Many people claim kratom boosts energy, improves mood, relieves pain, or helps with opioid withdrawal. But despite its growing popularity, kratom comes with significant safety concerns and little evidence that it works.
Kratom is made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It’s sold as powders, capsules, teas, and liquid extracts. At low doses, users report stimulant-like effects—more alertness and energy. At higher doses, they say it acts more like a sedative, easing pain and anxiety.
Some turn to kratom to manage opioid withdrawal because it’s easier to access than prescription medications. But kratom itself can be addictive. And while it’s often marketed as a “natural” and therefore “safe” product, its potency varies widely. Without clear labeling or dosage standards, users have no reliable way to know what they’re taking. Some products even contain added active compounds or contaminants.
Kratom’s effects begin within minutes and last a few hours. Stronger doses produce stronger effects—but also higher risks.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Despite widespread use, kratom has not been proven safe or effective for any medical condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using it, and the Drug Enforcement Administration lists it as a “drug of concern.”
From 2014 to 2019, U.S. poison control centers received more than 3,400 kratom-related reports—including deaths. Reported side effects include:
Physical effects:
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Liver damage
Muscle pain
High blood pressure
Effects on the brain and nervous system:
Dizziness and drowsiness
Hallucinations
Delusions
Depression
Breathing problems
Confusion, tremors, and seizures
Although kratom-related deaths are relatively few, almost all involved other substances as well. Overdose is possible but uncommon, and experts still don’t know what doses may be dangerous.
Ongoing Research
Research is continuing, but current studies highlight many safety issues. Kratom can interact with medications in dangerous ways, leading to liver damage or even death. Long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids. Users may develop cravings and require treatments typically used for opioid addiction, such as buprenorphine or buprenorphine-naloxone.
Kratom use during pregnancy can also cause newborn withdrawal symptoms. And some kratom products have been contaminated with heavy metals or harmful bacteria like salmonella—linked to more than 35 deaths.
Because kratom isn’t regulated in the United States, potency, purity, and safety vary widely. Federal agencies continue to fight false marketing claims, but for now, the safest approach is to talk with a healthcare professional about proven alternatives.