10 Kratom Effects You Should Know About Before Taking This Herbal Drug

If you’re reading this blog, you might have already heard about the herbal drug Kratom. Kratom is a natural herb that grows in tropical climates and native to South East Asia. The herbal drug is also known by the names Ketum, Kakuam, Biak, Thom, and Ithang. It can come in the form of a liquid extract, green powder, capsule, or tablet. The drug can be taken orally or can be mixed with beverages like tea.

In the United States, kratom has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical use. However, many people are using kratom as a pain reliever and stimulant. Some use it to cope with opioid or heroin withdrawal, while others abuse it as an opioid alternative.  According to research, it works like a natural opioid because it affects the same opioid receptors in the brain the same way when you take opioids.

Because kratom comes from a natural source, many people think that it is a safer alternative to opioids. Some people even think that the substance is harmless and does not have any serious side effects. However, using kratom as a recreational drug can result in health consequences. Here are 10 kratom effects you should know before deciding to take the drug.

1. Increased Alertness and Physical Energy

Kratom is a very interesting substance because depending on how much you take, the effects it could have on you could be different. When taken in small doses, kratom can act like a mild stimulant. This could cause an increase in energy and alertness on the user.

2. Talkativeness

Another side effect that could be brought about by using kratom is talkativeness. This could also happen when kratom is taken in low doses as a stimulant. While this might seem like a harmless side effect, it could affect you if you are at work or in a serious activity.

3. Sedative effects

With other stimulants, the more you take, the more stimulated you feel. But with kratom the effect is opposite. When you take a higher dose of kratom, it will deliver sedative effects like feelings of calming and relaxation. This is also where the pain relieving effects come in.

4. Confusion

While kratom may provide sedative effects, taking too much could lead to psychoactive effects. This means it is already affecting your mental state. Being in a state of confusion is one side effect that could happen due to kratom abuse.

5. Delusion

Being delusional means having an altered belief of reality. When you abuse kratom, having delusions is a mental effect that you could experience. It is then recommended to be cautious before taking the drug.

6. Hallucination

Another psychotic symptom that could result due to kratom use is having hallucinations. This could happen if you try to take so much kratom, thinking that it could heighten your euphoric feeling. As many kratom products in the United States are not regulated by the FDA, it is very difficult to determine if you're already taking more than what your body can handle.

7. Insomnia

Some people use pain reliever or sedative drugs to help them fall asleep. But do you know that abusing these drugs such as kratom can actually disrupt your sleep cycle? This could contribute to insomnia or having difficulties in sleeping well.

8. Loss of Appetite

Abusing kratom could also result in loss of appetite. This is the reason why some kratom users see weight loss and even anorexia as some of the side effects of using the drug. This could deprive you of the nutrients your body needs to function properly.

9. Organ Damage

If you think that kratom abuse is harmless, think again. Long-term abuse of the substance has been found to cause damage to the organs including liver and kidney damage, abnormal brain function, and irregularities in the heart and lungs.

10. Various Physical Side Effects

Aside from the effects listed above, using kratom can also lead to a variety of physical side effects. Some of these side effects include nausea, vomiting, itching, constipation, dry mouth, increased urination, and sweating. Kratom use could also cause seizures.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.