Kratom Side Effects: Common Impacts From Use (2026)

What Kratom Is and How It Works

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Asia. The plant’s leaves contain a complex psychoactive compound that is both a stimulant and an opioid, depending on the quantity you consume. Typically, kratom is sold as powders, pills and teas.

Is kratom legal? Federally, kratom is legal in the United States, but many states ban it or regulate it as a controlled substance.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

Kratom side effects vary significantly by the amount you consume. The most common short-term side effects include:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite

These effects can last for hours.

Serious Side Effects and Health Risks

Taking kratom for a long time or at higher doses can result in severe side effects that include:

• Heart strain
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Psychosis
• Confusion
• Liver damage
• Addiction

Overdose risks can be high, too, especially when you mix kratom with alcohol or other substances.

Signs of a Kratom Overdose

As with any other type of opioid or stimulant, it is possible to take more than your body can handle. This results in an overdose that can present with symptoms such as:

• Severe dizziness
• Breathing problems
• Extreme drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Dangerous blood pressure shifts
• Persistent vomiting

It’s essential to get immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Dependence and Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom dependence occurs when you find that you can’t stop taking the substance or experience withdrawal symptoms if you don’t have access to the drug. When you build a dependence, your body will struggle with symptoms if you abruptly stop taking it. These are withdrawal symptoms, which include:

• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• High blood pressure
• Fast heart rate
• Sweating
• Flu-like symptoms
• Problems sleeping

Withdrawal symptoms can last for hours or days, depending on how long you have been taking the drug and what your usual dosing is.

Risks of Mixing Kratom With Other Drugs

Mixing kratom with other drugs can lead to severe consequences. Because it is both an opioid and a stimulant, how it could interact with other substances is often unpredictable.

The drug contains active alkaloids that compromise liver function, so it can be more difficult for you to break down other substances if you’ve taken them with kratom.

Getting Help for Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction can impact all aspects of your life. Getting help means turning to substance abuse treatment programs that can safely help you break free from the hold the drug has on you.

Seeking Compensation for Kratom Addiction

If you have developed kratom addiction, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. At ConsumerShield, we can help connect you with attorneys in your area who can assist you. Contact us to get started.