Can Kratom Cause Anxiety?
Can Kratom Cause Anxiety?
Can kratom cause anxiety? – Anxiety has become one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 31.1% of American adults suffer from some form of anxiety. While there are many different types of anxiety disorders, they all share one common symptom: overwhelming feelings of worry and fear.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, some research suggests that Kratom may cause anxiety in some people. It’s a herb that has attracted many people because it produces opioid-like effects with no potential for addiction and abuse. But the big question is: can Kratom cause anxiety? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree from a coffee family and native to Southeast Asia. It is indigenous mainly to Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other parts of South Asia. People in these regions have been using Kratom for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is said to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-diarrheal effects.
Today, America, Europe and other parts of the globe have started using Kratom for recreational and medicinal purposes. It is available in the form of powder, capsules, extracts, and leaves that can be chewed or brewed as tea. Kratom is also often used as a herbal supplement. People take it for various reasons, including boosting energy, improving mood, and relieving pain.
Can Kratom Cause Anxiety?
Now that we know a little bit more about Kratom, let’s answer the question: can Kratom cause anxiety?
There is no definitive answer, as everyone reacts differently to Kratom. Some people report feeling more energetic and alert after taking Kratom, while others say it makes them calm and relaxed. A small subset of people also says that Kratom makes them feel anxious and jittery.
So, while Kratom may not cause anxiety in everyone, there is a possibility that it could trigger this feeling in some people. Some studies have also suggested that some people struggle with kratom withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety.
However, a lot of research shows it’s an effective treatment for anxiety. Though more research is needed in this area, Kratom could potentially be a helpful natural remedy for anxiety.
How does Kratom Help with Depression and Anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. They often go hand-in-hand and can be incredibly difficult to treat. While some Pharmaceutical drugs are often effective, they can come with a host of nasty side effects. This is where Kratom comes in.
Kratom has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It has become an effective treatment for depression and anxiety in recent years. The leaves of the kratom tree are typically dried and then ground into a fine powder. This powder can then be ingested in several different ways.
When a depressed patient takes Kratom, the active alkaloids in the herb attach to the same brain receptors as many antidepressant drugs. This interaction leads to an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels, which are two of the critical neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. As a result, Kratom can help to lift the fog of depression and ease anxiety.
However, since Kratom is available in different veins and strains, how you feel the effect might be different. An example is the Red Bali Kratom, which is mainly sedative due to its 7-hydroxy mitragynine content. It induces a calm feeling and muscle relaxation. That is why it is suitable for anxiety and pain.
Some other kratom strains might give the patient a euphoric feeling or energy, depending on the alkaloid content. For example, Maeng Da Kratom is famous for providing an energy boost since it has a high concentration of mitragynine.
Other benefits of depression and anxiety treatment are improved sleep, increased focus and concentration, enhanced mood, and increased energy levels. The best part is that these will significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Does Kratom Get Rid of Anxiety?
Kratom does not “cure” anxiety but can help reduce the symptoms. Many people find that it helps to take the edge off their anxiety and makes them feel more relaxed. Introducing the herb into your system can help regulate your mood and ease your anxiety.
When an anxiety patient takes any Kratom vein or strain, it will work on the central nervous system and interact with the brain receptors. This way, Kratom will change the brain’s chemistry and bring a sense of well-being and relaxation. The best thing about Kratom is that it does not have severe side effects like other anxiety medications.
Does Kratom Help with Antidepressant Withdrawal?
Yes, Kratom can be very effective in treating antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve been taking antidepressants for an extended period, quitting suddenly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Kratom can help to ease these symptoms and make withdrawal more tolerable.
Kratom alkaloids affect the brain in a similar way to antidepressants. These alkaloids help increase serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve mood and relieve anxiety. What’s more, the euphoric feeling introduced by some strains of Kratom can help to alleviate the depression and low energy levels often experienced during withdrawal.
However, finding the right kratom strain and dosage for your needs might take some trial and error. Be sure to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. It’s also important to remember that Kratom is not a magic bullet and won’t work for everyone. If you don’t feel any relief after taking Kratom for a few days, it’s unlikely that it will be effective.
How Do You Deal with Severe Anxiety?
If you suffer from severe anxiety, it’s vital to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counsellor. In some cases, medication may be necessary to get your anxiety under control. In addition to professional help, many people find that Kratom effectively manages their anxiety.
Start with a small dose and increase gradually until you find relief from your symptoms.
Remember, everyone reacts differently to Kratom, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect dose for you. Be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately; give it time.
Are there Any Side Effects of Kratom?
When taken in small to moderate doses, Kratom is considered to be safe with few side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and disappear quickly.
In rare cases, Kratom may cause more severe side effects such as liver damage, seizures, and hallucinations. If you experience these side effects, stop taking Kratom immediately and seek medical help.
It’s also important to remember that the FDA does not regulate Kratom, so it’s essential to do your research and purchase Kratom from a reputable source.
Final Thoughts!
If you suffer from anxiety, Kratom may be worth trying as a natural treatment option. The herb is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in many people. It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to Kratom, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect dose for you. Start with a small dose and increase gradually until you find relief. If you start to feel any adverse side effects, simply back off on the dosage until they subside.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32546067
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1513/kratom
