What is the best kratom for anxiety Research and FAQs Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is the best kratom for anxiety Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Carolyn Farnsworth on September 8, 2022Kratom is a substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a native species of Southeast Asia. This tree’s leaves contain compounds that may provide relief to individuals with anxiety. Approximately 19% of adults in the United States have anxiety. This condition can cause challenging emotional and physical symptoms. People with anxiety may have various symptoms, which include anxious thoughts, a racing heartbeat, or digestive problems. Difficult environments, genetics, and ongoing stress may lead to this condition. This article discusses anxiety and kratom in more detail, including how kratom may affect anxiety. It also outlines some health considerations and other treatments for anxiety. Finally, it answers some common questions about anxiety and kratom. To help support your mental well-being and that of your loved ones, visit our dedicated mental health hub for more research-backed information and resources. What is anxiety Share on PinterestJonathan Hammond/Getty ImagesFeeling anxious about stressful events, such as moving house or work deadline, is natural. But people with an anxiety disorder experience continuous anxiety that can worsen with time. Anxiety disorders fall into several different categories. Generalized anxiety disorder GAD GAD causes long-term, ongoing anxiety about daily activities. People with GAD may experience symptoms of anxiety every day for months or even years. They may experience feelings of restlessness or irritability. This type of anxiety can also lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, body pains, or sleep disturbances. Social anxiety disorder This condition causes considerable anxiety surrounding social interactions. Individuals with social anxiety disorder may fear being socially humiliated or rejected. They may try to avoid social interactions altogether. The condition can make regular activities feel impossible, such as going to school or taking a bus. Other anxiety disorders Some people with anxiety may experience regular panic attacks. These may happen in response to a trigger or for no apparent reason. This form of anxiety is panic disorder. Agoraphobia causes chronic anxiety surrounding certain places, such as public transportation or crowded areas. People with untreated agoraphobia may be unable to leave their homes. Other forms of anxiety include specific phobias, such as heights, blood, or spiders. Individuals with specific phobias may go to great lengths to avoid the sources of their anxiety. What is kratom The leaves of the tropical kratom tree contain certain compounds that act on the body. Depending on the dose, they can have both sedative and stimulant effects. Low doses of kratom may increase energy, improve alertness, and make an individual more talkative. Higher doses may cause sedative or euphoric effects. These effects tend to occur about 5–10 minutes after consuming kratom and last up to 5 hours. The two main compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds act on certain receptors found on nerve cells. This activity causes kratom’s effect, which is similar to that of opioids or stimulants. Researchers have identified over 25 other alkaloids in kratom but do not fully understand what these compounds do. Clinical trials to learn more about kratom are currently underway. What are the different types of kratom People may consume kratom in a few different forms. Kratom is available in pills or capsules or as an extract. Tea made from kratom leaves is another option for consuming this substance. Different cultures have used kratom for centuries, if not millennia. Workers in some parts of Southeast Asia have historically used kratom tea to enhance productivity. People in Thailand and Malaysia have used kratom to treat morphine and opium dependence, respectively. Learn more about using kratom for opiate withdrawal. The wide range of kratom types can make them difficult to regulate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any types of kratom for medical use and advises people not to use it. Kratom and anxiety Although there are few studies of kratom, current research does indicate it may have positive effects on anxiety. One study found that kratom improves mood and reduces anxiety for many users. In another study of 2,798 people who used kratom, 67% reported using kratom to manage anxiety symptoms. Research indicates that higher doses of kratom may cause relaxation. For individuals with anxiety, taking higher doses of this substance may help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Lower doses of kratom can also improve sociability, which may also be helpful for individuals with social anxiety disorder. However, researchers have not widely investigated the long-term effects of using kratom. It may affect each individual differently, depending on the form and dosage. Individuals with anxiety may find relief from kratom in certain doses. However, a person should consult with a medical professional before taking it. There are other treatments for anxiety that may be more suitable. Health considerations The FDA has not approved the use of kratom in the U.S. In fact, it warns individuals to avoid kratom over concerns of addiction and potential abuse. Some individuals who use kratom become dependent on the substance. If this occurs, they may also experience withdrawal when they try to stop using kratom. Taking kratom may also cause liver toxicity and interactions with medications. Other side effects include: constipationdizzinessnausea and vomitingdry mouthseizurestachycardialiver issuesinsomniaweight losshallucinations Alternatives There is no single standard treatment for anxiety. This is because effective treatment depends on the individual and the type of anxiety. Some individuals may benefit from antidepressant medications, which can address some anxiety symptoms. Therapy is another excellent tool for managing anxiety disorders. