Top Los Angeles Pain Management and Addiction Specialist Dr. Ryan Peterson is issuing a warning to all consumers to steer clear of Kratom (a plant-based supplement purported to reduce pain, including pain and other symptoms of opioid withdrawal). Kratom has been linked to dozens of overdose deaths, is potentially addictive, is frequently contaminated, and may produce terrible side effects.

Here's just a few of the dangerous side effects that Kratom may produce:

• Abnormal Brain Function
• Breathing Suppression
• Chills
• Depression and Delusion
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Liver Damage
• Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation
• Seizure, Coma, Death

Not surprisingly, as the result of these incredibly dangerous side effects, the DEA has named Kratom a "drug of concern." In fact, when taken in large doses, Kratom has been shown to produce narcotic effects similar to morphine. It is not surprising then, that in an April 2019 public health statement, the FDA wrote: "FDA is concerned that kratom, which affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, appears to have properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence."

Kratom is NOT a Safe Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal or Pain Management

Moreover, although rumors have persisted that Kratom may help those addicted to opiates to ease the pain of withdrawal, the DEA has reported that withdrawing from Kratom also yields similar discomfort, and potentially dangerous hallucinations, delusions and confusion. In other words, getting off of Kratom is not going to be much more pleasant than getting off of other opioid medications, once you've developed an addiction.

Kratom is also rumored to help treat chronic pain. However, much like the claims that it is an effective treatment for opioid withdrawal, these rumors are not based in reality.

Salmonella, Nickel and Lead Contamination Common in Kratom

As recently as 2019, the FDA issued warnings to companies selling Kratom, referencing not only false claims made by companies selling the supplement, but highlighting high rates of salmonella. Likewise, heavy metals including nickel and lead have been found in Kratom. The FDA's laboratory analysis report stated: "The analysis found significant levels of lead and nickel at concentrations that exceed safe exposure for oral daily drug intake."

Medically Supervised Opioid Withdrawal and Pain Management

As a Board-Certified Pain Management Physician and Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr. Ryan Peterson urges all Los Angelenos looking to withdraw from opioids, and/or looking for solutions to chronic pain, to do so under the supervision of a trained expert. There are FDA approved medications available to help you to safely withdraw from opiates and begin your journey to recovery. Likewise, there are countless treatments for chronic pain which don't pose the risk of addiction, and which are much safer than unregulated supplements.

To schedule a consultation to discuss opioid abuse, addiction, or for help treating chronic pain safely, call the office of Dr. Ryan Peterson at 818-200-8192