Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a member of the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Kratom is used in various ways. The leaves are chewed or brewed in tea, and extracts are mixed into liquids or taken as a capsule. Kratom produces different effects depending on the dose. At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant. At higher doses, kratom may have opioid-like effects. Low-dose kratom products are commonly used to self-treat fatigue, whereas higher-dose products are commonly used to self-treat pain and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. The alkaloids in kratom, such as mitragynine, are believed to be responsible for producing the effects. These alkaloids and their metabolites may produce harmful interactions with pharmaceutical drugs.
