Kratom Warnings Issued by the Food and Drug Administration

Kratom warnings have been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The popular plant product has been used by many opioid addicts, as it has been marketed as a “natural” remedy for addiction recovery.

The FDA has taken a stance on the herbal substance, and is warning the public of the associated dangers. While kratom has been marketed to the public as safe and all-natural, its use has been linked to seizures and liver damage, among other alarming effects.

From 2010 to 2015, calls about kratom to the Poison Control Center increased ten times over, according to the FDA. They have cautioned the public that the substance can lead to addiction, and that they know of 36 deaths associated with the substance.

As is the case with many substances, kratom has been known to be laced with multiple substances, including hydrocodone.

The difference? Kratom, at this point in time, is completely legal in many states. The subject of making kratom illegal has been at the center of many discussions by law enforcement and governing agencies across the country, particularly in light of the opioid crisis that has likely caused the surge in kratom’s popularity.

FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb stated that, “It’s very troubling to the FDA that patients believe they can use kratom to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.”

“I understand that there’s a lot of interest in the possibility for kratom to be used as a potential therapy for a range of disorders. But the FDA has a science-based obligation that supersedes popular trends and relies on evidence,” concluded Gottlieb.

As kratom use has come under fire, it is crucial to heed the warnings that have resulted from this research. Kratom use in the face of opioid or other substance addiction is a dangerous practice, and can lead to unwanted effects.