Anxiety Relief with Kratom: Insights and Frequently Asked Questions
Kratom, a substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in some circles for its potential to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, the long-term effects of using kratom are not widely investigated, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve any types of kratom for medical use, advising people not to use it.
For individuals with anxiety, lower to moderate kratom doses may produce relaxation, calmness, and reduced anxiety. The substance behaves somewhat like a sedative at higher doses, and some users report feeling less anxious and more socially engaged. However, the response to kratom varies widely by individual, dose, and kratom product, which is unregulated and inconsistent in strength.
While kratom may provide temporary anxiety relief for some users at certain doses, its use carries significant risks. Regular or prolonged use of kratom can worsen anxiety and depression over time, potentially leading to a cycle of increased use to achieve relief. High or chronic doses are associated with adverse mental health effects such as irritability, mood swings, paranoia, psychosis, and cognitive impairments. These risks are especially higher for those with preexisting mental health disorders.
Health considerations beyond anxiety include dependence and withdrawal, severe mental health issues, physical health risks, unregulated product variability, and interactions with other substances. Kratom can lead to physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms resembling opioid withdrawal. Prolonged use may cause depression, psychosis, paranoia, and mood disturbances. Physical health risks include liver damage, kidney problems, hormone disruptions, heart irregularities, digestive issues, and cognitive impairment, particularly with long-term, high-dose use.
Combining kratom with alcohol, prescription meds, or illicit drugs can be dangerous and lead to serious complications including respiratory depression. Unregulated product variability makes dosing unpredictable and increases risks of overdose or severe adverse effects.
Anxiety disorders fall into several different categories, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias. GAD causes long-term, ongoing anxiety about daily activities and may lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, body pains, or sleep disturbances. Lower doses of kratom can improve sociability, which may be helpful for individuals with social anxiety disorder.
It's important to note that kratom is not a substitute for professional treatment for anxiety. There is no single standard treatment for anxiety, as effective treatment depends on the individual and the type of anxiety. Clinical trials are currently underway to learn more about kratom and its effects.
In summary, while kratom may provide temporary anxiety relief for some users at certain doses, its use carries significant risks including the potential for worsening anxiety, addiction, withdrawal, and severe mental and physical health problems. Medical oversight is advised, especially for long-term users or those with existing mental health conditions.
References:
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom
[2] National Centre for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) self-administration and dependence: a systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6698639/
[3] Food and Drug Administration. (2019). FDA warns against use of kratom. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-against-use-kratom
[4] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/kratom
[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Kratom: What You Need To Know. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/kratom/what-you-need-to-know
- While kratom may temporarily help individuals with social anxiety disorder feel more sociable with lower doses, the predictive science surrounding its long-term effects on mental health, including potential exacerbation of anxiety and depression, remains unclear.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, kratom use, though sometimes promoted for anxiety relief, should be approached with caution due to its association with obesity, potential for addiction, and severe mental and physical health risks, as reported by several scientific resources.
- Mental health considerations beyond anxiety, such as irritability, mood swings, paranoia, and psychosis, can arise from chronic or high doses of kratom, posing additional concerns for individuals with pre-existing mental health disorders.
