Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. It can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants.

Kratom is a controlled substance and has been easy to order on the internet. It is sometimes sold as a green powder in packets labeled “not for human consumption.” It is also sometimes sold as an extract or gum..

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Common Names

  • Biak
  • Ketum
  • Kakuam
  • Ithan
  • Thom

How is it used?

Most people take kratom as a pill, capsule, or extract. Some people chew kratom leaves or brew the dried or powdered leaves as a tea. Sometimes the leaves are smoked or eaten in food.

Kratom Overdose

 

If you take a large amount you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:

  • Nausea
  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
  • Hypertension
  • Agitation or irritability
  • Seizure
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma

Side Effects of
Kratom

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

Mixing Kratom with other drugs can be highly dangerous. The effects of kratom are not fully understood and adding this to a drug with well-known negative side effects could be disastrous.

Kratom affects everyone differently, based on:

  • The amount taken
  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The strength of the drug (which can vary)

Common Effect:

Two compounds in kratom leaves interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when users consume large amounts of the plant.

When kratom is taken in small amounts, users report increased energy, sociability, and alertness instead of sedation.

Long-term effects:

  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation