Kratom is beloved for its botanical power that, when ingested, can influence how we feel. While this is largely a good thing, providing relief and improved temperament to people around the world, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. When you choose to take a substance like Kratom, educate yourself on any adverse effects the substance may cause, and use it wisely to avoid negative outcomes like a Kratom hangover.
This is Kats Botanicals Kratom 101 on adverse effects – everything you need to know about:
- Kratom side effects – What these may be and how to avoid them.
- Kratom hangover – How does this happen, how long does it last, and how can you feel better quicker?
- Kratom withdrawal – Difference between Kratom hangover and Kratom withdrawal and when to seek help.
Use of Kratom in the West
Kratom products come from the dried and crushed leaves of Mitragyna speciosa trees, native to Southeast Asia, where the trees flourish in tropical climes. Kratom use began there and has spread to the West in recent decades.
Traditionally, one might pluck a Kratom leaf, chew it to release the active plant alkaloids into the mouth, then spit out the leaf matter. Or, one might gather a few leaves, crinkle them in hand, then steep them in water to make an earthy tea. Both methods produced a sense of calmness and, for some, a well-being boost, making hard work more pleasant and doable.
Today’s Kratom may be used for a number of reasons in the West. Three interesting differences between traditional Kratom use and how we use it in the West may contribute to this conversation, and we offer them here as food for thought as you read through this article:
- Traditional Kratom use seldom involved eating the leaf plant matter. Therefore, digestion of that plant material wasn’t an issue. In the West, we consume the leaf matter via Kratom powders, capsules, and edibles.
- Evolutionarily speaking, Westerners don’t have thousands of years of biological familiarity with Kratom’s use to help our bodies acclimate. Nor do we have the familial and cultural wisdom passed from generation to generation on what to do and not do with Kratom.
- The creation of highly potent Kratom extracts and products made with them, and in some cases synthetic advanced Kratom alkaloids, means products available on the market could be significantly more potent than what’s naturally found in Kratom leaf.
Some might also argue that we Westerners are more “indulgent” as well, but we’ll leave that conclusion to you.
While Kratom is helping many, many people live more active and pleasant lives…ask anyone who has overdone it with Kratom if it was pleasant – and you’ll get quite the story. So, let’s ensure you don’t have a negative experience with a botanical that’s meant to be a wonderful experience.
Cause of Kratom Adverse Effects
Reasonable dosing taken with consistent conditions will produce more predictable results with your Kratom doses. It’s not just the Kratom that causes adverse responses, but also how you use it, how much, and other contributing factors like stress, hydration, or general health. You should take only the amount of Kratom that works for you without going over the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Kratom Side Effects: From taking Kratom.
- Kratom Hangover: From taking too much Kratom.
- Kratom Withdrawal: From taking too much Kratom for too long.
Contributing Factors
- Strain & strength of Kratom
- How much Kratom you take, and how often
- What type of Kratom products you use (powders vs Kratom extracts, etc.)
- Other things (like medications or alcohol) you may have in your system
- Your sensitivity to the alkaloids or digesting plant matter
- If you take Kratom on an empty stomach
- How hydrated you are
- How generally healthy and resilient you are
- Other underlying health conditions
These influencing factors can affect your Kratom experience, and since Kratom’s adverse effects are most often caused by overindulgence, we must use Kratom mindfully, partaking with care and intention. This way, we can use the benefits of Kratom in the way this medicinal herb has been used for centuries without increasing our risk for unpleasant effects or complications.
What’s the right way to take Kratom? Learn about Kratom strains, proper Kratom use, and how to make Kratom tea to uplift your day!
Difference Between Kratom Hangover, Side Effects of Kratom, Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom is a beneficial plant when appropriately used, but it can be a bit temperamental if you overuse or misuse the power of its strong alkaloids. And it’s easy to do so by mistake since Kratom dosing is not necessarily a straightforward thing. There’s some nuance to it, influenced by the condition you are in when you take it and the dosage amount you take. With your Kratom experience, while exhilarating, it pays to pay attention.
When used wisely, the Kratom magic (that everyone loves!) really happens. It’s about finding your sweet spot and avoiding your blind spots. Facetiousness aside, let’s take a look at some Kratom adverse outcomes, what causes them, and how you can avoid them – so you can easily stay on the “sweet spot” side of Kratom.
Kratom Side Effects
Kratom side effects can occur any time you take Kratom and for anyone.
They may appear when you try Kratom for the first time when you switch strains, if you took a stronger dose, or inadvertently added a Kratom potentiator to your regimen. They can also occur if you are sensitive to Kratom or if you purchase a bad batch of Kratom that has unidentified ingredients, harmful molds, mildews, or even heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Side effects of Kratom range from mild to quite uncomfortable and most often occur during the active time frame of the Kratom dose and may diminish significantly as the dose wears off.
Symptoms of Kratom Side Effects
- Nausea or tummy discomfort
- Itchy skin
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Increased urination
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
3-Part Strategy to Curb Kratom Side Effects
- Discontinue use or lower dose.
- Hydrate well with clear, clean water, which will help your kidneys and liver to clear the substance from your body.
- Rest.
Wait until the Kratom dose has worn off completely to take OTC meds or prescription drugs to treat side effects – or do so under your doctor’s care. If side effects are severe, seek medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Hangover
Think of a “Kratom hangover” as just what you might imagine the day after overindulging in alcohol. Overdoing it or using high doses while you’re not adequately hydrated can stress your organs, like the kidneys and liver, which work hard to rid your body of foreign substances. This is especially dangerous if combined with alcohol, prescription medications, or recreational drugs.
Further, when you have too many Kratom alkaloids in your system, you feel the effects far too strongly. Kratom hangover-like symptoms begin during the dose and may worsen into the next day, almost like you’re getting over a night of partying. Your body’s response makes it clear to you – you took too much Kratom with that dose, and now your body is trying to process your indulgence.
Avoid a Kratom hangover, if possible. No one wants to ruin their easy-going Kratom experience by thinking more is better; with Kratom, often the opposite of that is true.
Symptoms of Kratom Hangover
- Headache
- General weakness
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
Symptoms of a hangover are no fun. If you find yourself feeling pretty bad and like maybe you really overdid it, then hydrate, rest, and do not take any more Kratom until your body has had some time to process and replenish.
Read more: How long does Kratom stay in your system? And what about Kratom and drug testing?
3-Part Strategy to Avoid Kratom Hangover
- Stay well-hydrated while using Kratom.
- Never take more Kratom than the product packaging recommends.
- Never make large dosing changes or switch products without thoughtfully considering the dose (based on the product’s potency). Make small, incremental, mindful changes and note how your body responds.
How Long Does a Kratom Hangover Last?
Some rest and fluids should have you back on your feet in a day or so, possibly a few hours. For some people, Kratom can linger in the system for several days, so your bounce back may differ from another’s. While eating, hydrating, and resting can all help, the only real cure of a Kratom hangover is for enough time to pass.
Get Rid of Kratom Hangover Symptoms Fast
- There’s no “hair of the dog” here. Stop taking Kratom until your symptoms have stopped.
- Rest.
- Clear fluids.
- Avoid taking OTC medications as these could interact with the Kratom that’s in your system and worsen how you feel.
- If your symptoms are severe or worsen, visiting your primary doctor isn’t a bad idea.
The Importance of Lab-Tested Kratom
If you find yourself experiencing lots of side effects and hangovers, it’s time to consider the quality of the Kratom you’re using. When you buy high-quality Kratom, you can eliminate a lot of risk from ingesting harmful substances or inconsistent (or questionable) amounts of Kratom alkaloids. Further, synthetic alkaloids or heavy metals could render a batch of Kratom as dangerous.
To be sure you’re getting quality Kratom, refer to our Reputable Kratom Vendor Checklist.
Kratom Withdrawal
When you experience a Kratom hangover or side effects both occur when you take Kratom.
Kratom withdrawal is different. It begins when you don’t have Kratom in your system and worsens over time until your body becomes acclimated to functioning without a dose. If you skip a Kratom dose and feel a swarm of uncomfortable feelings or effects, it could mean you have become dependent on Kratom.
Causes of Kratom Withdrawal
- Dependence on Kratom (can develop quickly for some people, especially if Kratom doses are increased with use)
- Long-term Kratom use
- Repeated, high-dose Kratom use
- High doses of Kratom extracts
Kratom withdrawal symptoms range from moderate to severe and may or may not require medical attention or treatment.
Learn how to quit Kratom and reset your tolerance to Kratom alkaloids.
What Does Kratom Withdrawal Feel Like?
Kratom withdrawal doesn’t happen to everyone. Some people may report a bit of a headache when they stop taking Kratom. Others experience symptoms like these, which could be ongoing or worsen before they get better:
- Headache
- General weakness
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Craving for Kratom
- Irritability, anger, mood swings
- Anxiousness
All Kratom users should pay attention to their body’s response to the Kratom doses they take. Recognize when a dosing schedule feels too high or if you feel dependent on those doses.
It may be easier to quit Kratom by tapering off and simultaneously increasing rest and hydration. Talk with your doctor before using any medications or supplements during this time.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom is a helpful botanical substance, but due to its naturally strong active ingredients, it’s imperative to use Kratom responsibly as it is not intended for long-term use.
- Kratom can have side effects for some people.
- Kratom “hangover” can occur from consuming too much Kratom at once, or the Kratom is intensified by other conditions (like dehydration) or substances in your system.
- Kratom withdrawal can occur from consuming too much Kratom over time. This can be severe for some people and is indicative of Kratom tolerance (or addiction).
- Never exceed Kratom dosing recommendations on the product labeling. If you do not know the recommended dosage (or if it is unclear on the product), do not take it. Instead, purchase Kratom from a reputable, ethical, lab-tested Kratom vendor like Kats Botanicals.
Stay Safe & Informed with Kats Botanicals
We hope this information has helped make clear the difference between Kratom side effects, having a temporary Kratom hangover, and the experience of Kratom withdrawal. Any of these conditions can be mild to severe. Listen to your body and seek medical help when necessary.
Thanks for being a part of the Kats Botanicals family. Stay safe and Kratom on – wisely!
