Side Effects of Kratom - Long Term Use
Kratom Guide
Side Effects of Kratom - Long Term Use
Abdullah Mamun
Abdullah Mamun
Updated on October 19, 2021

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. The effects of kratom can vary from person to person. If you experience any adverse effects or have concerns about kratom use, consult a healthcare professional.

Like any natural supplement, kratom may not be suitable for everyone. While many users report positive experiences, others may experience unwanted side effects, particularly when kratom is used in high doses or over long periods.

But hold on. Shouldn’t we as, as a kratom vendor, only preach good word about it? While we’re all very pro-kratom here at Authentic K, we’re also dedicated to educating both kratom beginners and veterans on everything kratom-related.

We believe that the key to a great kratom experience lies in responsible usage. This is why, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the short-term and long-term side effects of kratom, as well as tips for safe consumption.

Is Kratom Dangerous?

The question of whether kratom is harmful has a simple answer - it depends.

While many users report positive effects, there is good evidence to suggest that kratom use can also lead to rather unpleasant side effects — some of which may be severe, especially with chronic use or overdose.

Concerning may also be the fact that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies kratom as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern," indicating potential risks. Additionally, the FDA has raised concerns about contamination and lack of regulation in kratom products.

In general, we still don’t have enough evidence to confirm the potentially positive or harmful effects of kratom. From what users report, however, we can pinpoint several frequently mentioned short and long-term side effects of kratom:

Short-Term Side Effects of Kratom

By short-term side effects, we mean those that may occur within a few hours of consuming kratom, especially if taken in high doses. Commonly reported short-term side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Itching
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle spasms
  • Respiratory depression

More severe effects, like seizures, can also occur, although they are typically linked to overdosing or mixing kratom with other substances. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Long-Term Side Effects of Kratom

Although more studies are needed to confirm kratom’s long-term impact on one’s health, some reports and users suggest that it might lead to chronic side effects. The ones long-term users most frequently mention include:

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Appetite loss
  • Constipation
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkened skin)
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Seizures
  • Psychosis

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend reducing your intake or discontinuing use to prevent further complications.

Answering Common Questions about Kratom’s Potential Risks & Side Effects

Over the years, there have been tons of mentions and reports about kratom’s potentially harmful effects on physical and mental health. Let’s debunk the most common theories and answer frequently asked questions:

Does Kratom Cause Cardiovascular Distress?

There is some evidence suggesting that kratom use may be associated with cardiovascular issues, particularly in cases of overdose or chronic use.

The most commonly reported kratom’s cardiovascular effects include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia.

Research also shows that kratom may interfere with the QTc interval, which measures the time it takes for the heart to recharge between beats. This effect can be exacerbated by alcohol use, further increasing cardiovascular risks.

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience those effects, as many users don’t mention them. However, if you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure, it might be best to avoid kratom or consult a healthcare professional before use.

Does Kratom Cause Weight Loss?

There are anecdotal reports suggesting that kratom may cause weight loss. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this claim.

Some users attribute weight loss to kratom’s appetite-suppressing effects, particularly strains with high alkaloid content like Red Maeng Da or Green Malay.

If you’re concerned about unintended weight loss, consider consulting a dietitian to ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet.

Can Kratom Cause Liver Damage?

There have been reports of liver toxicity associated with long-term kratom use, particularly when kratom is consumed in high doses and for prolonged periods.

The signs of liver toxicity include dark-colored urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and fatigue. Naturally, it doesn’t mean that these problems have to be caused by kratom, but if you experience those when taking it, a good idea might be to stop.

In most cases, kratom-related liver damage appears to reverse once the user discontinues kratom. Again, the best advice is to consult it with your doctor.

Does Kratom Affect Testosterone Levels?

It’s a common worry in men that kratom might affect testosterone levels. Well, does it? There is limited evidence suggesting that it might.

Some studies have reported a causal link between kratom use and increased prolactin levels or reduced testosterone levels. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Many users report no significant changes in hormone levels when using kratom in moderation. So, until more studies prove this, there’s no solid evidence of kratom’s impact on one’s testosterone.

Does Kratom Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Another common fear is that kratom may cause erectile dysfunction. The good news is that there is no direct scientific evidence linking kratom use to erectile dysfunction.

What might cause users to report this are kratom’s effects on dopamine and serotonin levels, which may impact sexual performance by causing hormone imbalances, changes in libido, stress, and anxiety.

Does Kratom Cause Hair Loss?

Browsing through kratom forums, we’ve noticed many people concerned about kratom leading to hair loss. The good news is that there’s no substantial proof confirming this. However, what might be worrying is the increasing number of kratom users reporting it. For now, though, all we have is anecdotal evidence.

Final Word

Kratom has taken the US by storm, with users praising it for its wide set of reported benefits. However, while the feedback has been mostly positive, kratom, like any other herb supplement, may also cause side effects.

As you can see, those can range from minor ones like nausea or upset stomach to more severe and chronic effects like cardiovascular issues or liver damage.

The key issue here is that all those effects, both positive and negative, are still not properly researched and documented.

The best practice to reduce the risk of adverse effects is to consume kratom responsibly and monitor your body’s response. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or experience unwanted side effects.

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