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How Long Does Kratom Last? Effects and Duration

Kratom is a legal and accessible substance in many places in the US. It’s often sold in retail locations as an over-the-counter, natural remedy for pain and low energy, based on purported benefits from Asian medicine. However, kratom is not currently approved by the FDA and has little research backing its effects and risks.

The use of kratom can have varied effects based on the product’s potency and the frequency and quantity of use. Learn more about how long kratom lasts.

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Negative Effects and Risks of Kratom

Though kratom is well tolerated in general, it’s possible to experience side effects and risks. The side effects may include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mood changes

Some serious side effects may occur, including:[8]

  • Heart palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of libido
  • Low appetite
  • Memory problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Insomnia
  • Psychosis

In rare cases, kratom use can lead to overdose with potentially fatal complications. Kratom shouldn’t be mixed with other substances, as unpredictable and dangerous effects may occur.

Is Kratom Detectable in Drug Tests?

Kratom testing isn’t included in most drug tests, so there’s limited research into how long it’s detectable. Some advanced drug tests may look for kratom and its metabolites, but these aren’t common in employment drug screenings or at-home drug tests.

Generally, drug tests have long detection windows. Hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, which may apply to kratom. Saliva tests can detect drug use for several hours to several days, depending on the substance. More advanced tests that look for kratom may have similar detection windows.[9]

Is Kratom Addictive?

Kratom is growing in popularity and hasn’t been well researched, but its opioid- and stimulant-like effects may indicate a potential for abuse or addiction. It’s possible for regular kratom use to cause dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Kratom can cause withdrawal symptoms, which include irritability, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, and other symptoms, though it may not be as severe as withdrawal from stronger opioids.

There’s a possibility of psychological addiction as well, which can be difficult to overcome without help. Depending on the extent of the kratom addiction, medical detox followed by a comprehensive addiction treatment program may be necessary to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier behaviors.

Understand the Effects of Kratom

Kratom is currently legal and widely available, but it’s not regulated and may have the potential for serious risks or addiction. More research is needed to determine how long kratom effects last, how different strains affect kratom use, and how addictive and risky this substance may be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kratom an Opioid?

Kratom can have opioid-like effects and is often used as an alternative to opioids, but it’s not an opioid itself. It’s not controlled and won’t show up as an opioid on a drug test.

How Is Kratom Used in Asian Medicine?

In Southeast Asia, kratom is used to relieve pain, boost energy, improve libido, and more. It may also be used topically for wound healing and local pain relief. While kratom has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia as a natural remedy, there is limited clinical research supporting its effectiveness.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is currently legal at the federal level and unlisted in the Controlled Substances Act, but it is banned or regulated in some states and municipalities.

Sources

[1] Kratom Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (street names: Thang, kakuam, thom … (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/kratom.pdf on 2024, July 31.

[2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, April 24). Kratom. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom on 2024, July 31.

[3] Prozialeck, W. C., Edwards, J. R., Lamar, P. C., Plotkin, B. J., Sigar, I. M., Grundmann, O., & Veltri, C. A. (2020, July 30). Evaluation of the mitragynine content, levels of toxic metals and the presence of microbes in kratom products purchased in the western suburbs of Chicago. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432033/#:~:text=Pharmacologic%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,hydroxymitragynine%20%5B7%2C8%5D on 2024, July 31.

[4] GoodRx. (n.d.). What is Kratom? effects, uses, and safety. GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/substance-use/what-is-kratom on 2024, July 31..

[5] Kratomcoalition. (n.d.-d). Retrieved from http://www.kratomcoalition.org/doc/Document%201%20Grundmann%20Patterns%20of%20Kratom%20use%20Drug%20Alcohol%20Depend%202017.pdf on 2024, July 31.

[6] Jentsch, M. J. (2023, August 28). Kratom. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585120/ on 2024, July 31.

[7] Vandergriendt, C. (2018, December 19). Can kratom ease depression symptoms?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/kratom-for-depression#side-effects-and-risks

[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, August 24). Notes from the field: Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) exposures reported to Poison Centers – United States, 2010–2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6529a4.htm?s_cid=mm6529a4_w

[9] Kratom drug testing in hair and nail – exclusively at USDTL. United States Drug Testing Laboratories Inc. (2020, August 4). Retrieved from https://www.usdtl.com/about/press-releases/kratom-drug-testing-in-hair-and-nail-exclusively-at-usdtl on 2024, June 24.