In short, no, it’s not safe to take kratom with Suboxone. Kratom is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. It interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and body, so it can cause drowsiness, euphoria, and other opioid-like effects. It can also act like a stimulant, creating energizing and uplifting effects. As this substance has not been studied or tested rigorously, there is no guarantee that it’s safe to use for any purpose. It’s also not regulated in the United States. In fact, salmonella and heavy metals have been found in kratom products.
Some people theorize that kratom may be helpful for treating opioid withdrawal. However, as of now, there’s no way to predict how it might interact with other opioids. Kratom naturally contains more than 40 different psychoactive compounds, and preparation methods can affect their strength. Suboxone contains an ingredient called buprenorphine that can trigger precipitated withdrawal when there’s too much of an opioid in your system. There’s a very real possibility that taking kratom and Suboxone together could cause sudden, intense withdrawal symptoms.
There’s a lot more to know about kratom, Suboxone, and opioid withdrawal. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the effects and potential uses of kratom?
Kratom has traditionally been used to treat cough, diarrhea, opioid withdrawal, and chronic pain. People have also used it to boost energy and sexual desire. It’s been growing in popularity as an alternative treatment for opioid withdrawal and pain in the U.S. Some people believe it may be safer because it’s a plant, and in some places, it may be more accessible than prescription medications. There might be some therapeutic benefits to kratom. However, as of now, the risks of taking kratom in the U.S. outweigh the potential benefits.
The effects of kratom depend on how the plant has been processed and the dosage. Kratom is usually consumed orally, made into tea, or swallowed as a pill. At low doses, it tends to act as a stimulant. It can make you feel more alert and energized. At higher doses, it acts more like an opioid or a sedative. It can calm you down and make you feel drowsy.
Negative effects of kratom may include:
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Liver problems
You may see kratom for sale in gas stations and paraphernalia shops except in states and cities where it’s banned. It can be hard to tell from the packaging how strong a kratom product is. Kratom hasn’t been scheduled as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). However, it also hasn’t been approved for use in supplements or medications by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Why would a person consider taking kratom with Suboxone?
Suboxone is used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), and it can create a chemical dependence. People may want to take kratom while taking Suboxone to help manage withdrawal symptoms or ease the transition off of Suboxone. Some may be tempted to take it to help them socialize or relieve anxiety, pain, and other ailments. Many people who take kratom don’t fully understand the risks.
Because of its opioid properties, kratom has the potential to be addictive. It can also cause intoxication and overdose. People may suffer consequences such as liver failure, lung damage, and even death. Doctors and emergency care providers typically treat kratom intoxication and overdose as they would opioid overdose. There are no standard guidelines. However, Suboxone has been used to treat kratom withdrawal. Naloxone (Narcan) has also been successfully used to reverse kratom overdose.
Note: You should always work closely with a qualified prescriber when taking Suboxone. Only take your medication as instructed. If you experience withdrawal between doses or other negative effects, let your prescriber know.
What are the potential dangers of taking kratom with Suboxone?
In addition to the risks of taking kratom itself, people who take Suboxone risk a drug interaction. The main ingredient, buprenorphine, can cause precipitated withdrawal if taken too soon after another opioid such as kratom. Suboxone also includes a small amount of naloxone to keep people from snorting or injecting it. Kratom may interact with either one of these ingredients.
While kratom may theoretically help with opioid withdrawal, there are still many open questions. Kratom binds to some of the same opioid receptors as Suboxone, and taking kratom with Suboxone increases the risk of precipitated withdrawal. It also interacts with other opioid receptors. However, the way it interacts with them isn’t well understood.
Combining Suboxone or kratom with another respiratory depressant increases your risk of breathing problems. If you take them both at the same time, it’s possible that your breathing could slow or stop. There have been some deaths associated with kratom. In most cases, other drugs were involved. People have also died from ingesting salmonella-tainted kratom.
To review, the risks of taking kratom while taking Suboxone include:
- Precipitated withdrawal
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Lung damage
- Liver damage
- Exposure to salmonella, heavy metals, and other toxins
- Other unintended negative reactions
- Death
What are some safer alternatives for comprehensive treatment and relief?
If you’re experiencing withdrawal from kratom, Suboxone, or another opioid, or if you want to stop using opioids, you should consult with a qualified care provider. Keep in touch with your provider throughout your treatment. Let them know about any withdrawal symptoms, negative effects, or changes in your health. They may need to adjust your dose or supplement your Suboxone with another medication.
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) should be part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. A licensed counselor can help you understand your cravings and the situations that may trigger them. It takes time to develop healthy coping mechanisms. This is why it’s important to work with care providers you trust and feel comfortable opening up to.
Withdrawal symptoms will happen from time to time, especially in the early phases of treatment. It’s good to learn about some healthy ways to manage them at home. Relationships with your peers can help you stay motivated and inspired during these difficult times. Going to a support group regularly is the best way to meet other people who are in recovery.
Get help stopping opioid use at Groups
Maybe in the future, we’ll understand more about the therapeutic properties of kratom and how it can be used safely. With any drug, there’s always some risk of side effects and negative interactions. Doctors aren’t very familiar with how to resolve these with kratom as of now. It’s best to stick to tried-and-true MOUD that have clear, established treatment protocols.
Going through treatment for OUD is challenging, and ending opioid use on your own is challenging in different ways. The biggest differences are your access to MOUD, medical care, and a supportive community. At Groups, our care providers are qualified to prescribe Suboxone and other safe, effective MOUD. We work with you to determine which option is best for you. In our treatment community, we promote compassion, understanding, and trust. We try to make it safe for you to talk about your experiences so you can get the help you need.
Are you exploring your options for OUD treatment? Contact us with any questions or give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today. We provide treatment across the country—and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
