Kratom Education
Kratom Side Effects
Kratom can cause mild side effects at low doses and serious problems with heavy or long-term use, especially with concentrated 7-OH products.
Published: June 23, 2026
6 min read
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Published: June 23, 2026
Kratom Resource Cluster
Topic Pages
Key Takeaways
- Common short-term effects: nausea, constipation, dizziness, sweating, and dry mouth.
- Heavier or long-term use is linked to dependence, liver injury, and mood changes.
- Kratom can interact dangerously with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and some prescriptions.
- Contamination is a real concern because kratom products are not FDA-regulated.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Dry mouth, sweating, itching
- Dizziness, drowsiness
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure (low doses)
- Slowed breathing (high doses or 7-OH)
Long-Term Effects
Reported long-term effects include tolerance and dependence, withdrawal on stopping, liver enzyme elevations and rare cases of hepatotoxicity, weight loss, and mood or sleep disruption.
Drug Interactions
Combining kratom with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, sleep aids, or some antidepressants raises the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and serotonergic effects. Always tell your prescriber if you use kratom.
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Sources
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any medication, including kratom, Suboxone (buprenorphine), or methadone.
Need to talk to someone on Long Island?
The Long Island Rehab Helpline offers confidential, judgment-free guidance for kratom, 7-OH, and opioid use disorders across Nassau and Suffolk County.
Call 844-338-6969See related resources: Kratom addiction treatment · 7-OH treatment · What is kratom?