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What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Kratom?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2015
Question: Is Kratom harmful to ingest? What are the long term side effects ?
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is a habit forming substance that may lead to abuse

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through your query. Let me clarify that Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree in the coffee family that produces a substance which has psychoactive properties. Due to it's stimulant and narcotic effects, kratom is therefore recreationally used as an opioid substitute. Although a single use of kratom cannot be labelled as 'harmful' and although it appears to be safe in recreational doses, it is habit-forming and known for developing tolerance for both Kratom and opiates (i.e. higher amounts would be eventually required to achieve the same action).

Consumption of Kratom does have possible side effects such as nausea, constipation, sleep problems, and temporary erectile dysfunction. Extensive use can cause some problems such as sleeplessness, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening of skin, and dry mouth. Problems such as delusional behavior, aggression and schizophrenia affect some users. And like any psychoactive substance, Kratom can be habit forming and may lead to physical dependencies. Moreover, improper use can cause an overdose leading to toxicities. Hence, it would be advisable to stay away from this substance.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Are The Long Term Side Effects Of Kratom?

Brief Answer: It is a habit forming substance that may lead to abuse Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone very carefully through your query. Let me clarify that Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree in the coffee family that produces a substance which has psychoactive properties. Due to it's stimulant and narcotic effects, kratom is therefore recreationally used as an opioid substitute. Although a single use of kratom cannot be labelled as 'harmful' and although it appears to be safe in recreational doses, it is habit-forming and known for developing tolerance for both Kratom and opiates (i.e. higher amounts would be eventually required to achieve the same action). Consumption of Kratom does have possible side effects such as nausea, constipation, sleep problems, and temporary erectile dysfunction. Extensive use can cause some problems such as sleeplessness, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening of skin, and dry mouth. Problems such as delusional behavior, aggression and schizophrenia affect some users. And like any psychoactive substance, Kratom can be habit forming and may lead to physical dependencies. Moreover, improper use can cause an overdose leading to toxicities. Hence, it would be advisable to stay away from this substance. Hope that helps. Regards