People who use kratom regularly can have withdrawal when they cut down or stop, and it is a real reason to get medical support. Symptoms can include stomach upset, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, tiredness, craving, body aches, and cold sweats. If you have seizures, confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, trouble breathing, a very fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 911 or seek emergency care now.
What happens when you stop taking kratom?
Kratom contains compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says regular users may have withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
A 2022 Journal of Addiction Medicine study surveyed 289 adults with prior kratom use; 129 completed the evaluable survey. Among respondents assessed as having current kratom use disorder, the researchers reported tolerance, unsuccessful quit attempts, craving, and withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms they described were gastrointestinal upset, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue or low energy, and craving. In everyday terms, stopping may feel physically uncomfortable and mentally hard to stick with.
FDA says kratom compounds can produce opioid-related effects including sedation, nausea or vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression. FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.
What symptoms are reported with kratom withdrawal?
| Reported symptom | What it can feel like | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Restlessness and irritability | Feeling unable to settle or unusually on edge | FDA; 2022 Journal of Addiction Medicine study |
| Body aches and fatigue | Feeling sore, worn out, or low on energy | FDA |
| Stomach symptoms | Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, or discomfort | FDA; 2022 Journal of Addiction Medicine study |
| Anxiety and insomnia | Worry, agitation, or difficulty sleeping | FDA; 2025 case report |
| Cold sweats and craving | Sweating with a strong urge to use again | FDA |
Symptoms can vary because kratom products, strength, other substances, health conditions, and a person’s prior use all differ. The available research does not give one reliable withdrawal timeline for everyone.
How long does kratom withdrawal last?
There is no single evidence-based number of days that fits every person. A review in American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy found that human clinical data on kratom were low quality, which limits firm conclusions about its effects and risks. A separate review of controlled studies reported that withdrawal was not reliably observed with moderate use and was not reliably produced even among some heavier long-term users; more research is needed to understand when physical dependence develops.
That uncertainty is a good reason to involve a clinician instead of trying to predict your course from an online timeline. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedatives are also involved, do not try to manage withdrawal alone. Withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines can be dangerous and needs medical care.
Is kratom withdrawal the same as opioid withdrawal?
They are not identical, but there is an important overlap. FDA says mitragynine and 7-OH bind to mu-opioid receptors, the same receptor family involved with opioid drugs. NCCIH says people have reported both stimulant-like effects, such as increased energy and rapid heart rate, and opioid- or sedative-like effects, such as relaxation and confusion.
People sometimes use kratom while trying to manage opioid withdrawal, but it can itself lead to dependence and withdrawal. If opioids are part of the picture, MedlinePlus’ opioid withdrawal guide explains that care may occur at home with a strong support system, in a detox setting, or in a hospital when symptoms are severe. A clinician should decide what fits your situation.
Should you taper, quit at once, or use 7-OH?
Do not use a do-it-yourself taper schedule, and do not use 7-OH as a substitute for withdrawal. FDA says there are no FDA-approved products containing 7-OH and reports harms including addiction, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, seizures, and withdrawal symptoms. A clinician can assess your health, other substances or medicines, mental-health needs, and the level of support that would make stopping safer. Do not adjust a prescribed medicine on your own.
FDA also warns that 7-OH products are potent opioid products. If you have been using them, tell the clinician exactly what the package says and bring the package or a photo of its label if you can.
What does getting help for kratom withdrawal look like?
Start with primary care, addiction medicine, or a substance-use treatment program. SAMHSA says treatment for substance use disorders can combine medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, tailored to each person’s needs. The published kratom literature includes case reports and a small case series, not a settled standard plan for kratom withdrawal. That is why a clinician should guide any treatment decision rather than an online checklist.
If you are helping someone else, keep the conversation simple: ask what they are using, whether other substances are involved, and whether they feel safe today. You can also use the same urgent-care signs above as a reason to call for immediate help.
How do you find care today?
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential, available 24/7 in English and Spanish, and can connect individuals and families with local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 435748, or use FindTreatment.gov.
For suicidal thoughts, self-harm thoughts, or an emotional crisis, call, text, or chat 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For an emergency, call 911.
Before you decide what to do next
- Tell a clinician if you use alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedatives as well as kratom.
- Tell them about heart, liver, or mental-health conditions and pregnancy.
- Ask for a plan that covers withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and ongoing support—not just the first few days.
- Kratom and 7-OH laws differ by state and can change; check current law where you live.
If drug testing is part of your concern, this site’s Delta 9 drug-test guide explains why product type and testing questions need clear, current information. For a broader safety question about combining supplements and medicines, see drug-interaction checks.
Urgent symptoms still need urgent action: seizures, confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, trouble breathing, a very fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm mean call 911 or seek emergency care. For non-emergency support, call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 435748, use FindTreatment.gov, or call, text, or chat 988.
By HealthDataConsortium.org Research Team
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
