Can You Overdose on Kratom? Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Can you overdose on Kratom? Yes, although rare, a Kratom overdose is possible and potentially very fatal. According to the CDC, out of 27,338 drug overdose-related deaths, 152 were positive for Kratom.¹ Furthermore, a detailed case study of a 40-year-old published in NCBI also revealed that Kratom overdose is not only possible but extremely dangerous and mimics the effects of opioid toxicity.²

Find out if you or a loved one is struggling with Kratom dependency in less than 5 minutes through our addiction self-assessment test. 

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Highlights 

• Although rare, a Kratom overdose is possible and potentially very fatal.
• Kratom binds to the same opioid mu-receptors as Heroin and Oxycodone and may offer pain-relieving effects. 
• Clinical evidence suggests that consuming over 15 grams of Kratom is considered toxic, and daily intake exceeding 50 grams may lead to dependence, liver toxicity, and fatalities.
• Kratom is addictive, and abruptly stopping may cause withdrawal symptoms, making it essential to quit Kratom under medical supervision.
• ChoicePoint offers in-person and online addiction treatment programs in NJ to help you overcome Kratom addiction. Call 844.445.2565 for personalized assistance. 

What is Kratom? Is Kratom Safe to Consume?

Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia. It has stimulant-like properties and is mostly used in Asian countries for pain relief and to feel more energized and alert. The two main ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the same opioid mu-receptors as Heroin and Oxycodone and may offer pain-relieving effects. This leads users to self-medicate or use them recreationally.³  While there are many unregulated uses of Kratom, such as opioid withdrawal management, anxiety or depression treatment, and pain relief, the DEA maintains that there is no medicinal use or benefit of Kratom.⁴ In fact, the FDA has warned consumers not to consume Kratom because excessive use increases the risk of: 4

• Liver toxicity
• Seizures
• Substance use disorder
• Risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome 
• Death in case of overdose

Yes, Jessica Plonchak (Executive Clinical Director) says a Kratom overdose is possible, especially when combined with other substances such as alcohol. The following scientific data also supports the claim.

Scientific Data on Kratom Overdose

1. According to a 2019 report by the CDC, between 2016 and 2017, 152 overdose deaths tested positive for kratom, with 91 cases listing kratom as the cause of death. However, in most cases, kratom was used in combination with other drugs such as benzodiazepines, fentanyl, or alcohol.⁵
   
2. A scientific review published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that kratom toxicity can result in seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death, particularly when misused or used with other central nervous system depressants.⁷
   
3. The FDA has reported 44 kratom-associated deaths, including one case where kratom was the sole substance detected (FDA, 2018). ⁸

How Much Kratom is Too Much?

Determining how much Kratom is too much varies depending on individual tolerance, Kratom strength, purity, etc. Since Kratom is not FDA-approved, it lacks standardized dosing and labeling information, making it unclear how much of the active ingredients’ strength is present in each box. However, clinical evidence suggests consuming over 15 grams of Kratom is considered toxic, and daily intake exceeding 50 grams may lead to dependence, liver toxicity, and fatalities.⁹

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Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

7 Common Signs of Kratom Overdose

7 common signs of Kratom overdose vary from person to person, but most reported symptoms include:⁸

1. Chills
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea and vomiting 
4. Confusion
5. Tremors and seizures
6. High blood pressure (hypertension)
7. Coma (in rare cases)

Kratom Detox Plan

Do not Overlook 2 Major Kratom Overdose Risk Factors

While overdosing on Kratom alone is a significant concern, mixing it with other substances heightens the risk of overdose. 

1. Combining Kratom with Alcohol

Mixing kratom with alcohol is particularly dangerous. Both Kratom and alcohol act as depressants and act on the central nervous system, and can cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, and impaired motor function. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a substantial number of kratom-involved deaths involved co-use with alcohol⁹ 

2. Combining Kratom with Other Drugs

Combining kratom with prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or antidepressants increases the risk of drug overdose. A 2019 study found that nearly 80% of kratom-related deaths also involved other substances. Most of these substances were opioids, especially fentanyl, heroin, and benzodiazepines. ¹⁰

3 Quick Steps That May Save a Life in Case of Kratom Overdose

If you encounter someone showing the signs of a drug overdose, then the best thing to do is:

1. Call emergency services or 911 immediately and inform them about the situation.
2. Recognize early signs of opioid overdose and immediately administer Naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse an overdose within minutes. Recent studies report that Naloxone is effective in reversing a Kratom overdose. ¹¹
3. Naloxone is available over the counter, and anyone can administer it, so it is beneficial to carry one.

3 Expert Strategies To Get Kratom Out of Your System For a Drug Test: Overdose Prevention

Now that you know that Kratom is dangerous, the best option is to strategize about how to get Kratom out of your system. After the last use, Kratom stays in your system anywhere from 2 days to 1 week, and during this time, Kratom will show up in a drug test. However, abruptly stopping Kratom may cause withdrawal symptoms; hence, it is best to seek professional help.  

Here are the top strategies according to Jessica Plonchak to get Kratom out of Your System:

1. Stay Hydrated

Your kidneys and liver play a key role in metabolizing and flushing kratom alkaloids (like mitragynine) from the body.

