Kratom, derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, is a relatively new drug to many individuals. Although it’s legal, it remains popular mainly in underground communities and comes in both leaf and powder forms.
Although some believe it can alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim, and its effectiveness is yet to be established.
Its effects depend on the dose and can be hard to predict, ranging from a restless burst of energy to heavy drowsiness paired with a brief sense of contentment.
Does Kratom Cause Constipation?
Yes, it does. Constipation is one of the most common side effects of regular Kratom use.
Kratom’s active compounds bind to opioid receptors in the gut. That slows the muscle contractions that push food along, so stool sits in the bowel longer, dries out, and gets harder to pass.
A few habits can help:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay active, since even a daily walk keeps the bowel moving.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking a laxative.
If you go several days without a bowel movement, or you have severe pain, bloating, or vomiting, get medical help right away.
Why Kratom Is Not a Safe Option to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
Healthcare providers don’t use Kratom to treat opioid use disorder. At MedMark, we don’t offer Kratom to patients because of the dangerous effects it can have on the body.
Between 2010 and 2015, yearly calls to U.S. poison control centers about Kratom climbed roughly tenfold, from 26 to 263. Kratom’s effects are not yet widely understood, making it a potentially dangerous drug. Kratom use can result in dependence and withdrawal symptoms that are just as dangerous as those caused by opioid use.
While overdose is rare, it can become more dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Despite its “legal” status, there are still potential dangers of Kratom that need to be addressed regarding long-term use.
Effects of Kratom
The effects of Kratom on individuals are primarily determined by the dosage consumed. They begin within minutes of ingestion, and how long they last depends on the dose and the person.
Individuals often report that small doses of Kratom produce a stimulating effect, promoting alertness and sociability. Larger doses have the opposite effect, making people feel sluggish and weighed down.
When taken regularly, Kratom can have many long-term effects that can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. A 2019 report on U.S. poison center data linked Kratom exposure to 11 deaths between 2011 and 2017, though nearly all of those cases also involved other substances.
Here’s a quick look at Kratom’s side effects, grouped by how common, serious, or lasting they are.
|
Type |
Side Effects |
|
Common |
Restlessness, lethargy, nausea, sweating, itching, flushed skin, insomnia, constipation, loss of appetite |
|
Serious |
Seizures, slowed breathing, liver problems, life-threatening overdose |
|
Long-term |
Substance use disorder, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, significant weight loss, liver and kidney damage |
Kratom and Weight Loss
Kratom can suppress your appetite and upset your stomach, so regular users often eat far less than their bodies need. The weight can come off fast.
That doesn’t make it a safe way to lose weight. Eating too little strains the organs and can leave you weak, dizzy, and short on the nutrients your body needs. In severe cases, starvation and organ failure can be fatal, so anyone losing weight on Kratom needs medical attention.
Irritation
Kratom can cause the skin on the face and cheeks to flush, sometimes leaving it looking red or purplish. In addition, individuals may experience bouts of nausea and frequent itching.
These effects usually occur soon after ingestion of the substance and can persist for hours, causing considerable discomfort. For some people, such irritation can lead to insomnia or disturbed sleep.
Liver and Kidney Damage
Using high doses of Kratom over a long period of time can harm the liver and kidneys. Signs of this damage can include very dark urine and yellowing of the skin. When the liver is compromised, the kidneys take on the extra task of filtering toxins from the body. They can become overworked, which can lead to kidney failure among people with liver damage.
Negative Interactions
Mixing Kratom with other psychoactive substances creates a negative drug interaction that can possibly lead to seizures. When taken with opioids, each drug may intensify the effects of the other, causing a potentially life-threatening overdose.
Accidental Overdose
People who already have a high tolerance for opioids who take Kratom run the risk of overdose because they are not able to dose Kratom properly. Powdered Kratom adds another risk, because there is no way to tell by looking at it whether it has been mixed with other drugs to strengthen its effects.
Substance Use Disorder
Just like any substance, people can develop substance use disorder from Kratom. This is probably the most dangerous long-term effect of this drug, as a physical dependence can occur over time.
As with all misuse, people who stop using Kratom will experience uncomfortable withdrawals that include aches, pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aggression, insomnia, and other symptoms. Tremors, delusions, and other more serious issues have also been reported.
Why Does Kratom Make You Sweat?
Kratom can make you sweat, both while it’s in your system and as it wears off.
It acts on opioid receptors and the nervous system, which can throw off your body’s temperature control. At low doses, its stimulant effects raise your heart rate and body heat, so you sweat more. During withdrawal, your body is readjusting to life without it, and heavy sweating is a common sign.
Sweating along with fever, chest pain, or confusion needs medical attention.
Treatment for Kratom Misuse
Websites selling Kratom are making false claims about its ability to help with opioid use disorder. Kratom shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper substance use treatment, especially for opioids. Some people develop dependence, whether they started using it to help with opioid use disorder or not.
The FDA has not approved Kratom for any use and has warned people not to take it, and the DEA lists it as a drug of concern. Whatever its legal status, more people are reaching out for help with Kratom use disorder. The treatment process is similar to other drug treatments and is supervised by a medical professional.
Safe Medication-Assisted Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder
MedMark uses medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine with naloxone.
Methadone has been used for more than 50 years to treat opioid use disorder, and it works best alongside supportive care such as substance use counseling. This medication is a full agonist opioid that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms during treatment.
By activating the receptors in the brain, methadone can satisfy the body’s need for opioids without the risks of misusing opioids. It helps decrease cravings and the harmful physical side effects of withdrawal, making relapse less likely for patients.
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone are also used to treat opioid use disorder. The FDA approved these medications in 2002.
If you or a loved one is living with opioid use disorder, it is essential to seek safe treatment options. Get in touch to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment options and how we can support you or your loved one on the road to recovery.
FAQs
Can Kratom Help With Opioid Withdrawal?
No. There is no scientific evidence that Kratom eases opioid withdrawal, and its effectiveness remains unproven. Healthcare providers use FDA-approved medications instead.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Yes, it can be. Regular use can lead to physical dependence, and people who stop can expect uncomfortable withdrawals.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Kratom?
Withdrawal can cause aches, pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aggression, and insomnia. Tremors and delusions have also been reported.
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Overdose is rare, but it becomes more dangerous when Kratom is mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs. People with a high opioid tolerance face extra risk because they can’t dose Kratom properly.
How Is Kratom Misuse Treated?
Treatment is similar to other drug treatments and is supervised by a medical professional. Kratom should never replace proper treatment for opioid use disorder.
Sources and Citations
- FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul (2015) Herbal opioid Kratom raises concerns of doctors. Available at: https://www.fox9.com/news/herbal-opioid-kratom-raises-concerns-of-doctors (Accessed October 15, 2026).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (2026) Kratom. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom (Accessed October 15, 2026).
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (2012) LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): NIDDK. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852/ (Accessed October 15, 2026).
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division (2025) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Available at: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/kratom.pdf (Accessed October 15, 2026).
- Anwar, M., Law, R. and Schier, J. (2016) Notes from the Field: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Exposures Reported to Poison Centers — United States, 2010–2015. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(29), pp. 748–749. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6529a4.htm (Accessed October 15, 2026).
- Harven, M. (2016) Herbal drug kratom faces uncertain legal future, despite public outpouring. PBS NewsHour. Available at: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/whats-next-kratom (Accessed October 15, 2026).
