In this blog
- What kratom is and how it affects the brain
- Kratom’s short-term psychological effects
- Mood, anxiety, and energy impacts
- Long-term mental health risks
- Kratom withdrawal symptoms and psychosis
- When to seek professional help
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant that is found in Southeast Asia. It is a psychoactive medication that has leaves that include psychoactive alkaloids (mostly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)) that interact with brain receptors that control mood, pain, and reward.
When used in low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, but when taken in high doses, it acts as an opioid. These two effects make it appealing and dangerous to an individual who requires the natural relief against anxiety, pain, or depression.
The main impact of kratom is the action on mu-opioid receptors, also affecting serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine pathways, which are neurotransmitters of the same nature that regulate emotions and focus.
DID YOU KNOW? Opioid receptors are also affinities of Kratom alkaloids though affect serotonin, which affects mood and motivation.
What are the Short-Term Psychological Effects of Kratom?
Kratom can be very active at the lower doses (1-5 grams) and increase focus and sociability. It makes users mention that they feel added energy and less anxious; that is why it is sometimes taken as a mood enhancer or as an anti-anxiety.
The effects are, however, strain- and dosage-dependent.
Some of the short-term effects may include:
- Heightened vigilance and attention.
- Short-term alleviation of stress or depression.
- Happiness or slight euphoria.
- Reduced anxiety and tension
However, with increasing doses (5-15 grams), one may shift effects towards sedation or confusion.
Side effects in the short term are:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Irritability and restlessness.
- Nausea or sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
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Does Kratom Cause Mood Swings or Emotional Instability?
Yes, especially when used frequently and/or in large doses. Kratom affects the actions of dopamine and serotonin, which have a direct correlation with emotional stability. The alterations in the neurotransmitters can lead to mood swings, irritation, or anxiety in the long term without the substance.
Users can discuss the crash after the effects of the wear-off state, which can be fatigue, lack of motivation or sadness.
These mood swings can be similar to mild opioid withdrawal. Kratom can accelerate and not reduce the instability in patients already having a mental illness.
EXPERT’S ADVICE: Use of kratom for mood enhancement should always be monitored; self-medication increases the risk of emotional dependence.
Can Kratom Help with Anxiety and Depression?
Others consume kratom to self-medicate anxiety or depression since it resembles the calming properties of opioids or tranquilizers. The users complain of initial relief, increased motivation, and less nervousness.
Relief, however, is short-lived, as studies reveal. Prolonged use could decrease the natural activity of serotonin, and this can result in rebound symptoms of anxiety or depression upon the loss of the effects.
The potential short-term advantages:
Short-term relaxation and less stress.
Minor improvement in motivation and sociability.
Risks with ongoing use:
Emotional dependence
Increased anxiety between dosages.
Flattened mood or a lack of concern in the long run.
It is to say that kratom can be useful in the first place, but it does not take care of the cause of anxiety or depression.
Need help breaking free from kratom dependence?
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Kratom for Energy, Motivation, and Focus
Some kratom strains (such as the so-called White Vein varieties) are being sold as energy drinks. These can enhance both concentration and performance in the short term through stimulation of norepinephrine and dopamine.
Reported benefits:
- Greater motivation or vigor.
- Better concentration
- Intense motivation in a short time.
However, with continued stimulation, they will make one feel tired or irritable after the effects have expired. In the long run, there is a possibility that the energy levels can decrease because of receptor adaptation; the brain starts to use kratom to stay alert.
Kratom Effects on the Body
Although most of the attention is paid to psychological effects, kratom also has an impact on several body systems:
Physical effects include:
- Heart rate and blood pressure increase.
- Muscle tension or tremors
- Gastrointestinal (constipation, nausea) problems.
- Dizziness or sweating
Fatigue or mood swings can also be exacerbated by some users and include dehydration and loss of appetite.
Emotional distress may be aggravated with time and physical side effects that result in a dependence and lack of stability cycle.
What are the Long-Term Mental Health Risks of Kratom Use?
Ketamine has a series of psychiatric and cognitive issues that are related to the long-term use of ketamine. In a 2023 review study, published in PubMed, distressful sleep and irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were prevalent in heavy or daily users.
Long-term risks that are recorded are
- Affective numbness or indifference.
- Constant nervousness or fretfulness.
- Loss of cognition and attention.
- Loss of motivation and fatigue.
Prolonged exposure to 7-hydroxymitragynine has the potential to modify the functions of dopamine, the opioid addiction mechanism. This could be the cause of the emotional flatness or depression in long-term users.
In severe instances, long-term use has been associated with:
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Delusional thinking
- Psychosis induced by kratom (rare, but reported)
The results highlight the importance of self-treatment of mental health symptoms with kratom, which has severe risks in the long term.