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy may help individuals identify their triggers and develop coping tools to minimize their symptoms. Exposure therapy may also be useful for people with specific phobias. Exploring the source of a given phobia in a controlled environment could help reduce or eliminate anxiety around that phobia. Some people with anxiety may respond well to a single treatment, while a combination of different treatments may work better for others. A doctor can help individuals with anxiety develop the optimal treatment plan for them. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the most common questions and answers about kratom and anxiety. Does kratom affect anxiety Kratom may improve mood and reduce anxiety in some people. However, the effects of kratom are highly variable. Furthermore, the FDA has not approved kratom and advises individuals to avoid it. What kind of kratom helps a person relax People may drink kratom as a tea or take it in pill or powder form. However, the FDA has not approved kratom for medical use. Can someone take kratom and antidepressants Research has shown that kratom can have a negative interaction when taken with some prescription medications. Certain compounds within kratom may cause interactions with these medications. People should speak with a doctor before taking kratom and discuss any medications they are taking. The FDA does not advise taking kratom. Summary The substance kratom comes from the leaves of the kratom tree. Depending on the dose, this substance may boost energy or promote relaxation. Studies have indicated that some people with anxiety use kratom to relieve their symptoms. However, further research into the substance is necessary, and the FDA advises people against using kratom due to the risk of dependence, addiction, and abuse. Last medically reviewed on September 8, 2022Mental HealthAnxiety / StressComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.3 studies found for: kratom, mitragynine. (n.d.).https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=kratom%2C+mitragynine&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=Anxiety. (2020).https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.htmlAnxiety disorders. (2017).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021Bandelow, B., et al. (2017). Treatment of anxiety disorders.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573566/Cinosi, E., et al. (2015). Following "the roots" of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): The evolution of an enhancer from a traditional use to increase work and productivity in Southeast Asia to a recreational psychoactive drug in western countries.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/968786/FDA and kratom. (2022).https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratomGarcia-Romeu, A., et al. (2020). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): user demographics, use patterns, and implications for the opioid epidemic.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871620300144?via%3DihubKamble, S. H., et al. Exploration of cytochrome P450 inhibition mediated drug-drug interaction potential of kratom alkaloids. (2020).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31707106/Kratom. (n.d.).https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratomKratom. (n.d.).https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratomKratom (Mitragyna speciosa korth). (2019).https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/kratom.pdfKratom. (2020).https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdfSwogger, M. T., et al. (2018). Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29248691Swogger, M. T., et al. (2022). Understanding kratom use: A guide for healthcare providers.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.801855/fullWhat are anxiety disorders? (2021).https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disordersVeltri, C., et al. (2019). Current perspectives on the impact of Kratom use.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612999/Vento, A. E., et al. (2021). Case report: Treatment of kratom use disorder with a classical tricyclic antidepressant.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.640218/fullFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Carolyn Farnsworth on September 8, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about kratom for depressionMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Kratom is a plant that many people use for depression. It is unregulated and may carry some risks. Learn more about the potential use of kratom for…READ MOREWhat to know about overdosing on kratomMedically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree that some people use as a stimulant, sedative, or pain reliever, however, it can lead to overdose and…READ MOREKratom: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Kratom is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia. Some people take it for its stimulant or opioid-like effects. Learn about the possible risks in this…READ MOREPropranolol for anxiety: How quickly it works, the best time to take it, and how long the effects last Learn about how quickly propranolol works for anxiety, the best time to take it, how long the effects last, and more.READ MOREMath anxiety: What it is and how to overcome itMedically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW Math anxiety causes a person to feel worried or panicked when they have to solve a math problem. It is common and can affect school grades.READ MORE