[__blockcipher__]

False. Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) is unique in that it does not seem to trigger respiratory depression. So it’s not just the legal status.

However it is true that drugs like heroin (when pure) are quite safe overall - aside from the respiratory depresssion overdose scenario.

[callmekit]

Wikipedia explicitly mentions respiratory depression as a side effect of kratom: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_speciosa

I haven't checked their sources, though.

[__blockcipher__]

It may be a side effect of taking huge amounts of extract, but is not possible when consuming the leaves, as far as I know. I’ve known people who claim to take an ounce (28g) of leave per day without issue. (I take btw 2-8 grams in a day myself so I can’t speak to higher doses)

In general taking excessive amounts triggers vomiting, similar to when you eat too many psilocybin mushrooms (well, some say it’s ideal to vomit shroom-wise, but I’m not a fan). So mitragyna speciosa is incredibly safe.

Unfortunately Wikipedia’s treatment of the topic could be improved, but there is very little existing literature out there. I read one review study I was pretty happy with but I’m not on a laptop so i can’t go dig up the link unfortunately

[ianai]

I take a muscle relaxer that is non drowsy, yet it’s listed side effects include the same statements of drowsiness seen on all muscle relaxers. They slap the same side effects on drugs of the same class.

[sporkologist]

> They slap the same side effects on drugs of the same class

They spend billions on developing and promoting these, and they can't figure out the side effects for a specific drug? Maybe they should spend just a little bit more.

[GW150914]

Does Kratom have other undesirable side effects? How is it on the liver? If the population present opiate users switched to Kratom, what would we see?

[scoggs]

I've heard it causes pretty significant constipation in some cases. I guess that's undesirable.

[GordonS]

It does cause some constipation, but it's nothing compared to that caused by even 'weak' opioids like tramadol or dihydrocodeine.

[pault]

Instant end to opiate overdose deaths, for one.