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Structured Comparison Table: Kratom vs. Caffeine vs. Opioids
Substance | Primary Action | Mental Effect | Risk Level | Common Outcome |
Kratom (7-OH) | Partial opioid receptor agonist | Mood lift, relaxation | High | Dependence, withdrawal, irritability |
Caffeine | Adenosine receptor blocker | Energy, alertness | Low | Anxiety, jitteriness at high doses |
Opioids | Full opioid receptor agonist | Euphoria, sedation | Very High | Addiction, depression, withdrawal |
What are the Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms?
The abnormal use of kratom leads to the failure of the brain to maintain a balance between the neurotransmitters that have been artificially generated. This may leave it with some unpleasant withdrawal effects that may take days or weeks.
Normal psychological withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety or panic episodes
- Insomnia or vivid dreams
- Low mood or depression
- Irritability and restlessness.
- Difficulty concentrating
The physical symptoms can include:
- Sweat, chills, or physical pain.
- Tremors or nausea
- Muscle tension or fatigue
Although kratom withdrawal is not as severe as opioid withdrawal, its psychological symptoms may still interfere with everyday life and sanity.
Kratom Psychosis: Rare but Serious
Cases of psychosis due to kratom have been reported in rare instances. These effects may include hallucinations, paranoia, and abnormal thoughts, especially when individuals take high doses or when they engage in interaction with other drugs.
The CDC states that the number of kratom-related hospitalizations of altered perception or confusion was on the rise. This form of reaction is thought to occur because of overstimulation of the dopamine and serotonin mechanisms.
In case you or those close to you begin to hallucinate or experience major anxiety after using kratom, the medical condition should be evaluated immediately.
When to Seek Help: Recognizing Problematic Kratom Use
You may need professional help when you notice:
- Needs to have kratom so that they can work or be normal.
- Increasing doses over time
- Irritability, mood swings, or social withdrawal.
- Between doses: an increase in anxiety or depression.
- Unsuccessful tries to quit without assistance.
These are representations of addiction. When it is intervened early, psychiatric complications can be avoided.
Struggling to regain balance? Contact Orlando Treatment Solutions for confidential help.
Step-by-Step: Managing Kratom Withdrawal Safely
Follow-up: Record doses and time per day in one week.
Taper gradually: reduce the amount of intake by a quarter to a third over several days.
Hydrate: Fats are relieved with the help of electrolytes and water.
Sleep: Sleep can normalize the brain chemistry.
Sanctuary therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be used to cope with triggers.
The use of professional assistance is relevant in learning the effects of kratom on the brain. Its active compounds may affect mood, concentration and the reward system of the brain in some cases, resulting in dependency. Healthcare professionals are able to tell you about these effects in detail and to lead you out of the symptoms. Orlando Treatment Solutions provides evidence-based care in the form of therapy and relapse prevention to ketamine users. Orlando Treatment Solutions offers assistance by phone, (321) 415-3213.
Key Takeaways
Short-term use of kratom can boost mood or energy, but the long-term use of the drug is associated with serious mental health hazards.
Frequent users suffer dependence and withdrawal, as well as mood swings.
The use of high doses or chronicity may lead to anxiety, depression, or even psychosis.
Safe recovery needs the help of the professionals and gradual tapering.
Should anxiety or mood disorders persist, consult with a clinical assessment and systematic intervention.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
FAQs About Kratom
What does kratom do to the brain long-term?
Frequent and prolonged ingestion of kratom changes the brain chemistry, especially the dopamine and serotonin systems. This may lead to emotional deadness, annoyance and dependency in the long run. The mental capacity can also deteriorate, causing exhaustion and lack of concentration. Gradual restoration of balance, ease tapering, and therapy with supervision.
Does kratom mess with your serotonin?
Yes. Kratom affects the serotonin receptors, which control mood and anxiety. Chronic or excessive use may interfere with serotonin signaling, causing emotional turmoil or depression or sleep disturbances. There is a tendency to revert to these changes after withdrawal under medical advice.
Can kratom trigger mania?
In rare cases, yes. The manic or hypomanic symptoms can be observed in individuals with mood disorders or bipolar disorders after taking kratom. These are excessively high mood, impulsivity or restlessness. Do not use kratom in case you have experienced mania or psychosis.
How long does it take for kratom to relieve anxiety?
When properly dosed and strained, users usually note a sense of calmness in 15-30 minutes after taking it. But this is a short-lived relief that can result in relapse anxiety after the drugs have taken effect. Therapy or medical supervision is necessary in the long run of anxiety management.
What are the negative effects of kratom?
The adverse effects are irritability, restlessness, depression, and brain fog. Physically, it can make people feel nausea, sweat, and have insomnia. Long-term use is a risk factor of dependence and withdrawal. Prolonged exposure is usually manifested by emotional flatness and anxiety.
