Kratom for Pain Relief: Is It Safe and Effective?

Though Kratom has risen in popularity for treating various ailments, the FDA has raised the question of whether or not it is truly safe and effective. However, because of it being a natural herbal medication, many hold the belief that it is completely safe. These huge differences in opinion can be confusing, but this article is here to get the true answer to whether or not Kratom is safe and effective. 

What is Kratom? 

Kratom is an herbal remedy that comes from the leaves of southeast asian evergreen trees. It is commonly found in tablet and capsule form, but it can also be brewed into teas and even chewed in whole leaf form. The high emitted from Kratom is similar to that of traditional opioids. 

Who is it For? 

Kratom is most commonly used for treating diarrhea, muscle pain, and opioid withdrawals. It can also be used as a mild stimulant. Therefore, it is a common remedy for those going through an opioid drug detox in Austin. It has also been suggested to serve as an anti inflammatory, antihypertensive, and a local anesthetic. 

What are Some Concerns? 

There are several concerns surrounding the use of Kratom. The first is that there is a lack of testing surrounding the effectiveness of Kratom for all of the things that it is claimed to treat. It has also been suggested to be addictive, so you could be putting yourself at risk for addiction, side effects, and more with few of the advertised benefits. 

What are Some Potential Side Effects? 

There are many side effects to Kratom use. Here are some of the common Kratom side effects: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite 
• Sweating 
• Constipation 
• Dry mouth 
• Confusion 
• Dizziness
• Sedation 
• Itchiness
• Increased urination

Although this may seem like a lot of side effects already, there are other side effects as well that could pose a more serious threat. The following are side effects that have been linked to Kratom use, but have not had as much testing as the previous side effects to be considered official. Keep in mind that these are always after frequent and long term use. 

• Liver damage
• Psychosis 
• Anorexia 
• Tremors 
• Tachycardia
• Low blood pressure 
• Seizures

Can You go Through Kratom Withdrawal? 

The short answer to this is yes. Kratom has many withdrawal symptoms similar to traditional opioid withdrawal. Although it often doesn't require full blown drug rehab, it can still be a problematic experience. 

Other Concerns 

Other than the addictive nature and possible serious side effects, there are some other things that have made the safety of Kratom questionable. The DEA have previously considered making the ownership and sale of Kratom illegal. This along with the FDA's concerns for its effectiveness and safety of use are serious red flags. In addition, the purchase of non FDA approved drugs poses a risk of having the Kratom be laced with other, possibly illegal, substances. 

Is it Safe and Effective? 

Therefore, the questionable points stated above suggests that Kratom is not the safest or most effective drug on the market. It is strongly suggested that you speak with a healthcare professional before starting the use of any new drug, and if you do decide to take Kratom then it is encouraged that you proceed with caution. It is commonly suggested that other FDA approved medications are safer and often more effective, however.