CDC: Kratom an "Emerging Public Health Threat" in U.S.

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS

Calls to U.S. poison centers for exposures to the botanical kratom rose 10-fold between 2010 and 2015, according to a report in MMWR. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is used as a stimulant and an opioid substitute.

Overall, there were 660 kratom-associated calls. Roughly three-quarters of exposures were intentional, and 90% were through ingestion. Medical outcomes were considered minor in 25%, moderate (requiring treatment but having no residual disability) in 42%, and major (life-threatening with residual disability) in 7%. There was one death, in a person also exposed to paroxetine and lamotrigine. Outcomes were not reported for the remainder of the cases.

The most common symptoms of exposure included tachycardia, agitation/irritability, drowsiness, nausea, and hypertension.

"Kratom use appears to be ... an emerging public health threat," the authors write. "Health care providers should be aware that the use of kratom can lead to severe adverse effects, especially when consumed in combination with alcohol or other drugs."