Kratom overdose is a real and growing concern. Medical and regulatory experts agree that kratom acts like an opioid, carrying real risks of addiction, withdrawal, and even fatal overdose.

How is Kratom sold?

Kratom products are sold in powders, gummies and energy-style drinks, all derived from a plant native to Southeast Asia. They are widely available online, in smoke shops and even at gas stations, often promoted as natural remedies for fatigue, pain relief and opioid withdrawal.

The shot-like capsules of kratom and other “botanical” supplements may look harmless as they line convenience store counters, but the risks are well documented. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were 1,807 kratom-related exposure calls between 2011 and 2017, and the number has continued to rise since then[2].

Can You Overdose on Kratom and Die?

It is possible to overdose on kratom, and in some cases, it can be fatal. A Tampa Bay Times investigation revealed that more than 580 people died from kratom-involved overdoses in Florida over the last decade. While most of these deaths involved other substances, 46 were attributed to kratom alone[5].

Why Kratom Linked Deaths Are Increasing?

A major factor is the lack of regulation in the kratom market. Products are often sold without dosing instructions, ingredient lists, or accurate labeling, leaving consumers to guess at potency and safety. Vendors frequently advertise their kratom as “powerful,” “most potent,” or “long-lasting,” yet independent testing has shown that many of these products fail to disclose their true strength.

Investigations led by the Tampa Bay Times have revealed that some kratom products are heavily enhanced or adulterated with concentrated alkaloids. In one case, a scientist described a packet of kratom pills as being so strong and labeled it “legal morphine.” The same reporting found that at least one in five kratom-only deaths involved products manufactured to be far more concentrated than traditional leaf preparations.

One high-profile case underscoring these risks was the death of Tyler Wall, a fitness instructor known for working with YouTuber MrBeast, whose cause of death was confirmed as kratom toxicity.

Who is at most risk of Kratom overdose?

Kratom companies and lobbyists often market the plant as a safe way to escape opioid addiction. However, medical records confirm that the majority of kratom-only overdoses involved people with a history of opioid misuse. More than half had previously used drugs such as oxycodone or heroin. In several cases, individuals overdosed on kratom while attempting to wean themselves off stronger opioids.

Kratom Overdose Symptoms

Kratom use can cause a wide range of side effects that vary from mild discomfort to serious medical emergencies. Physicians and toxicologists report that people using kratom may experience agitation, anxiety and, in some cases, psychosis. Physical symptoms often include sweating, dizziness, nausea, elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.

At the more severe end, individuals have been found extremely drowsy, unresponsive or in states resembling opioid overdose[3]. These effects highlight the unpredictable nature of kratom, especially when consumed in high doses or in concentrated forms.

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) Kratom Overdose

Experts are particularly concerned about 7-hydroxymitragynine, a kratom byproduct that has infiltrated the market in recent years. Described as “legal morphine,” 7-OH is much more addictive and problematic than traditional kratom. The FDA recommended classifying 7-OH as an illicit substance due to its high potency and addictive potential, with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stating, “7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine”[1]. Many consumers are unaware of the difference between kratom and its concentrated byproducts like 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), increasing the risk of unintended overdoses[1][5].

References

  1. FDA Announces Plans to Control Kratom Byproduct, Food and Drug Administration, 2025.
  2. Kratom Exposures, American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2017.
  3. Kratom Side Effects, National Institutes of Health, 2020.
  4. Kratom, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023.
  5. Tampa Bay Times Investigation on Kratom Overdoses, Tampa Bay Times, 2024.
  6. Kratom Factsheet, Drug Enforcement Administration, 2022.
  7. Kratom Pharmacology, National Institutes of Health, 2021.