With the rising popularity of kratom, understanding its side effects is crucial. Many users report several common adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation. More serious, though less frequent, side effects including liver damage and changes in cognition have also been documented. It is essential for individuals considering kratom to weigh its potential benefits against these possible health risks.

Key Takeaways

• Kratom is a herbal substance with traditional use in Southeast Asia and variable legal status worldwide.
• Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and cognitive changes, with serious effects like liver damage being less frequent.
• Weighing the benefits against the risks is important for anyone considering use.

Understanding Kratom and Its Popularity

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia with leaves that can have mind-affecting effects. People use it for different reasons, but it’s important to understand where it comes from and how it might work in the brain.

Origins and Legal Status

Kratom is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, it’s used both traditionally and recreationally for its stimulant-like and analgesic effects.

• Legal status (as of last update): While kratom is legal in the United States, its legal status can vary by state and city. It’s also not regulated by the FDA, which means its safety isn’t guaranteed.

How Kratom Works on the Brain

When someone consumes kratom, it acts on opioid receptors in the brain. This is part of the reason some folks might feel more energy or less pain. The main compounds in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, affect the brain’s reward system, releasing chemicals like dopamine.

• Effects on the brain: Think of kratom acting like a key fitting into a lock—those locks are the opioid receptors. When kratom connects with them, it can cause:
  • A feeling of happiness or energy (at low doses)
  • Potential relief from aches and slight pain(at higher doses)

Please Note: While kratom can have these effects, they haven’t gone through the same tests as FDA-approved drugs.

Common Side Effects of Kratom

Kratom, a plant with both stimulant and sedative effects, can have numerous side effects ranging from mild to severe when consumed. Understanding these side effects can help users make informed decisions.

Physical Side Effects

People who use kratom might experience a variety of physical side effects. These include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Many first-time users may feel sick to their stomachs.
• Constipation: Kratom can slow down the digestive system.
• Liver and Kidney Problems: Heavy use has been linked to liver and kidney issues.
• Fatigue and Drowsiness: Kratom can lead to tiredness or excessive sleepiness.
• Dizziness: Some users feel lightheaded after taking kratom.
• Itching: A less common reaction, but notable.
• Loss of Appetite and Diarrhea: These opposite effects can occur depending on the individual.

Mental and Behavioral Side Effects

Kratom also impacts mental and behavioral health with side effects such as:

• Irritability: Short tempers or anger can arise.
• Insomnia: Trouble sleeping is a reported issue.
• Hallucinations and Seizures: In rare instances, severe reactions like hallucinations or seizures have occurred.
• Tremor: Users might notice shaking or trembling.
• Sweating and Dry Mouth: These signs of nervous system activation are not uncommon.

It is important to note that while many experience these side effects, individual reactions to kratom can vary widely. If someone considers using kratom, they should do so with caution and awareness of the potential risks.

Potential Risks and Long-Term Effects

When exploring kratom, it’s crucial to know about the risks that come with its use, especially if it’s taken for a long time. Users may encounter dependency and severe health issues that could impact their daily lives.

Addiction and Withdrawal

Kratom can be habit-forming, leading to both psychological and physical dependence. Persistent use can result in a condition where the body adapts to the presence of the substance, and when it’s no longer taken, withdrawal symptoms occur. Common symptoms experienced during kratom withdrawal may include:

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Emotional changes

Withdrawal can be challenging and is a sign of the addictive potential of kratom.

Severe Health Concerns

Long-term use of kratom can lead to severe health complications. Reports and studies have indicated that heavy and prolonged consumption might result in several concerning health issues, which include but are not limited to:

• Liver damage: Continuous use has been linked to heightened strains on the liver, potentially resulting in liver damage.
• Seizures: There have been occurrences of seizures connected with high doses.
• Psychosis: In rare instances, users have experienced psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and confusion.
• Kidney damage: While less common, there’s a concern for potential kidney damage over the long term.

In extreme cases, high doses and long-term usage have led to instances of overdose and even deaths. Though these circumstances are infrequent, they emphasize the importance of care and moderation in kratom use. Furthermore, understanding the long-term side effects of kratom is essential for anyone considering its use. The decision should be approached with caution and an awareness of the possible risks involved.

Responsible Use and Alternatives

When using kratom, it’s important to know how to do so responsibly to minimize risks, and to be aware alternatives to kratom for pain relief and substance use management.

Safe Usage Guidelines

• Dosage: Start with a low dose of kratom to see how it affects you. Both powder and capsules are common forms, and it’s easier to control dosage with capsules.

• Forms to Take Kratom: People chew kratom leaves, brew them as a tea, or take them in powder or pill form. Ingestion methods can affect the onset and duration of effects.

• Responsibility: Understand that kratom has stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses.

• Awareness: Be aware of potential drug interactions. Kratom may interact with other substances, including benzodiazepines.

• Recognize signs of opioid addiction; if you’re using kratom for opioid use management, track your use carefully.

Seeking Medical Advice

Doctor Consultation: Always talk to a doctor before trying kratom, especially if using it to manage chronic pain or substance use. They can provide tailored advice and monitor for adverse effects.

Alternatives: Discuss alternatives with your doctor. This might include other herbal supplements, non-opioid analgesics, or therapies for managing opioid addiction. They’ll know what’s safe and effective for your situation.

References:

Understanding the Health Effects of Kratom: Insights from a Narrative Review.

A Comprehensive Overview of Kratom: Usage, Risks, and Drug Interactions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of kratom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this article.