried leaves can have a sedative effect, with feelings of calmness and euphoria. This could last for up to six hours.

Why is it controversial?

Kratom hasn’t been studied in-depth, so it hasn’t officially been recommended for medical use.

Clinical studies are very important for the development of new drugs. Studies help to identify consistently harmful effects and harmful interactions with other drugs. These studies also help to identify dosages that are effective yet not dangerous.

Kratom has the potential to have a strong effect on the body. Kratom contains almost as many alkaloids as opium and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Alkaloids have a strong physical effect on humans. While some of these effects can be positive, others can be causes for concern. This is all the more reason why more studies of this drug are needed. There are significant dangers of adverse effects, and safety hasn’t been established.

 suggest that mitragynine, the major psychoactive alkaloid of kratom, may have addictive properties. Dependence can often cause side effects like nausea, sweating, tremors, the inability to sleep, and hallucinations.

Also, the production of kratom hasn’t been regulated. The FDA doesn’t monitor the safety or purity of herbs. There are no established standards for safely producing this drug.

Reported side effects

Reported side effects of long-term use of kratom include:

• constipation
• lack or loss of appetite
• severe weight loss
• insomnia
• discoloration of the cheeks

There are numerous calls into the CDC poison centers for kratom overdose every year.

The takeaway

There are reports of beneficial effects from using kratom. In the future, with the proper supporting research, kratom may have proven potential. However, there is no clinical evidence yet to support reported benefits.

Without this research, there are a lot of things about this drug that remain unknown, such as effective and safe dosage, possible interactions, and possible harmful effects including death. These are all things that you should weigh before taking any drug.

The basics

• It is used as a stimulant at low doses and as a sedative at high doses.
• It’s also used for pain management.
• None of these uses are clinically proven.

Potential side effects

• Regular use may cause addiction, lack of appetite, and insomnia.
• Even low doses can cause severe side effects like hallucinations and lack of appetite
• Kratom can cause potentially deadly interactions with other drugs, or even medicines.

Can You Use Kratom for Depression and Anxiety?

Things to consider

Kratom is a tropical tree native to South Asia. Kratom leaves or extract from its leaves have been used in alternative medicine for chronic pain and other conditions.

Many people also use kratom to self-treat symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Although some evidence suggests that certain strains of kratom can help alleviate these symptoms, more research is needed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved kratom for the treatment of depression or anxiety.

Kratom is considered a dietary supplement, so it isn’t regulated by the FDA.

If you’re thinking about using kratom to treat depression or anxiety symptoms, exercise caution.

Read on to find out more about the purported benefits and potential risks.

How does it work for depression and anxiety?

Kratom isn’t technically an opioid, but its effects are similar to those of opioids, such as morphine or codeine.

The active ingredient in kratom is called mitragynine. Mitragynine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, relieving pain.

This action might be behind the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects reported by some kratom users.

There’s currently very little research on kratom’s effects on mood.

One 2017 review confirmed that among some users, kratom enhances mood and relieves anxiety.

The researchers also highlighted that kratom can have sedative effects. Researchers have yet to examine whether side effects such as sedation can interfere with its purported benefits.

Other purported benefits

In addition to depression and anxiety, kratom is said to treat the following conditions:

• pain
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• high blood pressure
• opioid addiction and withdrawal
• diarrhea
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

other studies report that kratom also has anti-inflammatory, immunity-enhancing, and appetite-suppressing effects.

More research is needed to confirm these benefits.

What is kratom exactly?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia.

Kratom’s active ingredient, mitragynine, is found in its leaves.

At lower doses, mitragynine has energizing effects. At higher doses, it has sedative effects.

In parts of Southeast Asia, people have been using kratom for centuries. Other names for kratom include:

• biak
• kakum/kakuam
• ketum
• thang
• thom

It is illegal in many countries around the world, including Australia, Thailand, and Denmark.

Although it’s legal in the United States, there have been efforts to restrict access to and regulate the substance.

How is it used, and is it safe to ingest?

It can be ingested in a variety of forms, including:

• capsules
• tablets
• gum
• tinctures
• extracts

In some cases, it’s leaves are eaten fresh or dried, or boiled and consumed as a tea.

Dried leaves can also be ground up into a powder and ingested.

It can be smoked or vaporized, though this is less common.

The method of ingestion may influence kratom’s effects. However, there’s currently no research identifying which method is preferable in treating depression and anxiety.

Are there different types or strains?

Different types of kratom are called strains. Most kratom strains take their names from their places of origin.

