Kratom, a Southeast Asian herb, has penetrated deeply into the Western world, thanks to its potential benefits for energy, mood, and general well-being. However, some kratom users report experiencing irritability or mood swings shortly during or after use. This article will cover the potential causes of kratom irritability and some helpful tips for how to deal with it.
Mitragyna speciosa, which is popularly known as kratom, contains over 50 alkaloids. Of all these alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are the main and most studied ones, and believed to primarily responsible for kratom’s effects. Mitragynine acts on certain receptors in the brain. It also interacts with serotonergic, dopaminergic, and adrenergic receptors, as well as neuronal Ca²⁺ channels in the CNS (Central Nervous System), to produce a myriad of effects.
Generally, kratom may be more energizing at small doses and more calming at higher doses. These potential effects may influence a user’s mood, energy, and emotional states. But because kratom is a dynamic plant, it can work differently in individuals which is why its interaction in the body may cause irritability or mood changes for some people and not for others.
A few factors may be responsible for irritability shortly after or during the use of kratom.
Dosing is a primary factor that influences the potential effects of using kratom. Taking higher doses may lead to stronger effects that can potentially cause the body and mood to swing more drastically during that adjustment. Feeling in a good mood or alert at one moment and slowly having this state fade can make some users more restless or irritable during this adjustment..
Another thing is that redosing frequently can take a toll on the mind nervous system, and the result may be restlessness or agitation. This is another caveat with using kratom, and why responsible dosing and use is essential.
There are dozens of different kratom strains, and each of these strains may have a slight variance in the overall alkaloid profile. This means their levels of mitragynine, 7-OH and dozens of secondary alkaloids can vary slightly, leaving each with a potentially slight variance in effects. For example, a strain like White Maeng Da tends to be very energizing, and more stimulating strains such as these may increase irritability in sensitive individuals.
Certain strains might be better suited for certain people based on their individual body chemistry. The key is for users to find the one that best suits their own individual chemistry through trial and error to find what works best.
Using kratom regularly without breaks may lead to high tolerance, which can lead to an increase in dosage to get the desired effects. Regular use may also lead to habit-formation, as the body becomes tolerant to it. When a frequent and high-dose kratom user tries missing or reduces doses suddenly, it may cause sudden mood swings, restlessness, or irritability. This can be somewhat compared to caffeine, where missing a cup after getting used to frequent intake may cause mood swings, tiredness, or irritability as the body adjusts to not having it.
People have different lifestyles and these individual factors such as diet, sleep, hydration, stress tolerance and the individual temperament of the person can also contribute. Genetics may also play a role in irritability, as some individuals are naturally more prone to the chemistry or certain botanicals.
From the possible causes of kratom-related irritability above, here are a few tips to try.
If irritability persists even after adjusting doses, taking a break, rotating strains, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, then there could be more to the story. At this point, seeking the help from a professional is often the best course of action. There may be an underlying issue triggering the symptoms, and a medical practitioner may help to identify the problem.
Kratom has the potential to offer benefits, and many users have attested to that. But this plant often works differently for different people. For many, side effects are rare, while some may experience irritability, restlessness, or mood swings shortly after use. Responsible use and awareness such as avoiding high doses, not redosing frequently, rotating strains, taking regular breaks, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, may help minimize these effects. However, if symptoms persist after these adjustments, it’s best to consult a professional to rule out potential underlying issues.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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