Kratom
What is it?
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The leaves contain mitragynine, a chemical that acts on the brain in ways similar to opioids.
Kratom is sold as a powder, capsule, tea, or extract and is used by some people for pain, low energy, or mood changes. There is not enough scientific evidence to support its safety or effectiveness for these uses, and kratom carries risks similar to opioids, including dependence and mental health challenges.
If you’re using kratom and thinking about stopping, support is available.
How it works
Kratom affects opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors help control pain, mood, and breathing.
- At lower doses, kratom can feel stimulating. Some people report feeling more alert or energized.
- At higher doses, it can feel more like a sedative, causing calm, pain relief, or sleepiness.
Kratom starts working within minutes, and effects can last a few hours. The strength and effects vary widely because products are not regulated and can differ a lot in potency.
Short-term effects
- Increased energy or alertness
- Calm or relaxed feelings
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Increased risk of overdose, especially when mixed with other substances
Long-term effects
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Seizures
Safety, warnings and interactions
Poison control centers in the U.S. have received thousands of reports related to kratom use, including serious health effects and deaths. Most deaths involved kratom combined with other drugs or alcohol.
Kratom is not regulated in the U.S. Products may contain unsafe levels of active chemicals, heavy metals like lead, or harmful bacteria such as salmonella.
Kratom can carry risks for anyone, but some people may face higher risk, including those who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have epilepsy or seizures
- Have heart conditions
- Have a mental health condition
- Have alcohol use disorder
Kratom can interact with medications, including:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics (like quetiapine)
- Sedatives or sleep medications
- Medications processed by the liver
- Naltrexone (can cause sudden withdrawal)
Mixing Kratom with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of serious harm.
Impacts on mental health
Some people use kratom to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or opioid withdrawal. While it may feel helpful at first, regular use can worsen mental health over time.
Using kratom to numb emotional pain may delay getting support for the root causes of mental health challenges.
If kratom use is affecting your mood, sleep, or coping, talking with a health care provider or counselor can help.
FAQ's
Is Kratom safe because it’s natural?
Is Kratom safe because it’s natural?
Natural does not mean safe. Kratom can cause serious health effects and is not regulated for quality or dose.
Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
Some people use it for withdrawal, but kratom can also cause dependence and withdrawal of its own.
Can you overdose on kratom?
Can you overdose on kratom?
Yes. Overdose is possible, especially at high doses or when combined with other substances.
Naloxone may help in some cases. Kratom acts on some of the same brain receptors as opioids, so naloxone can sometimes improve breathing during a kratom overdose. It is also helpful if opioids were mixed with kratom. Giving naloxone will not harm someone if opioids are not present.
Is there a safe dose?
Is there a safe dose?
There is no known safe or recommended dose. Any use carries risk.