Choosing how to use kratom depends on your goals and preferences. For instance, some people will take it for pain relief while others may use it for energizing effects.

Some experts believe that kratom’s stimulant and sedative effects are caused by the active ingredient mitragynine and its metabolite, 7-OH-mitragynine. Both compounds are found in a variety of kratom products.

Dosage

There are many ways to use kratom, but the best way is to start with a low dose and increase it gradually while keeping track of how you feel. You should also choose a high-quality product from a reputable vendor. Doing so will help you avoid negative kratom side effects, which can include nausea, stomach upset, and increased heart rate.

The standard kratom dosage for stress relief is three to four grams of powder. This is a very effective dose, but it can be easy to overdose. If you’re new to kratom, it is best to start with this low dose and observe how you feel after 45 minutes. If the anxiety doesn’t subside, you can take another gram, and keep increasing the amount until you find the right dose for you.

Many people who use kratom report that it is a great energy booster and sharpens their focus. It is important to note that higher doses of kratom can have sedative effects, so be careful not to go too high.

It is recommended to take kratom two or three times per day, depending on your needs. Some people will take it when they are feeling stressed, while others may take it more frequently for chronic pain management. It is important to remember that kratom can interact with opioids, so it is recommended to seek treatment from a mental health professional if you are struggling with depression or anxiety.

Side effects

While kratom may be useful for pain relief and mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms, its use can also cause side effects. In high doses, kratom’s mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine compounds can bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing morphine-like effects. At lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant and increases energy levels, alertness and talkativeness.

Whether kratom causes positive or negative effects depends on the type of strain and the dosage consumed, and how it’s prepared and taken. Kratom can be brewed into a tea, crushed into a powder and ingested or smoked or vaporized. The method of ingestion influences the effects and is the main factor influencing tolerance to the drug.

Some people experience a variety of side effects, including nausea, fatigue and itching. These are generally mild and subside with continued use. In more severe cases, kratom can cause liver damage. This can be spotted by elevated liver enzymes, dark urine, itching and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Those with medical conditions or those taking medications should avoid kratom. The herb can interact with drugs like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. It can also cause seizures and sedation in those with seizure disorders. A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that tachycardia, altered mental status, seizures and central nervous system depression were the most common clinical effects reported for kratom-related calls to a regional poison center.

Precautions

It’s a good idea to use kratom in moderation. It is a natural herb that can help with chronic pain and anxiety, but it can also be addictive. If you are concerned about your teen using kratom, it’s important to talk with them and offer other ways to alleviate their pain and anxiety. For example, acupuncture, yoga, exercise and CBD products are safe alternatives for pain management.

It is also important to note that kratom can interact with other substances and lead to serious side effects. In addition, kratom isn’t regulated, so you can’t be sure what you’re getting. It may contain heavy metals such as nickel and lead. This can cause poisoning in children and teenagers, especially during their crucial developmental years.

It’s best to avoid using kratom with other drugs, such as opioids. It can produce toxic side effects, such as respiratory depression, if combined with these substances. It’s also important to take a break between each dose. This will prevent rapid tolerance buildup. It is also a good idea to rotate strains and vein colors to experience different alkaloid profiles. Additionally, you should always hydrate with water and carry fentanyl test strips or naloxone in case of an overdose. Reported kratom overdoses usually occur alongside other drugs, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to have emergency supplies on hand.

Safety

Despite its popularity, kratom has not been proven safe or effective. In fact, its use as an opioid substitute is dangerous and has resulted in many reports to poison control centers.

The main chemical in kratom leaves, mitragynine, interacts with opioid receptors and produces stimulant effects on the brain. It also creates opioid-like pain reliever effects when consumed in larger doses. This combination of opioid and stimulant effects makes kratom very dangerous to take for long periods of time.

Because of this, kratom should not be used by children or teenagers. It is important to teach your child the risks of consuming kratom and encourage them to find healthier alternatives to boost energy.

If your teen does decide to try kratom, it is best to purchase it from a reliable source that has good manufacturing practices. Look for a supplier that is transparent about its sourcing and carries out quality control checks. Also, make sure they are not mixing it with any other substances that can lead to a deadly combination or increase the chances of overdose.

Always remember to drink plenty of water, take breaks, and never use kratom alone. It is also a good idea to rotate strains and vein colors to prevent the buildup of tolerance to certain alkaloids. Finally, if you suspect that your loved one is struggling with kratom addiction or withdrawal, it’s important to seek evaluation by an addiction professional. How to use kratom