Hi members,
Because Kratom is an unregulated substance, I like to post this message occasionally to help you with your research and making an informed decision about its use. Some of you have seen it before, so I post it for newcomers who may not have seen the message.
Kratom is a natural product but it does have significant risks and side effects. Because of these risks the FDA banned import of Kratom in August 2016 and issued a notice of intent to classify 2 chemicals in Kratom as Schedule 1 drugs (the same category as heroin). There are no FDA-approved uses for kratom, and the agency has received concerning reports about the safety of kratom. FDA is actively evaluating all available scientific information on this issue. (2019) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
Kratom can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms including aggression, anxiety and other negative psychiatric effects, muscle aches, spasms, tremors, insomnia, fever and upset stomach. It can also cause dangerous slowed breathing and seizures. It can worsen psychiatric disease and may increase the risk of suicide. Kratom can impair liver function. Kratom interacts with other herbal medications including Jimson Weed. It interacts with sedating medications. It has the potential for many other drug interactions because of the way it is metabolized.
For more information see:
– National Institute of Health: Drug Facts, Kratom https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom
– Center for Disease Control https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20190411/cdc-americans-are-dying-from-kratom-overdoses#1
Here are additional articles from Mayo Clinic on Kratom:
– Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171
– Kratom for opioid withdrawal: Does it work? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom-opioid-withdrawal/art-20402170
Hi Colleen, As I always do, I must write about the wonders of Kratom. Mine is approved by the American Kratom Association, and there are few Kratom companies that win this seal of approval. Studies of my Kratom are rigorous. Deaths from Kratom have been from abuse of it, just as any drug can be abused. I literally read police reports about it, and deaths were always from young adults "partying" with it. I never take Kratom every day, and have never experienced urges to have it or any side effects. I only take a moderate dosage. Just enough to have my pain disappear for about 3 hours. Nothing else helps me with my foot nerve damage. It is a blessing. Lori Renee1