The “Natural” OTC Supplement That is Actually Causing Addiction and Seizures
A concerning trend is popping up around an over-the-counter supplement called Kratom, which is advertised as a “natural” plant-based product. With links to addiction, seizures, and even some deaths, health officials are taking a closer look at this product and some states are taking matters into their own hands to prevent further harm to unassuming consumers.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (or Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree whose leaves contain compounds that act on opioid receptors in the brain. In small doses, users report stimulating effects and in higher doses, kratom can cause sedation and pain relief. Because of its dual stimulant/analgesic effects, it attracts people looking for energy or mood lifts, pain relief, or even opioid withdrawal.
Where Does it Come From?
Kratom is native to Southeast Asia, and is particularly common in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and surrounding regions. Traditionally, locals chewed the leaves or brewed them into tea to fight fatigue and relieve pain. More recently, it has been shipped worldwide to be turned into powders, extracts, and capsules to be sold commercially as a “natural supplement”.
What Kinds of Products Contain Kratom?
You can find kratom in powders, capsules, tablets, teas, and increasingly in drinks, gummies, and extracts as it gains more popularity. Some products, like certain “botanical tonics,” advertise kratom as an ingredient that promotes relaxation or even as an alternative to alcohol. But those beverages and “miracle” claims mask the active compounds that carry real risks.
What is it Used For?
Many users turn to kratom hoping to manage chronic pain, ease anxiety, or help with opioid withdrawal. Its appeal partly lies in its accessibility: people see it as a legal, “natural” option, per its marketing and packaging. But there have only been a few clinical trials and the safety of the product remains unclear.
Links to Addiction
Although marketed as gentle, dozens of users report dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. One woman who began drinking a kratom-based drink to quit alcohol said she became hooked, needing multiple doses a day just to feel normal. Many who have used it report that those considering purchasing should be cautious, as occasional use tends to easily turn into compulsive patterns and reliance.
Links to Seizure
Kratom also carries neurological risks. Medical examiners have tied seizures, including fatal collapses, to levels of mitragynine (a key kratom compound) in the system. In one case, security footage captured a user having convulsions just before death, and the toxicology pointed to kratom’s toxic effects. Reports also connect kratom to liver injury, psychosis, and serious side effects in some vulnerable individuals.
FDA Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved kratom as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. The agency cites risks including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. Because kratom exists largely outside typical regulation, quality control and safety are serious concerns.
States That Have Banned Kratom
Some states have elected to take matters into their own hands. Kratom’s legality varies by state, but Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have either banned or tightly restricted the use of this product. Other states are in the process of reviewing restriction enforcement as well.
Conclusion
The commercial packaging and distribution of Kratom over the counter highlights the true influence of marketing. It is important that consumers arm themselves with the right knowledge of the products they purchase and use, especially in products that have not been FDA-approved.
