When kratom is used in high doses, it produces stimulant effects similar to caffeine and methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin). At lower doses, it can promote mood elevation.
Because kratom is not regulated, it’s hard to know what you’re getting. It may be contaminated or even laced with other drugs or chemicals.
Pain Relief
In its raw form, kratom has stimulant properties, and the plant is often used to treat pain. It contains a compound called mitragynine, which interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to produce analgesic effects. Mitragynine also binds to the dopamine receptor in the reward system, which is why it can help people with depression and anxiety.
Despite this, kratom has not been approved by the FDA for any medical purposes. It can also cause side effects like nausea, jitteriness and increased blood pressure. It is not recommended for people with high risk of seizures, liver or kidney problems or who are taking sedatives.
It has been linked to opioid withdrawal, although this typically only happens in those who take large doses (more than 5 g a day and 21 doses a week). Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, muscle spasm, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, craving and weakness.
According to the CDC, most of the calls to poison centers related to kratom exposure involved cases where the substance was mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Some of the reported overdoses were fatal.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that kratom does not appear to be addictive and can be taken in small amounts for pain relief. However, it is still a good idea to consult with a health care professional before using it for pain relief and to find out the safest dosage for you.
Energy Boost
Taking the right strain and dosage of kratom can give you that boost in energy you need to make it through the day. In low doses, kratom is a stimulant and can increase your alertness, but in higher doses it can have sedative effects. Some kratom strains, such as Green Indo and White Vein, provide both energy and pain relief, while others focus on one or the other.
Mitragynine, an alkaloid in kratom, is thought to interact with the mu-opioid receptors in your brain and increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters associated with mood and energy. It’s also thought to increase levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are also associated with feelings of energy. These effects vary from person to person, and high doses can produce sedation as well.
According to a study published in 2022, the energizing effects of kratom are most often achieved with lower doses of 5 grams or less. It is recommended that beginners start with a one- or two-gram dose to see how they respond.
Although kratom is considered an unregulated substance, reports of its use have linked it to hallucinations, seizures and liver damage. It can also exacerbate the effects of other drugs that slow down your heart rate and breathing, including alcohol.
Relaxation
Depending on the strain, kratom can have stimulant, sedative or hallucinogenic effects. It is also an antidiarrheal, cough suppressant and antidiabetic. It can also help to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. While it has not been approved by the FDA, people report using it to manage pain, anxiety and depression. It can be taken orally in capsule form, as a tea, or smoked as a leaf. It can also be mixed with other substances to enhance the effects or create different psychoactive combinations.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Toxicology found that 91 kratom-related deaths occurred between 2011 and 2016. However, a majority of these cases included other drugs or substance use disorders. The FDA warns that kratom has opioid properties and can be abused like other prescription drugs, with potentially dangerous side effects.
Despite the warnings, some medical professionals have come out in favor of kratom. Michele Scasserra, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, a social worker at Blake Recovery Center, says that including questions about kratom in an assessment helps to normalize the discussion and increase the likelihood of openness from patients. By asking about a person’s desired outcomes and concerns, practitioners can help to educate them about potential risks of kratom use and offer resources for treatment options. They can also encourage patients to seek detox care for any negative withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea.
Detox
In high doses, kratom’s active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) bind to opioid receptors in the brain to produce effects like pain relief and sedation. At lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant and can lead to feelings of energy, socialization and alertness. It can also have effects that are similar to opioids, including addiction, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Unlike most illicit drugs, kratom does not show up on standard drug tests. This is likely one of the reasons it has become increasingly popular with people seeking to break their addictions to other substances, especially opioids.
Some health care professionals are concerned that kratom is being used as an opioid replacement therapy, even though it has not been proven effective and can carry serious health risks. Buprenorphine, the only FDA-approved substitute treatment for opioid use disorder, is much safer and has been shown to be effective.
If you’re considering taking kratom, we recommend that you consult your doctor or an addiction specialist. It’s important to make sure you have a safe and controlled detox process that is properly monitored. Divine Detox is a top-rated detox facility that provides all of the amenities and medical staff needed for a successful and comfortable kratom detox. Call their admissions department to learn more about how they can help you. With a little help, you can be on your way to a happier and healthier life. Kratom capsules