3 Tips to boost elimination naturally:

1. Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to support kidney health.
2. Eat nutritious foods that support liver function, like leafy greens, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables.
3. Avoid alcohol or other substances that may burden liver function.

2. Undergo a Medical Kratom Detox (Recommended at ChoicePoint)

The most effective and safest way to eliminate kratom from your system is through medical detoxification under professional supervision.

Why is it effective?

1. Medical providers monitor withdrawal symptoms and manage them with FDA-approved medications such as Subutex and Suboxone for reducing Kratom withdrawal.
2. Medical detox utilizes medications such as Suboxone strips or Suboxone round orange pills to curb Kratom cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. 
3. You receive round-the-clock support to prevent complications such as dehydration, seizures, or severe anxiety.
4. It lays the foundation for long-term recovery by addressing both physical and psychological dependence.

3. Supervised Tapering (When Full Detox is Not Immediately Feasible)

Abruptly quitting kratom can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. A controlled tapering plan helps your body adjust slowly while minimizing discomfort.

Why is tapering effective?

1. Reduces the risk of severe withdrawal (muscle aches, mood swings, cravings)
2. Allows healthcare providers to step in with medications or behavioral support if needed
3. Can be customized based on the frequency and dosage of kratom use

You can now get online insurance-covered Suboxone prescription and other MAT medication prescriptions at ChoicePoint by simply calling 844.445.2565.

ChoicePoint Drug Rehab in NJ Can Help You Overcome Kratom Dependency 

ChoicePoint is a CARF-certified alcohol and drug rehab in New Jersey. We eliminate the hassle of finding Kratom addiction treatment near you by bringing online Kratom dependency treatments to your location, just a click away! Our compassionate clinical team can help you overcome Kratom dependency with responsive and patient-led care. We may not be able to guarantee that life will get easier, but we will help you become stronger and more resilient, enabling you to rebuild a healthy life.

We accept most insurance. Verify your insurance to get started!

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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Kratom Overdose 

We often get these questions related to Kratom overdose:

1. What is the Chronic Toxicity of Kratom?

Many scientific studies have established that excessive kratom use is associated with liver toxicity and other physical health issues such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Liver impairment
• Risk of overdose 

2. What Should Not Be Taken With Kratom?

As Kratom has an opioid like effect, you should avoid taking these substances with Kratom:

• Opioids such as Fentanyl, Morphine
• Benzodiazepines
• Alcohol

3. Can You Fail a Drug Test for Kratom?

Yes, you can fail a drug test for kratom, especially if the test specifically screens for mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, the active compounds in kratom. Standard drug tests may not detect it, but more specialized tests used in certain workplaces, legal settings, or medical exams can.

4. What Organs Are Affected by Kratom?

Kratom primarily affects the brain, liver, and kidneys. Long-term use has been linked to liver toxicity, kidney strain, and neurological effects such as seizures.

5. Is Kratom Illegal in Any State?

Yes, kratom is illegal in several U.S. states and municipalities. As of now, kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. 

6. What Does Kratom Show Up As in a Drug Test?

Kratom does not typically show up on standard drug panels like a 5-panel or 10-panel test. However, kratom-specific tests can identify its alkaloids. 

7. Does Kratom Show Up on a DoD Drug Test?

Department of Defense (DoD) drug tests generally do not include kratom unless there is a specific reason to test for it. 

Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Unintentional drug overdose deaths with kratom detected—27 states, July 2016–December 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(14), 326–327.
   https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6814a2
2. Ahmed, S., Tran, Q. V., & McLean, M. (2023). The great imitator: A case of accidental kratom overdose. Cureus, 15(8), e43144. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43144
3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, August 7). Kratom: Fear-worthy foliage or beneficial botanical? Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/kratom-fear-worthy-foliage-or-beneficial-botanical-2019080717466
4. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA and kratom.
   https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
5. Kenne, D. R., Fischer, B., & Bouffard, D. (2020). A systematic review of the impacts of kratom use in the United States. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 14(5), 387–394.
   https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000602
6. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FDA warns of deadly risks of kratom.
   https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements
7. Kenne, D. R., Fischer, B., & Bouffard, D. (2020). A systematic review of the impacts of kratom use in the United States. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 14(5), 387–394.
   https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000602
8. Prozialeck, W. C., Avery, B. A., & Boyer, E. W. (2019). Kratom: Pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1566.
   https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.01566
9. Mattson, C. L., Tanz, L. J., Quinn, K., Kariisa, M., Patel, P., & Davis, N. L. (2021). Trends and geographic patterns in drug and synthetic opioid overdose deaths—United States, 2013–2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(6), 202–207. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7006a4
10. Olsen, E. O., O’Donnell, J., Mattson, C. L., Schier, J. G., & Wilson, N. (2019). Unintentional drug overdose deaths with kratom detected—27 states, July 2016–December 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(14), 326–327. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6814a2
11. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Kratom-associated poisoning and overdose: Reported cases and naloxone reversals. PubMed Central.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8378318/
12. Singh, D., Müller, C. P., & Vicknasingam, B. K. (2014). Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependence, withdrawal symptoms and craving in regular users. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 139, 132–137.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.03.017

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