Kratom Hangover

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree that grows naturally in Southeastern Asia. Kratom’s active alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-OHM) act in the opioid receptors of the brain (mu and delta) in the same way opiates do. But there is a great difference: kratom is not an opiate.

As of lately, there are many people who are turning to kratom for its many benefits:

• pain relieving,
• remedy to anxiety,
• energizer,
• to mitigate the side effects of opiate withdrawal.

However, despite its benefits kratom can also have unpleasant side effects when taking too high doses. These may include headache, dizziness, stomachache or nausea. This is commonly known as kratom hangover.

Is There Such Thing as a Kratom Hangover?

Kratom hangover refers to the adverse effects of taking too much kratom. However, this term is not right, as this is not a hangover. A hangover is induced by the intake of alcohol. It includes inflammation, a blood sugar drop, and dehydration. However, kratom does not cause any of these three major symptoms of the real hangover.

Symptoms of Kratom Hangover

Bear in mind that the so-called kratom hangover or kratom side effects are due a to an excessive dosage. At least, most of the times. This is quite easy to avoid, just by adjusting the amount of kratom you take to the recommended dosage. Remember that these dosages will depend on the kratom strains or whether it is an extract or an enhanced product. On the other hand, an empty stomach can also provoke unpleasant effects. So, always make sure you are eating and drinking regularly while taking kratom.

It is wise to take kratom only once per day and never more than thrice per week. If you are new to kratom or are trying a new kratom strain, start with a lower dosage and wait until you can notice the effects  (30 – 45 minutes). Also, do not forget to eat regularly and drink lots of water or other fluids.

Kratom Side Effects

Some of kratom side effects are:

Dizziness

This is one of the symptoms that can be caused both by an excessive dose or an insufficient food or liquid intake. Kratom can sometimes conceal hunger and thirst, so if you have not been eating or drinking enough you can be suffering hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or dehydration. Hypoglycemia and dehydration can cause dizziness by themselves and make it more noticeable if you are experiencing dizziness due to a too high dose.

Headaches and Migraines

Noone really knows what causes headaches and migraines. However, one of the known factors is dehydration. So, make sure you drink water or other liquids regularly, especially when taken energizing kratom strains such as Maeng Da. If you notice that your migraines or headaches seem to be associated with the use of kratom, quit it or try another type.

Disrupted Sleep

Many users take kratom as a remedy for insomnia and other sleeping disorders. But remember that the stimulating kratom strains can make it difficult to sleep. Especially if you take it in the evening. To avoid disrupted sleep, try a more relaxing kratom strain (like Red Bali). In any case, if you want to continue taking an energizing kratom type, lower the dose and never take it late in the day.

Nausea and Stomachache

If taken properly (that is, with the correct dosage and avoiding an empty stomach) kratom can actually soothe the stomach and ease nausea and stomachache. However, too large doses and taking kratom without the proper amount of food and liquid can provoke stomachache and nausea. This is especially true in individuals with a sensitive stomach, prompted to have more stomach issues.

Also, powdered kratom affects the stomach more than other types of kratom products. Thus, users who suffer nausea and stomachache easily should switch to kratom extracts. You can find them not only as a powder but in other formats such as liquid or resin. By taking a kratom extract, you will also need smaller doses than with raw kratom powder.

If you suffer nausea, you can take a medicine to soothe stomach upset, like Pepto-Bismol. Or even try a natural remedy, such as an herbal tea of ginger, chamomile or peppermint.

As you have seen, avoiding kratom side effects (or kratom hangover) is not difficult. Just by following some tips: Avoid too high doses. Eat and drink regularly. Do not take kratom on an empty stomach. This way you will be able to keep kratom hangover away.