The Dangers of Combining Kratom and Ibuprofen for Pain Relief

The Risks of Mixing Kratom and Ibuprofen

Kratom has become an increasingly popular herbal supplement in recent years. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom is used to ease pain, lift mood, reduce anxiety, and assist with opioid withdrawal symptoms.

However, kratom is not regulated by the FDA and there are rising concerns over its safety profile and potential for abuse. A recent study published in the journal Pharmacotherapy showed a significant increase in calls to poison control centers related to kratom use from 2011 to 2017, highlighting the need for further research into the risks associated with this botanical drug.

What is Kratom?

Kratom contains compounds called alkaloids, most notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These substances interact with the brains opioid receptors to produce sedation and pain-relieving effects.

The leaves can be brewed as a tea, crushed into a powder and swallowed, or smoked for a rapid onset of effects. Doses are measured in grams and typically range from 2 to 15 grams.

Why Do People Take Kratom?

At lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant. People report heightened energy, sociability, and alertness. At higher doses, opioid-like sedation sets in. Kratom is used recreationally for its mild euphoric side effects.

Many also take kratom to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. The supplements are easily purchased at head shops, gas stations, and online. This accessibility alarms health officials.

The Dangers of Kratom Use

Side Effects

Reported side effects of kratom include nausea, constipation, facial flushing, palpitations, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. More severe reactions involve hallucinations, seizures, liver damage, kidney failure, excessively rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Overdose Risks

While human overdoses related solely to kratom are rare, they can be serious or even fatal. Signs and symptoms include extreme sedation, seizure, agitation and hallucinations, liver toxicity, excessively low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

There are also many reports of fatalities among those combining kratom with other substances, including benzodiazepines, fentanyl, diphenhydramine, alcohol, and over-the-counter cold medicines containing dextromethorphan.

Addiction Potential

Regular kratom use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation, including muscle/bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, aggression, hostility, mood swings and jerky motor movements. Withdrawal may exacerbate anxiety and depression.

The Risks of Mixing Kratom and Ibuprofen

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever. Common brand names for ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin.

Concerns Over Combined Use with Kratom

Taking kratom with ibuprofen or any other NSAID is dangerous and potentially even fatal. Both kratom and NSAIDs can independently impact kidney function. Combined use may increase the risk of acute kidney injury.

Additionally, since kratom acts in part on opioid receptors, combining it with an NSAID like ibuprofen could theoretically make the opioid effects stronger, raising the risk of respiratory depression and acute overdose. There is also a heightened danger of seizures when mixing kratom with other drugs.

Risk of Liver Damage

There have been rare reports of liver injury resulting from regular and chronic kratom use. Animal studies also suggest possible liver toxicity when taking high doses of kratom. NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen are already taxing on the liver when taken alone, so liver injury may be magnified when mixing these agents.

Safer Alternatives for Pain Relief

Kratom may seem like an easy fix for pain compared to searching for the source of discomfort and pursuing professional treatment. However, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits, especially when taking kratom with ibuprofen or other medications.

Seeking a Proper Diagnosis

Instead of self-medicating, consult with a doctor to pinpoint the underlying cause behind chronic or nagging pain. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for customized treatment and prevention of serious side effects associated with kratom use.

Physiotherapy

For musculoskeletal pain, physiotherapy with muscle strengthening, flexibility, and conditioning exercises can provide relief without medication side effects. Physiotherapists can also utilize ultrasound, heat/ice therapy, and electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture activates natural healing processes by stimulating specific pressure points along meridians in the body through the strategic placement of thin needles into the skin. Relief often lasts for months between sessions.

Mind-Body Therapies

Chronic pain can worsen with stress. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, hypnotherapy and other mind-body modalities induce deep relaxation while teaching patients how to manage discomfort through mental focus, breathing, and movement techniques.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.