Kratom For Depression And Anxiety: Types, Dosage, Side Effects, More

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Anxiety and Depression

Can You Use Kratom for Depression and Anxiety?

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Carly Vandergriendt — Updated on December 5, 2025

Primary effects
Other purported benefits
Active ingredients
Strains
Dosage
Effects on brain and body
Duration
Side effects and risks
Takeaway

Key takeaways

Although some people take kratom for depression and anxiety, its safety and effectiveness aren’t proven; more research is needed.
Kratom isn’t FDA-approved and carries risks like addiction potential, drug interactions, contamination, and varying legal status.
If considering kratom, proceed with caution by starting with a low dose, taking note of side effects, and consulting with a medical professional.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to South Asia. Kratom leaves or extract from its leaves have been used in alternative medicine for chronic pain and other conditions.

Some people claim that kratom can be used to self-treat symptoms of depression or anxiety. Although some evidence suggests that certain strains of kratom can help alleviate these symptoms, more research is needed.

If you’re thinking about using kratom to treat depression or anxiety symptoms, exercise caution and talk with a medical professional first.

Kratom has the potential to become addictive. Regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it.
Using kratom in combination with other drugs has been linked to deaths and severe adverse effects such as liver problems. More research is needed to understand how kratom interacts with other drugs.
The long-term effects of kratom are not well researched or understood.
Harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and bacteria have been found in some kratom products.

The FDA has not approved kratom as safe and effective for any medical purpose, including anxiety and depression. Therefore, it cannot be lawfully marketed as a drug product or as a dietary supplement. It also cannot be lawfully added to conventional foods.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) on the market in the United States.

This article takes a closer look at Kratom, its active ingredients, purported benefits, and potential risks.

In the United States, the legal status of kratom varies by state and municipality

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is restricting products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (a concentrated Kratom byproduct) under the Controlled Substances Act.

Although kratom is technically legal at the federal level, some states have chosen to ban the substance, making it illegal to own, grow, sell, or use it. These include:

Alabama
Arkansas
Indiana
Rhode Island
Vermont
Wisconsin

In other states, Kratom may be legal, but may have certain restrictions imposed.

Does kratom work for depression and anxiety?

Kratom isn’t technically an opioid, but its effects are similar to those of opioids, such as morphine or codeine.

The active ingredient in kratom is mitragynine. Mitragynine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, relieving pain. This action might be behind the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects reported by some kratom users.

There’s currently very little research on kratom’s effects on mood. A 2017 review confirmed that among some users, kratom enhances mood and relieves anxiety.

Researchers in the study also highlighted that kratom can have sedative effects. Researchers have yet to examine whether side effects such as sedation can interfere with its purported benefits.

Other purported benefits of kratom

In addition to depression and anxiety, kratom is said to treat the following conditions:

pain
muscle aches
fatigue
opioid addiction and withdrawal
diarrhea
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

According to a 2017 review, other studies report that kratom also has anti-inflammatory, immunity-enhancing, and appetite-suppressing effects.

However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

What is kratom exactly?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree in the coffee family found in Thailand and parts of Southeast Asia.

Kratom’s active ingredient, mitragynine, is found in its leaves. At lower doses, mitragynine has energizing effects. At higher doses, it has sedative effects.

In parts of Southeast Asia, people have been using kratom for centuries. Other names for kratom include:

biak
ketum
thang
thom
herbal speedball

Kratom can be ingested in a variety of forms, including:

capsules
tablets
gum
tinctures
extracts

In some cases, kratom leaves are eaten fresh or dried, or boiled and consumed as a tea. Dried leaves can also be ground up into a powder and ingested.

Kratom can be smoked or vaporized, though this is less common.

The method of ingestion may influence kratom’s effects. However, there’s currently no research identifying which method is preferable or more effective.

The FDA has not approved kratom as safe and effective for any medical purpose, including anxiety and depression.

Are there different types or strains?

Different types of kratom are called strains. Most kratom strains are named according to their places of origin, harvesting processes, or drying methods.

As with marijuana strains, different kratom strains have slightly different effects.

There’s currently no research into the effects of different strains of kratom. The following descriptions are based only on anecdotal reports.

It’s also worth noting that the effects of a particular strain might vary from one supplier to another.

Maeng da

Maeng da refers to several different types of purportedly strong and long-lasting kratom.

Maeng da originated in Thailand, but Indonesian and Malaysian maeng da strains are also available. Maeng da can be green, red, or white in color.

It’s said to act as a stimulant, increasing energy while also inducing feelings of well-being and reducing pain. Some people report feeling talkative after taking maeng da.

