You've probably heard the name 'Kratom' on the internet or from a friend. Some people say it's a great natural pain reliever. Others say it's good for things like stress and depression. So are these stories true? What exactly is kratom? Is it a good thing to use, or are there risks that we don't know about? Today, we'll talk about it very simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
What exactly is Kratom?
Simply put, kratom is a tree that grows in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Its scientific name is `(Mitragyna speciosa)`. What is surprising is that it is a plant that belongs to the coffee family. The leaves of this tree are dried, powdered, and drunk as a tea, or sold in capsules. Some people even use these leaves like tobacco.
Although it is not very well known in our country, it is sold in some shops and online stores abroad. Traditionally, people in Asian countries have used it as a medicine for fatigue, pain, diarrhea, and muscle cramps.
But the most important thing here is that kratom is not approved by any major health authority in the world (like the FDA) as a treatment for any disease. Therefore, there are big questions about its safety.
Is kratom an opioid?
This is a very important question. Kratom is not exactly an `(opioid)` type of drug. However, it works by affecting the `(opioid)` receptors in our brain. Painkillers like morphine work in the same way.
Therefore, doctors call it an ``opioid-like substance'', meaning something that has properties similar to ``opioids.'' For this reason, just like ``opioids,'' kratom can be addictive .
How does kratom affect the body?
The way kratom affects the body completely depends on the dose you take. This is very important to understand.
Imagine, if you take a very small amount of this, it acts as a stimulant. That is, you feel refreshed and energized, just like when you drink a cup of coffee. Your heart rate may also increase slightly.
However, if you take too much of it, its effects are completely opposite. It acts as a painkiller and a sedative. That means you feel sleepy, calm, and the pain is reduced. Just like when you take an opioid painkiller.
Let's look at this table to understand this clearly.
| Dosage | Effect on the body |
|---|---|
| Low Dose (1-5 grams) | Acts as a stimulant. Increases energy, alertness, and focus. May increase heart rate. |
| High Dose (5-15 grams) | Acts as a sedative and analgesic. Relieves pain, induces calmness and drowsiness. |
Does kratom have as many benefits as they claim?
This is something that many people would like to know. Although some research has found some good things about this, it is still in its early stages . There is not enough large, reputable research done on humans yet.
- Pain relief: Animal studies have shown that the compound ``(7-hydroxymitragynine)`` found in kratom is about 13 times more powerful as an analgesic than morphine. Therefore, it is believed that it can provide some relief for chronic pain. However, this is not something that has been proven or approved by medical science.
- Improving mood: Some people say that kratom makes them feel happy and relaxed. Small studies have also found that it may have an effect on conditions like depression.
- Is it a drug to help you get off drugs? Some people use kratom to reduce withdrawal symptoms when they are addicted to opioids. But this is very dangerous. Because, after getting off one addiction, the chances of getting addicted to kratom are very high.
What are the risks and side effects of this?
As well as the benefits of kratom, there are potentially more serious side effects and risks, and it's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, sweating, itching, dizziness, drowsiness. |
| Serious and dangerous side effects | Liver damage, seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, respiratory depression, and memory loss. |
In addition to this, there are several other major risks:
- Interactions with other medications: If you are taking any other medications (painkillers, sleeping pills, or medications for mental illness), they can interact with kratom and cause very dangerous conditions.
- Lack of product quality: Since these are not approved drugs, it is impossible to say exactly what kratom products are actually made of. Sometimes, they can contain toxins like heavy metals and even dangerous bacteria.
- Overdose: Taking too much kratom, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. Breathing may stop completely.
If you experience difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, or confusion while using kratom, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . Also, if you suspect any poisoning due to this, you can call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Kratom and Addiction
This is the most dangerous aspect of kratom. Yes, kratom can be very addictive.
When you use it for a long time, your body gets used to it. Then, you can't live without it. That's what we call addiction.
If you suddenly stop using kratom, or if you reduce the dose, you may experience very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Intense anger and aggression
- Severe pain in the body and bones
- Tremor of limbs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flatulence
- Insomnia, restlessness
- Severe stress and depression
These symptoms can last for a week or more. So, don't just assume that "it's natural so it won't be addictive" just because someone says it. That's a complete misconception.
Take-Home Message
- Kratom is not a medically approved treatment for any disease, so there are serious questions about its safety and efficacy.
- These affect the body differently depending on the amount taken. Small amounts cause stimulation, while larger amounts cause pain relief and drowsiness.
- Kratom is highly addictive and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it suddenly.
- There is a possibility of serious side effects such as liver damage, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
- Taking kratom with other medications, alcohol, or drugs can have fatal consequences.
- If you have any pain, stress, or other health concerns, don't make decisions based on what you see online or what others say. Always see a qualified doctor and get the right treatment.
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