Additionally, creatine kinase, magnesium, acetaminophen level, salicylate level, ethanol level, and urine toxicology were negative or normal. Some people use kratom socially or for pleasure, while others may use it to self-treat certain health conditions. Some strains are considered much better for beginners, while others are recommended for more experienced users due to their high potency and strength. It’s always a good idea to have someone around who is in a sober state of mind when using kratom — especially in higher doses. So it is clear that kratom could be a contributing factor in cases where an individual has overdosed, as many other things could have been contributing factors as well.

What are Study Drugs? Dangers of “Study Drugs” on College Campuses

• If someone experiences any of the symptoms listed above, or any other concerning effects after taking kratom in any form, they should immediately see a doctor or attend the emergency room.
• Kratom is made from a Southeast Asian plant and can act as a stimulant when taken in lower doses and a sedative when taken at higher doses.
• One view is that kratom may bind to the same receptors in the brain as other drugs, such as opioids.
• Finally, we provided insights into the treatment options for kratom overdose and described the typical sensations users experience when taking kratom.

The psychoactive compounds in kratom interact with opioid receptors in the brain. According to NIDA, people taking the drug at higher doses may experience sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain. Physical dependence and respiratory depression are very common side effects of using traditional opiates.

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Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herbal substance that is native to Southeast Asia and has both opioid-like and stimulant properties. It is consumed orally by chewing the leaves, ingesting the powdered leaf in a pill or capsule form, smoking it, or drinking it with the powdered leaf dissolved in a beverage 1. The average amount of the active compound (mitragynine) in one serving of “kratom juice” is 79 milligrams, and the average daily intake recommendation from brands is 276.5 milligrams 2. Recently, it has become popular in the United States and is available over the counter 3. At low doses (1-5 grams), kratom acts like a stimulant with the effects of increased alertness, social behavior, and physical energy.

Similar to kratom, delta-8 is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabinoids, but can be chemically boosted for greater potency. “Companies making such claims that such products are kratom products should not be considered to be making credible or factual claims,” the statement said. Owners Tiffini and Jeremy Steding pose for a portrait inside the 1836 Kratom warehouse and headquarters, a natural kratom producer. The couple cautions against the use of synthetic kratom, often referred to as the pyschoactive compound called 7-OH. Unlike THC poison control data that shows children and teenagers most impacted, kratom data shows 30-to 39-year-olds making up the largest affected group — 185 — followed by 20 to 29-year-olds at 144. The Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust, an organization created in 2023 to advocate regulation of 7-OH, said the synthetic version of kratom is also an invaluable harm reduction tool that thousands of people rely on.

Risks and Dangers of Kratom

If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offering water can help reduce dehydration caused by vomiting. White Maeng Da is known for its powerful stimulating effects and ability to enhance cognitive function. White Borneo provides a clean, sustained energy boost, making it a favorite among those who need to stay active and focused. White Thai offers a balance of energy and euphoria, making it suitable for social situations and creative tasks. “I spent 14 years a heroin addict, and I’ve been 43 years in recovery,” Kennedy said at the news conference. “I’ve had iron willpower for most of my life. … This compulsion was absolutely impervious to my will, and part of the problem was just the availability.”

Types of Kratom Strains

Kratom extracts are concentrated forms of the plant’s active compounds and are available in liquid or powdered form. They are significantly more potent than regular kratom powder, so smaller doses are required to achieve the same effects. Due to their potency, they are more suitable for experienced users and should be used with caution to avoid overdose.

Kratom interacts with several types of medications, including antidepressants, pain relievers, and substances that depress the central nervous system (such as alcohol and benzodiazepines). We will examine the overall safety of kratom, treatment options for overdose, and what users typically feel when taking kratom. Understanding these aspects is essential for making informed decisions about buying kratom online use. If you or someone you know is showing signs can you overdose on kratom of a Kratom overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Health Matters: Kratom, what it is and why it can be risky

Kratom has become more popular recently in the Western world as an alternative to traditional medical treatments. Yes, it is possible to overdose on kratom, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other substances. While kratom does not depress breathing as strongly as opioids, excessive use can still cause dangerous effects.

• Its effects can occur quickly and may last several hours, but there’s no regulation for kratom like there are for pharmaceuticals.
• Owners Tiffini and Jeremy Steding pose for a portrait inside the 1836 Kratom warehouse and headquarters, a natural kratom producer.
• It is advisable to consult multiple sources before making any decisions.
• If there’s any doubt about their condition, it’s vital to seek medical assistance immediately.

Critics argue the FDA overlooks traditional use and responsible consumption by adults. The FDA warns of contamination, addiction, and unregulated products, while advocates argue that kratom offers safer alternatives for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. National poison control centers documented 1,807 calls about kratom exposures between 2011 and 2017, and “it’s only been increasing since then,” Dr. Michael Greco, an emergency medicine physician in Florida, said. Many users report that kratom helps alleviate anxiety, particularly strains known for their calming and relaxing effects, such as red vein kratom.

One of the most significant risk factors for a kratom overdose is when the drug is mixed with alcohol and other substances, and this can increase the risk of side effects and make it more likely to overdose. If you are taking kratom, avoiding alcohol and other drugs is essential. The safest and most effective approach to overcoming kratom addiction is inpatient medically assisted rehabilitation. Overdose cases involving kratom alone or combined with other substances have been increasingly reported in medical literature and poison control center reports 1. Users typically ingest kratom through teas, capsules, or powder form.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions. With no regulations to standardize kratom dosage or potency, it’s difficult to determine a toxic dose. In cases of leaving AMA with full decision-making capacity, the patient and companions should be given naloxone and instructions upon signing out of the department.

As Texas lawmakers debate a ban on the synthetic THC industry, another unregulated, but deadlier synthetic drug known as kratom is lying in wait to take over the ever-growing statewide demand for recreational drugs. If you or someone you know is using kratom, it’s essential to talk to a trusted adult, doctor, or counselor. Help is available, and stopping early can prevent long-term health problems.