Kratom Overdose: Dosage, Symptoms, & Treatment

Kratom is a plant-based product that has been used as a dietary supplement, a way to increase energy, and to manage pain.

This page will go over the health risks of kratom misuse—including kratom overdose—and how addiction can be successfully treated.

Is Kratom Safe?

Although its past uses seem helpful, there are many dangerous aspects about this botanical product. There is little information on overdose from isolated use of pure kratom. Although there have been a number of deaths linked to the use of kratom, the real danger seems to be associated with the use of adulterated kratom or polysubstance use involving kratom.³

Adulterated kratom refers to kratom that has been mixed with any number of other substances. Buyers of the drug may believe they are getting a pure form of the drug but actually receive a very dangerous drug combination.

Kratom is widely available in many forms including liquids, tablets, and even gums or resins, and is relatively easy to obtain from a variety of online sellers. Users may be completely unaware of what exactly they are purchasing and consuming. The DEA states, “Because the identity, purity levels, and quantity of these substances are uncertain and inconsistent, they pose significant adverse health risks to users.”⁷ In fact, there have been some deaths linked to “dietary supplements” sold online containing kratom laced with other compounds.³

Since kratom is unregulated, there are no quality assurances or controls in place that guarantee the purity of kratom products being sold. For example, there have been reports of kratom being adulterated with other opioids such as hydrocodone.⁵ 

How Much is Too Much Kratom?

A normal dose of kratom depends on the individual. In powder form, users typically take 3-9 grams. However, many individuals prefer to take kratom in the form of a capsule that typically contains 500-66 milligrams of powder per capsule.

Higher doses and more frequent misuse increases the likelihood of experiencing negative kratom side effects.

Can You Overdose on Kratom?

No matter the form, frequency, or dosage, it’s important for individuals to take into consideration the potential side effects of the drug as it can turn dangerous, addictive, and even deadly.

As there are no reported numbers on how much kratom it takes to overdose, it’s difficult to determine how much is too much kratom. However, individuals with increased use have a heightened risk of kratom overdose, especially when combined with alcohol and other drugs.

Can Kratom Overdose Cause Death?

Serious harm or death may also result from intentionally taking kratom simultaneously with alcohol and other drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), or gabapentin.³

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Kratom Overdose

Kratom may be deemed safe by its proponents; however, as with many drugs, its use is associated with several side effects and risks. Potential kratom side effects include:²

• Insomnia.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Appetite loss/anorexia.
• Liver toxicity.
• Increased urination.
• Itching.
• Sweating.
• Confusion.
• Seizure.

Is Kratom a Public Health Threat?

• There is an ongoing debate about kratom in the United States, with some pointing to its benefits in treating not only opioid dependence, withdrawal, and addiction but in managing pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol cravings. And while evidence from studies supporting these purported benefits is lacking, the risks of using kratom remain.^3,4
• In a 5-year period, 660 kratom-related calls were made to poison control centers in the U.S. Of these, nearly 50 involved major life-threatening signs or symptoms.⁸
• A primary concern about kratom is that there is so much about it that is still unknown. The FDA has stated its intention to continue studying this substance to determine the extent of its risks and potential benefits.⁵ While these are still unclear, it is still risky to take kratom, especially when the unregulated drug could contain unknown substances and harmful impurities.

Kratom Addiction Treatment

Greenhouse Treatment Center has experienced and licensed medical staff ready to help patients undergo treatment specific to their needs. If you find that you’re struggling with the misuse of kratom, options are available.

Don’t let your addiction reach rock bottom. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today to begin the admissions process. You can verify your insurance coverage using the confidential or admissions navigators at can answer questions about using health insurance for addiction treatment, other ways to pay for rehab, and the types of addiction treatment offered at our Texas drug addiction rehab.