Researchers warn of dangers associated with rising kratom use

Researchers warn of dangers associated with rising kratom use

Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-00209

URL goes live when the embargo lifts

Researchers from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and WorkIt Health suggest it’s time for physicians to embrace asking patients about kratom use, the same as they would cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin. While widely available and largely unregulated, recreational use of kratom has been associated with dangerous side effects, including risk for cardiac arrest, seizures, aphasia, and death, and it has been implicated in numerous studies as a highly addictive substance. The authors suggest that physicians need more education and better tools to help them deal with this growing clinical threat. The commentary is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

In 2022, it was estimated that 1.9 million people in the US had used kratom, a legal drug that offers stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. Despite being considered a drug of concern by the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom is available in tobacco, vape, tea, and vitamin shops.  While some use it to manage pain, increase energy levels, or in place of illegal substances, a recent survey found that at least 12% of people who use kratom would qualify as having a use disorder, but other research finds that more than half of patients using kratom do not feel comfortable disclosing use to a health care professional. As such, the authors highlight the need for caution on kratom use among the public until the DEA or FDA regulates it. They urge physician education about kratom use and potential harm reduction strategies for patients and suggest a research agenda that can better quantify the risks posed by kratom use and how to mitigate them. Evidence-based guidelines regarding the care of people who use kratom are needed, as well as an evidence-informed public health response.

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Angela Collom at [email protected]. To reach the lead author, Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH, please email [email protected].