

Those who fell ill consumed kratom in pills, powder or tea. They noted that 11 people had been hospitalized with salmonella illness linked to kratom. In 2018 the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported it was investigating a multistate outbreak of 28 salmonella infections in 20 states linked to kratom use. Also, they state there are also safer, non-opioid options for the treatment of pain. At this time, the FDA warns the public NOT to use any products labeled as containing kratom, due to reported deaths.Įffective, FDA-approved prescription medications, including buprenorphine ( Sublocade), methadone, naltrexone ( Vivitrol), and buprenorphine and naloxone ( Suboxone) are available from a health care provider, to be used in conjunction with counseling, for opioid withdrawal. FDA encourages more research to better understand kratom’s safety profile, including the use of kratom combined with other drugs.

In addition, the FDA states that kratom should not be used as an alternative to prescription opioids, even if using it for opioid withdrawal symptoms. The FDA notes it has no scientific data that would support the use of kratom for medical purposes. Common uses include treatment of pain, to help prevent withdrawal from opiates (such as prescription narcotics or heroin), and for mild stimulation. The effects are unique in that stimulation occurs at low doses and opioid-like depressant and euphoric effects occur at higher doses. The leaves of kratom are consumed either by chewing, or by drying and smoking, putting into capsules, tablets, bulk liquids, or extract, or by boiling into a tea. However, some Southeast Asian countries now outlaw its use. The stimulant effect was used by workers in Southeast Asia to increase energy, stamina, and limit fatigue. Traditionally, kratom leaves have been used by Thai and Malaysian natives and workers for centuries. However, its safety and effectiveness for these conditions has not been clinically determined, and the FDA has raised concerns about toxicity and possible death with use of kratom. In the US, kratom has been used as an alternative agent for muscle pain relief, diarrhea, and as a treatment for opiate addiction and withdrawal. Other members of the Rubiaceae family include coffee and gardenia. Kratom, the original name used in Thailand, is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia and is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Common or Street Names: Thang, Krypton, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak-Biak (common name in Thailand), Mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine extract, biak-biak, cratom, gratom, ithang, kakuam, katawn, kedemba, ketum, krathom, krton, mambog, madat, Maeng da leaf, nauclea, Nauclea speciosa.