As with marijuana strains, different it strains have slightly different effects.

There’s currently no research into the effects of different strains of kratom. The following descriptions are based only on anecdotal reports.

It’s also worth noting that the effects of a particular strain might vary from one supplier to another.

Maeng da

Maeng da refers to several different types of purportedly strong and long-lasting kratom.

Maeng da originated in Thailand, but Indonesian and Malaysian maeng da strains are also available. Maeng da can be green, red, or white in color.

It’s said to act as a stimulant, increasing energy while also inducing feelings of well-being and reducing pain. Some people report feeling talkative after taking maeng da.

Indo

Indo kratom comes from Indonesia. It can be green, red, or white in color.

Indo kratom is considered to be less stimulating than other strains, though some types may have mild energizing effects.

In general, Indo strains are known for increasing relaxation, relieving pain, and promoting feelings of well-being. They are thought to help with anxiety.

Bali/red vein

Bali kratom originates in Indonesia. It’s reddish in color and believed to provide effective pain relief.

Users say it’s the most “opioid-like” of all the it’s strains. It may help relieve pain-related conditions, such as depression or chronic pain.

Green Malay

Green Malay kratom comes from Malaysia. It’s dark green in color.

At low doses, it’s said to provide energy and focus along with pain relief. At high doses, it may have more of a sedative effect.

It’s said to help with anxiety.

Thai

Thai kratom comes from Thailand. Red, green, and white vein Thai kratom is available, and the effects may vary according to color.

Green and white vein strains are said to provide stimulation and create a euphoric “high.”

Red vein Thai kratom is said to provide pain relief.

Borneo

Borneo kratom comes from Borneo. It comes in red, green, and white vein varieties.

Compared to other strains, Borneo kratom is considered to have a more sedating effect. It may be used to treat anxiety and stress.

Malaysian

Malaysian strains, including green, red, and white vein kratom varieties, are said to provide a balance between stimulating and sedative effects.

Users report mood lifts, pain relief, and increased energy and focus.

Are dosage guidelines available?

Little is known about it’s dosage guidelines for depression and anxiety.

Generally speaking, the recommended dose depends on your age, sex, and health status. Other factors, such as the method of ingestion and the strain, can also influence kratom’s effects.

For example, kratom extract is considered to be significantly more potent than kratom powder.

In a 2018 study based on a survey of 8,049 people who use kratom, most people reported that a dose of up to 5 grams of powder taken up to 3 times per day was adequate to experience effects.

It’s recommended that you start with a low dose, gradually increasing the amount until you achieve the desired effect.

The following general guidelines indicate low to high doses for kratom powder, as well as kratom’s effects according to dose:

What might you experience upon ingestion?

It can have a variety of effects, depending on the individual, dosage, and other factors. Research into kratom’s effects is ongoing.

The following lists are based on the research that’s currently available, but may not be exhaustive due to their limited nature.

Effects on brain and behavior

It may have the following mental, emotional, and behavioral effects:

• increased focus
• reduced anxiety
• enhanced mood
• euphoria
• increased talkativeness

Effects on body

It may have the following effects on your body:

• increased energy
• decreased pain
• muscle relaxation

How long do these effects last?

Kratom usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to take effect.

At low to moderate doses, kratom’s effects last around two hours. At higher doses, effects can last up to five hours.

Are there any negative side effects or risks?

Although IT is well-tolerated by many people, side effects are possible.

Mild side effects may include:

• dry mouth
• itching
• frequent urination
• headache
• constipation
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• mood changes

Severe side effects may include:

• heart palpitations
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• loss of libido
• memory problems
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• psychosis

 indicating that out of 660 calls to poison control centers about kratom exposure, most reported side effects were minor or moderate.

IT may interact with other substances, including alcohol, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.

In rare cases, kratom overdose can lead to coma and death.

Stopping kratom use after a period of time is associated with withdrawal symptoms. This includes insomnia, mood swings, and nausea.

Withdrawal may exacerbate anxiety and depression.

The bottom line

If you’re thinking about taking kratom for depression or anxiety, take some time to learn about the risks.

Kratom may help relieve certain symptoms, but it may also have negative side effects. For some people, the benefits may not outweigh the risks.

If you decide to take kratom, proceed with caution. Start with a small dose so you can monitor its effects. Consider telling a trusted friend or loved one to check on you.

Remember that kratom can interact with other substances, including medication and alcohol. You shouldn’t drive or operate machinery after taking kratom.

If you experience severe side effects, discontinue use and seek medical attention.