#EMConf: Kratom Toxicity
General: Used by people to manage chronic pain + treat opioid withdrawal symptoms + improve mood + recreational purposes.
-Deaths have occured, often when mixed with other substances; there are also isolated kratom overdose cases leading to fatalities as well.
-Not an illegal substance so can be ordered online or at various stores.
Pathology: Mu-agonist therefore weak opioid activity.
Clinical: opioid-like toxidrome at higher doses, much less respiratory depression with kratom alone but if mixed with with other opioids can lead to respiratory depression.
-stimulant-like effects at lower doses.
-case reports of hepatotoxicity.
Management:
-Similar to opioid overdose with naloxone.
-If you are starting Suboxone, kratom in the system may precipitate acute withdrawal.
References: