Kratom

  • Kratom is an herbal substance derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia (Mitragyna speciosa) and is currently legal in the United States. Kratom can produce opioid-like effects (relaxation, pain relief, and confusion) and stimulant-like effects (increased energy, alertness, and rapid heart rate).
  • Kratom’s effects vary greatly depending on the user, the amount taken, how it’s taken, and the formulation of the product. While the long-term health effects are not well understood, people who have used Kratom have experienced a variety of mild and more serious side effects.
  • Common side effects of kratom may include nausea, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. More serious adverse effects can involve mental and neurological symptoms such as confusion, tremors, and seizures; cardiovascular and respiratory issues, including high blood pressure and slowed breathing; gastrointestinal problems such as severe nausea and vomiting; and potential liver damage.
  • There have also been reports of opioid-like neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants born to women who regularly use kratom during pregnancy. At higher doses, kratom can cause intoxication, impairing a person’s ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or safely perform other tasks that require attention and coordination.
  • There are no uses for kratom approved by the FDA, and Kratom products have been found to contain heavy metals and harmful bacteria.
  • Is Kratom addictive? Yes. Some people who use kratom regularly experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These symptoms may include irritability, restlessness, body aches, sleep problems, and mood disturbances.

NIDA. 2026, March. Kratom. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom