Depression and anxiety can be debilitating, and those affected often lose their ability to participate in once-loved activities. Unfortunately, pharmaceuticals aren’t always effective, and in many cases, the side effects make them impractical for long-term use. 

Some practitioners of alternative therapy recommend Kratom as an option, however this recommendation is not without controversy. While proponents cite the benefits of Kratom for relieving depression and anxiety, opponents are concerned about the serious risks and side effects that come with misuse, overuse, and long-term use. 

These are the details you need to make a decision about whether Kratom is right for you. 

What is Kratom? An Overview

The Kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa) grows in the tropical climates of Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain chemicals that have prompted Kratom use in alternative medicine applications – particularly for alleviating chronic pain and treating anxiety and depression. 

The specific chemical that prompts relief of symptoms is mitragynine, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist. In some cases, those recovering from opioid addiction use Kratom in lieu of typical pharmaceutical treatments like naloxone (Narcan) and buprenorphine (Buprenex).

Though Kratom is a popular remedy from the perspective of alternative wellness practitioners, it is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of any medical condition. Instead, it is classified as a supplement, and it is not regulated for quality and purity in the same way prescription drugs are managed. 

Peer-reviewed scientific research on Kratom is limited, and most evidence of effectiveness is anecdotal. Some users swear by this supplement, despite warnings from the medical community of serious risks.

In short, more research is needed to determine whether and how Kratom should be used, as well as what dose (if any) offers therapeutic effects without the risk of alarming side effects. 

How is Kratom Used? 

Kratom is sold in some health food and nutritional supplement shops, and it is readily available through online sources. This makes purchasing quality products tricky, as there is no foolproof method of validating claims made on e-commerce sites.

Before buying Kratom, look for independent reviews (not the ones on the site) that offer feedback on both the seller and the product quality. 

The most common method of ingesting Kratom is through pill or capsule form, though some people prefer to chew the leaves or use them in tea.

It is also sold as gum, tinctures, and extracts, so you have a variety of options for getting the dose you want. 

What is the Effect of Kratom on the Brain and What are the Benefits of Kratom for Depression and Anxiety? 

Kratom doesn’t exactly qualify as an opioid, but the effects users experience are similar to those of codeine and morphine.

The mitragynine in Kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors, resulting in pain reduction for some patients.

This same action has given some users relief from anxiety and depression, in part because mitragynine acts as an energizer in low doses. When users consume high doses, Kratom has a sedative effect. 

The biggest difference between opioids like heroin and Kratom is that Kratom doesn’t appear to depress breathing in users the way heroin does. This is a critical point, as the majority of deaths from opioid use are related to slowed breathing, also known as respiratory depression. 

What Dosage of Kratom is Recommended and How Long Do the Effects of Kratom Last?

One of the issues Kratom users face is the fact that chemical levels may vary from batch to batch. There is no standard method of processing Kratom, leading to variability between brands, products, and in some cases, different capsules from the same bottle. 

The effects also vary, as with any substance that interacts with the brain. Your experience may be different than a friend’s based on age, weight, and a variety of health factors. Quality vendors work to limit variability, so that you can regulate the amount you consume. 

Keep in mind that research on Kratom is limited. In particular, there is no clear guidance on dosing.

The general recommendation from experienced Kratom users is to start with a small amount – perhaps two grams – then wait at least 40 minutes to see how you feel.

If the effects aren’t quite what you want, try a little bit more. Note that Kratom should be taken on an empty stomach, so most people have it before their breakfast. 

Keep in mind that the form you purchase can affect potency. For example, extracts are typically more highly concentrated than capsules. The packaging will offer guidance for the specific product you have purchased, so you can choose an appropriate dosage. 

Small doses of Kratom typically affect the body for approximately two hours, while larger doses can last up to eight hours. Again, start with a small amount, then gradually increase your dose to ensure you get the desired benefits without unwanted side effects. 

Risks and Side Effects of Kratom

There are a variety of side effects that may come along with Kratom. Examples  include nausea and vomiting, constipation, hallucinations, and delusions. More serious issues have also been reported, including psychosis and addiction.

Users who take too much may risk breathing issues, brain swelling, seizures, liver damage, and in some cases, death. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that of the cases brought to its attention from 2010 – 2015, 42 percent of patients had non-life-threatening symptoms that required minor intervention. Approximately 7 percent of cases involved serious, life-threatening side effects, and in 15 cases between 2014 and 2016, the patient did not survive. 

It’s important to note that some individuals who used Kratom for six months or more developed an addiction to the substance. When attempting to discontinue use, they reported the same sorts of withdrawal symptoms as those recovering from opioid addiction. 

One of the biggest issues with Kratom is that it may be mixed with other substances. You aren’t always getting pure Kratom leaf in your products, despite what the label says. Purchasing from reputable sellers is key to avoiding this risk.  

Is Kratom Legal?

Though there was a push to list Kratom as a Schedule I drug, alongside heavy-hitters like heroin and LSD, to date there is no federal regulation prohibiting Kratom at this time.

WIth that said, it is on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) list of chemicals and drugs of concern, and the FDA is taking a hard-line approach to enforcing regulations that restrict sellers from making medical claims. 

Some cities and states have passed laws to make the purchase, sale, and use of Kratom illegal. These include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Kratom is banned in Jerseyville, Illinois, but it is otherwise legal for those 18 and older across the state. New Hampshire has a similar age restriction. 

California permits Kratom, except in the city of San Diego, and it is legal in Florida outside of Sarasota County. Kratom is allowed in Mississippi outside of Union County. In Colorado, it is legal everywhere except Denver, where sale for human consumption is banned. It can be purchased for other purposes like incense. 

Tennessee has very specific parameters around what type of Kratom is legal for purchase and use. You must be 21 or older to purchase the supplement, and synthetic versions cannot be sold anywhere in the state. Kratom in its natural botanical form is legal, as long as it is properly labeled. In Washington, DC, Krakom is prohibited. 

Aside from these cities and states, Kratom is legal to buy, sell, and use everywhere else in the country.

However, that is not so on a global scale. Kratom is illegal in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Japan, Lavia, Lithuania, Myanmar, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and Vietnam, and it is subject to various restrictions in a number of other nations.

Can You Use Kratom for Depression and Anxiety?

The short answer is yes. Many people have reported relief from depression and anxiety through Kratom-based therapy. However, the bottom line is that Kratom should be used with extreme caution.

Some patients experience extraordinary benefits in the treatment of depression and anxiety, but others have fallen victim to dangerous side effects. If you choose to try Kratom, purchase from a reputable vendor and start with a small amount to evaluate your reaction.