Kratom has grown in popularity in recent years due to its positive effects, which provide pain relief, mood enhancement, energy boost, and more. However, as its level of application escalates, there are concerns about its safety, as well as the potential to overdose and the long-term effects.
In this blog, you will find an evidence-based overview of the dangers of kratom and how to tell if it is a dangerous dose, how to cope with a kratom overdose, and so on.
Origins of Kratom
Kratom is a tree of Southeast Asia. Its leaves also hold active compounds, predominantly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which effectively bind with the opioid receptors in the brain.
Kratom may be used as a stimulant or sedative, and it comes in different forms: as a powder, capsules, extract, or tea. The Sales of Kratom The drug is sold at stores, online, and even in specialty stores.
Can Kratom Kill You?
Mortality due to isolation with kratom is not impossible, although it is a rare occurrence. Deaths resulting from kratom are reported with the consumption of other drugs, and only a few have been reported where kratom was the only drug found.
Death risk is even more prominent when combining kratom with other substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
What the Data Shows
- The CDC reported a total of 152 deaths in 2016 and 2017 related to kratom, 87 percent of which were combined or co-administered with other drugs. Very few of them were because of kratom alone.
- In another review, there were 11 deaths linked to kratom within seven years; of these, two were linked to sole kratom.
- In a leading CDC report, less than 1 percent of the total 27,000+ cases of fatal overdoses indicated the presence of Kratom.
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Yes, But It’s Uncommon. You can overdose on kratom in case you use it excessively. The symptoms of overdose may vary from extreme gastrointestinal discomfort to severe neurological and cardiovascular outcomes.
Kratom Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profuse sweating
- Diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Agitation, irritability, or confusion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Hallucinations or psychosis
- Seizures
- Coma
What Happens If You Take Too Much Kratom?
The intake of a large amount of kratom may have an unpredictable reaction on the body. Even in low doses, Kratom is a stimulant that stimulates alertness and energy.
When taken in higher doses, it behaves more like an opioid, which induces sedation and euphoria, yet also leads to an enhanced likelihood that it can produce harmful side effects.
Typical Progression of Overdose
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common first signs.
- Neurological Effects: Drowsiness, confusion, agitation, and, in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with underlying heart conditions.
- Respiratory Depression: At very high doses, breathing may slow dangerously, similar to opioid overdose.
Kratom Poisoning and Toxicity
Kratom is a compound with several alkaloids that may be poisonous in large doses. The most significant compounds that cause an effect as well as risks are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Kratom Poisoning can be oral, by inhaling the plant, or just exposure of the body to the sap of the plant, even through the skin.
Symptoms of Kratom Poisoning
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, confusion, hallucinations
- Increased heart rate, high blood pressure
- Severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness
Children and pets are especially vulnerable to accidental poisoning. Always store kratom products securely.
How Much Kratom Is Too Much?
There is no universal consensus on a safe dosage of kratom because each person differs in their tolerance of the dose.
Nevertheless, large doses (consumed simultaneously in quantities greater than 10 grams or dosed with high doses repeatedly) may provide an additional threat of overdosing and severe side effects.
Risk Factors for Overdose
- Mixing with other substances: Most kratom-related deaths involve other drugs, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
- High doses: Taking much more than the typical dose (often 2–8 grams) increases risk.
- Long-term use: Chronic, heavy use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and higher risk of toxicity.
- Underlying health conditions: Heart, liver, or kidney problems increase vulnerability.
Is Kratom Bad for You?
1. Short-Term Risks
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
- Agitation, anxiety, or irritability
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
2. Long-Term Risks
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms (similar to opioids)
- Liver damage in rare cases
- Hormonal imbalances
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Potential for addiction
Contamination and Regulation
Kratom is marketed as an organic or natural supplement, and the market is, to a large extent, unregulated. Certain products might include pollutants such as heavy metals, bacteria, or other contaminants and become more dangerous to health.
Kratom Over the Counter: Is It Safe?
Although kratom is over the counter and legal in most parts, it does not mean that there is no danger. This is unregulated, so there is no guarantee of the purity, potency, and suitability of the labeling of products. Regularly buy quality products that undergo third-party lab testing.
Can You Die from Kratom?
Rare, But Possible. It is not very frequent, but people can die due to a kratom overdose, especially in the case of a mixed judgment.
Fatalities exclusively because of kratom are very rare, yet there have been reports. Kratom was one of the many substances present in the body in most of the fatal cases.
Mechanism of Death
- Respiratory depression: At very high doses, kratom can slow or stop breathing, similar to opioid overdose.
- Cardiac complications: Increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to arrhythmias or heart failure in susceptible individuals.
- Seizures and coma: Severe toxicity can result in neurological collapse.
What to Do in Case of Kratom Overdose
1. Recognizing Overdose
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing or slow, shallow breaths
2. Immediate Actions
- Call emergency services if you suspect a kratom overdose, especially if the person is unresponsive or having trouble breathing.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
- Provide information about what was taken, how much, and when.
Can Too Much Kratom Make You Throw Up?
Absolutely. Nausea and vomiting are some of the safest side effects of excessive consumption of kratom. This is usually the body signal to you that you have already taken more than what you are supposed to.
Kratom Overdose: Key Takeaways
- Can kratom kill you? Rarely, but it is possible, especially when mixed with other substances.
- Can you overdose on kratom? Yes, particularly at high doses or with other drugs.
- What are the symptoms? Nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, respiratory depression, and, in extreme cases, death.
- Is kratom bad for you? It has risks, especially with heavy or prolonged use, or when combined with other substances.
- How much is too much? There is no universally safe dose; risk increases with higher amounts and frequency.
- What should you do if you suspect an overdose? Seek immediate medical attention.
Responsible Use and Harm Reduction
- If you choose to use kratom:
- Start with the lowest possible dose.
- Never mix with other drugs or alcohol.
- Buy from reputable, lab-tested sources.
- Store safely away from children and pets.
- Monitor for adverse effects and seek help if needed.
Final Thoughts
Kratom is a complicated plant that has potential advantages and actual risks. There is a minimal chance of a fatal overdose, but it can occur in the case of kratom mixed with other drugs or very large doses. Detection of the signs of overdose and awareness of the amount that is excessive may help avoid serious consequences.
In case you or your loved ones abuse the use of kratom or show the signs of overdose, get medical assistance as soon as possible. No harm is more reduced than when applied knowledge and wary usage are exercised with any supplement, just like any other supplement.