Indo

Indo kratom comes from Indonesia. It can be green, red, or white in color.

Indo kratom is considered to be less stimulating than other strains, though some types may have mild energizing effects.

In general, Indo strains are known for increasing relaxation, relieving pain, and promoting feelings of well-being. They are thought to help with anxiety.

Bali/red vein

Bali kratom originates in Indonesia. It’s reddish in color and believed to provide effective pain relief.

Users say it’s the most “opioid-like” of all the kratom strains. It may help relieve pain-related conditions, such as depression or chronic pain.

Green Malay

Green Malay kratom comes from Malaysia. It’s dark green in color.

At low doses, it’s said to provide energy and focus along with pain relief. At high doses, it may have more of a sedative effect.

It’s said to help with anxiety.

Thai

Thai kratom comes from Thailand. Red, green, and white vein Thai kratom is available, and the effects may vary according to color.

Green and white vein strains are said to provide stimulation and create a euphoric “high.”

Red vein Thai kratom is said to provide pain relief.

Borneo

Borneo kratom comes from Borneo. It comes in red, green, and white vein varieties.

Compared to other strains, Borneo kratom is considered to have a more sedating effect. It may be used to treat anxiety and stress.

Malaysian

Malaysian strains, including green, red, and white vein kratom varieties, are said to provide a balance between stimulating and sedative effects.

Users report mood lifts, pain relief, and increased energy and focus.

Are dosage guidelines available?

Little is known about kratom dosage guidelines for depression and anxiety.

Generally speaking, the recommended dose depends on your age, sex, and health status. Other factors, such as the method of ingestion and the strain, can also influence kratom’s effects.

For example, kratom extract is considered to be significantly more potent than kratom powder.

In a 2018 study based on a survey of 8,049 people who use kratom, most people reported that a dose of up to 5 grams of powder taken up to 3 times per day was adequate to experience effects.

It’s recommended that you start with a low dose, gradually increasing the amount until you achieve the desired effect.

The following general guidelines indicate low to high doses for kratom powder, as well as kratom’s effects according to dose:

Category	Dose	Effects
Low to moderate	1 to 5 grams	– increased energy and focus
High	5 to 15 grams	– pain relief – opioid-like “high” – increased risk of side effects
Risky	> 15 grams	– sedation – increased risk of serious side effects

What might you experience upon ingestion?

Kratom can have a variety of effects, depending on the individual, dosage, and other factors. Research into kratom’s effects is ongoing.

The following lists are based on the research that’s currently available, but may not be exhaustive due to their limited nature.

Effects on the brain and behavior

Kratom may have the following mental, emotional, and behavioral effects:

increased focus
reduced anxiety
enhanced mood
euphoria
increased talkativeness

Effects on the body

Kratom may have the following effects on your body:

increased energy
decreased pain
muscle relaxation

How long do these effects last?

Kratom usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to take effect.

At low to moderate doses, kratom’s effects last around 2 hours. At higher doses, effects can last up to five hours.

What are the potential side effects or risks of kratom?

Although kratom is well-tolerated by many people, side effects are possible.

Mild side effects may include:

dry mouth
itching
frequent urination
headache
constipation
drowsiness
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
mood changes

Severe side effects may include:

heart palpitations
high blood pressure
insomnia
loss of appetite
loss of libido
memory problems
kidney problems
liver problems
psychosis

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that out of 660 calls to poison control centers about kratom exposure, most reported side effects were minor or moderate.

Potential drug interactions

Kratom may interact with other substances, including alcohol, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In rare cases, a kratom overdose can lead to coma and death.

Stopping kratom use after a period of time is associated with withdrawal symptoms. This includes insomnia, mood swings, and nausea.

Withdrawal may exacerbate anxiety and depression.

A 2017 review concluded that the potential side effects of using kratom may outweigh the benefits.

The takeaway

If you’re thinking about taking kratom for depression or anxiety, take some time to learn about the risks.

Kratom may help relieve certain symptoms, but it may also have negative side effects. For some people, the benefits may not outweigh the risks.

If you decide to take kratom, proceed with caution. Start with a small dose so you can monitor its effects. Consider telling a trusted friend or loved one to check on you.

Remember that kratom can interact with other substances, including medication and alcohol. You shouldn’t drive or operate machinery after taking kratom.

If you experience severe side effects, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

You should also be aware that kratom is illegal in certain states, and there may be certain regulations in other states, such as age restrictions.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Carly Vandergriendt — Updated on December 5, 2025

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