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To all, with respect to the use of Kratom, I'd like to offer this note from a Mayo Clinic pharmacist:
"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
@colleenyoung Thanks for posting this. I do know that all people need to know of the potential for Kratom abuse. Like any other medication, Kratom can be taken improperly by taking way too much, too often, or mixing it with other recreational, harmful drugs. However, if take wisely, it is a substance that has given people their lives back again. It has helped people come off opiods, helps intense chronic pain, helps to relax, and in very small amounts, can create energy. Deaths from Kratom are due to it's abuse. I have studied police reports from Kratom over dose, and it has generally been from the 20-27 year old age people, "partying," with Kratom. I do not know what I would do without this miracle plant. But I treat it wisely, and with the respect it deserves. Lori