Is it possible to overdose on Kratom?
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity as a natural supplement for pain relief and mood enhancement. However, it's essential to understand the potential health risks associated with its use.
Kratom goes by various names, including biak, ketum, kakuam, ithang, and thom. The drug interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and can cause sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain at higher doses. At lower doses, it may provide feelings of energization, sociability, and alertness.
Despite these claimed benefits, companies may illegally market kratom as a nutritional supplement, and the beneficial effects they claim may be unfounded. The potential health risks and side effects of using kratom include a wide range of physical and mental effects, some of which can be severe, especially with long-term use.
Common short-term side effects include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite and weight loss, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), itching and sweating, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, increased anxiety and irritability.
Serious risks and long-term effects of kratom use include addiction and dependence, liver damage, mental health problems, severe constipation and digestive issues, hair loss, tremors, seizures, and overdose risk. Regular or high-dose use increases these risks.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur upon cessation, and prolonged use is associated with anxiety, depression, mood swings, hallucinations, and even delusions. Chronic use may cause constipation severe enough to cause hemorrhoids or intestinal blockages. Evidence suggests kratom may cause liver injury, including jaundice, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
High doses of kratom, especially combined with substances like alcohol or opioids, increase the risk of overdose. This can cause respiratory depression potentially fatal in some cases.
Because kratom products are often unregulated, toxicity risks may be compounded by contaminants or variability in potency. In 2014, the FDA banned people from importing kratom due to toxicity reports.
It's crucial to note that kratom is not currently illegal, but the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists it as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern." The DEA lists hallucinations, delusion, confusion, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite, anorexia, and insomnia as side effects of kratom.
Given these risks, it's essential for individuals to exercise caution when considering kratom as a treatment option. People who experience pain, depression, or other symptoms should speak with their doctor. A healthcare professional can prescribe medication or suggest safer alternatives.
If someone experiences any concerning effects after taking kratom, they should immediately see a doctor or attend the emergency room. In 2016-2017, there were 91 fatalities resulting from kratom overdose throughout 27 states in the United States, with 84 of these cases involving other substances.
In summary, kratom carries significant risks of addiction, physical and mental health side effects, and potentially serious medical complications such as liver damage and overdose. These risks increase with chronic or high-dose use and when combined with other substances.
While natural herbal remedies like Boswellia serrata and cannabidiol (CBD) oil may offer alternatives for pain relief, it's crucial to approach these options with caution as well. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or remedy, especially if you have health conditions or are taking prescribed medication.
References: 1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom 2. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FDA issues warning letters to companies illegally selling kratom. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-warning-letters-companies-illegally-selling-kratom 3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/kratom 4. American Association of Poison Control Centers. (2021). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.aapcc.org/media/toxnet/needs-answered/kratom 5. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling/kratom
- Despite claims of pain relief and mood enhancement, kratom, known as biak, ketum, and other names, may pose health risks, including addiction, dependence, liver damage, mental health problems, and overdose.
- Companies may market kratom as a nutritional supplement, but its beneficial effects are unproven, and its potential health risks are significant.
- Common short-term side effects of kratom include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, itching, sweating, difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, and irritability.
- Serious risks and long-term effects of kratom use include severe constipation, digestive issues, hair loss, tremors, seizures, and life-threatening liver injury.
- Withdrawal symptoms can occur upon cessation, and chronic use is associated with anxiety, depression, mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions.
- High doses of kratom, especially when combined with substances like alcohol or opioids, can cause respiratory depression, potentially leading to fatal overdose.
- Because kratom products are often unregulated, they may contain contaminants or vary in potency, increasing toxicity risks.
- In 2014, the FDA banned the import of kratom due to toxicity reports, and the Drug Enforcement Administration has listed it as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern."
- When considering kratom as a treatment option, individuals should exercise caution and consult their doctor, who can prescribe medication or suggest safer alternatives for pain relief, depression, or other symptoms.
- If someone experiences any concerning effects after taking kratom, they should immediately see a doctor or attend the emergency room.
- In 2016-2017, there were 91 fatalities resulting from kratom overdose throughout 27 states in the United States, with 84 of these cases involving other substances.
- Natural herbal remedies like Boswellia serrata and cannabidiol (CBD) oil may offer alternatives for pain relief, but they should be approached with caution as well, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or remedy.
- Sources for further information on kratom include the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Food and Drug Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the American Association of Poison Control Centers, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
