How Do I Explain My Kratom Use to My Doctor?

Kratom is an addictive Southeast Asian plant that is emerging in North American markets as a stimulant, pain reliever, and opioid withdrawal aid. While these uses lack scientific backing, Kratom is experiencing a boost in American usage, as people turn to the plant as a form of ‘alternative medicine.’ Nevertheless, the plant remains off many doctors’ radars, but informing your primary care physician of your use is important.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a psychoactive plant in the coffee family, and has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia as a work aid. Currently, the plant is unregulated in the U.S., as the FDA has yet to enact any kind of federal legislation curtailing Kratom use or sale. In a few states and smaller jurisdictions, as well as in some other countries, Kratom has been banned. In small doses, the plant can have stimulant effects akin to caffeine, and in larger doses, the plant can have opioid-like effects similar to morphine.

The plant contains two primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitagynine, that act on opioid receptors in the brain to produce these effects. As a result, Kratom is addictive and can lead to Kratom Use disorder with chronic use. Side effects can range from mild, like increased urination, itching, sweating, and nausea, to more severe, like physical dependence and withdrawal, insomnia, liver damage, tachycardia, hallucinations, and seizures.

How is Kratom Harmful?

Because Kratom acts on opioid receptors in the brain, it poses a significant risk of addiction and physical dependence, especially with more frequent use. Its high-dose sedative and opioid-like effects also pose a risk to those recovering from narcotic use, as the similar effects produced upon Kratom ingestion can reportedly ‘wake up’ cravings for stronger drugs and cause relapses.

Aside from the mental complications of Kratom use, the plant also harms the body. Kratom is hepatotoxic, meaning chronic or large-dose use can cause liver damage, and long-term use can lead to severe consequences, like dramatic weight loss, insomnia, psychosis, and mood changes. Mixing Kratom with other substances, particularly alcohol or narcotics, often leads to overdose, and in extreme cases, death.

No amount of Kratom use is safe. If you or a loved one is suffering from Kratom use, it’s never too late to seek professional help and talk to your doctor.

Should I Talk to My Doctor?

Your primary care physician, or the people who make up your medical team, are your most important and trusted healthcare allies. They’re job is to help ensure that you’re happy, and healthy, and as such, should be informed of substances or supplements that you take. Only when they’re fully informed of your medical history can they make the best decisions for you.

Because Kratom is broken down in the liver like most common prescription or over-the-counter medications, it can have some nasty interactions with other substances, especially other UGT substrates like buprenorphine and ketamine. Your doctor is a great resource to consult with regards to using Kratom and other substances and prescriptions, as they are well-informed about potential drug-to-drug interactions and adverse side effects.

In general, having an open, judgment-free line of communication with a healthcare provider is important to your health. Your doctor can help tailor a best course of action to help accommodate your Kratom use, or to help you reduce use or quit.

What Should I Tell my Doctor?

You should be as transparent as possible with your primary care provider. Inform them of which Kratom products you use, and how you ingest them. Also let them know how Kratom you use per session, and how many times per day, or week, you take Kratom. All these specifications are important details that can help your doctor devise an effective treatment plan for you.

Because Kratom is also a relatively new substance on the market, some doctors are unfamiliar with the plant, its addictive properties, and harmful side effects. Sharing more information about Kratom and what you experience can also be beneficial to them.