Kratom Hangover Guide: Does Kratom Give You a Hangover? A Real Look at Kratom Side Effects, Symptoms, and Best Uses

Kratom Hangover Guide: Does Kratom Give You a Hangover? A Real Look at Kratom Side Effects, Symptoms, and Best Uses

Posted by Real Botanicals on

Kratom is a natural herb native to Southeast Asia, known for its energizing and pain-relieving properties. For centuries, people have been using kratom to improve mood and combat fatigue. However, kratom can cause undesirable side effects if you take too much at once. When the adverse effects associated with kratom use worsen as your kratom dose wears off, it's often called a "kratom hangover".   

A kratom hangover is a set of unpleasant symptoms that can occur after a day of using kratom. A Real Botanicals, we always advocate for mindful and responsible kratom use. Today, we’re discussing:

  • What is a kratom hangover?

  • What are the symptoms of a kratom hangover?

  • How to avoid a kratom hangover.

  • Why does a kratom hangover happen, and how to recover quickly if you get one. 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding kratom use.

 

What Is a Kratom Hangover?

Kratom hangover refers to a collection of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that may arise the day after using kratom, especially at high doses or after prolonged use. 

Unlike opioid withdrawal, a kratom hangover is typically milder and short-lived, often resembling an alcohol or cannabis hangover in its fatigue and cognitive sluggishness. It's thought to result from dehydration, overstimulation of the nervous system, and the body's adjustment to kratom's active alkaloids (primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine).

Kratom Hangover Symptoms

Similar to an alcohol hangover in symptoms, these are the symptoms you may experience with a kratom hangover:

  • Headache

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Irritability or mood swings

  • Body aches or muscle soreness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Dry mouth

  • Insomnia or restless sleep

  • Mild depression or anxiety

Is there a cure for the kratom hangover? Yes; time, hydration, rest, and self-care.

If any symptoms are severe or do not seem to be passing, consult a healthcare professional. Especially if kratom was combined with other substances such as alcohol, stimulants, or recreational drugs.

Why Does Kratom Hangover Occur?

Kratom is derived from a plant that contains a variety of alkaloids in its leaves. It's the kratom alkaloids that give us the pleasant experience we feel when taking kratom. The most well-known alkaloids that provide the benefits of kratom include:

These alkaloids interact with the brain receptors, leading to energizing, stimulating, and sedating effects. 

But taking too much kratom at once can flood the body’s central nervous system with too much activity at once. This is overwhelming and causes side effects like nausea and excitability, or conversely, sedation. As the dose wears off, low mood and other common hangover symptoms can set in, very much like other psychoactive substances may do as they wear off.

What Causes a Kratom Hangover?

After the effects wear off, the sudden drop in receptor activity, primarily the mu-opioid receptors, can lead to fatigue, low mood, body aches, and mild withdrawal-like symptoms. This rebound effect contributes to the hangover, especially after high doses of kratom are taken. Often, it’s the result of overuse of kratom extracts due to a misunderstanding of just how potent these kratom products can be.

The body can also experience dehydration as a result, which can make you feel pretty terrible. Headaches, fatigue, irritability—it can be overwhelming, at the least. Inadequate rest, fluids, or poor nutrition can amplify these effects, leading to a “hangover” after your dose or the next day.

  1. Consuming too much kratom: The leading cause of a kratom hangover is taking too much kratom all at once. High doses of kratom can cause overstimulation and dehydration, both of which contribute to hangover symptoms.

  2. Dehydration: Kratom has a mild diuretic effect. To avoid feeling poor after a kratom dose wears off, stay well-hydrated during and after kratom use. 

  3. Mixing kratom use with other substances: Kratom should never be mixed with alcohol, sedatives, stimulants, or recreational drugs, which can be risky, dangerous, or produce unpredictable results.

  4. Sensitivity: If you are particularly sensitive to kratom’s alkaloids or the plant material, you may feel heightened effects during and after a dose. 

  5. Medications: Certain medications do not mix well with kratom use. (Your doctor should be your first reference for info on this.)

  6. Extracts: Extracts are exponentially more potent than regular kratom powders, so it may be easy to overdo it. Read the directions and potency information before calculating the right kratom dose for you.

  7. Poor health: If you are dehydrated, malnourished, or in poor health due to underlying medical conditions, you may feel more intense effects during or after your kratom dose. 

Using High-Quality Kratom Is Essential

When you are using kratom, you often get what you pay for. And not just monetarily speaking. If you don’t do your research. If you buy on a whim. If you end up with low-quality kratom.

Consumption of low-quality kratom is never a good idea. These kratom products can contain contaminants and toxins, which can accelerate the kratom hangover side effects. Worse, they can pose even greater risks to your health.

That is why purchasing from a reputable kratom vendor like Real Botanicals may save you more than headaches. We lab test every single batch of our premium kratom products, and prioritize your health, safety, and experience with every dose.

Learn more about using kratom and kratom dosage the smart way.

Kratom Hangover Symptoms to Watch For

Kratom hangover symptoms can be physical, mental, or both. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Type

Symptom

Description 






Physical 


Headache

May occur due to dehydration or taking more kratom than usual.


Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or sluggish, even after resting.


Nausea

A common response to overuse or a lack of hydration.






Mental 


Brain Fog

Trouble focusing, thinking clearly, or staying mentally sharp.


Irritability

Feeling more impatient or easily annoyed than usual.


Low Mood

Experiencing a temporary lack of motivation or feeling down.


How Long Do Kratom Hangover Symptoms Last? 

How long a kratom hangover lasts depends on how much you took and how your body reacts to it. On average, kratom hangovers can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Staying hydrated, resting, and eating well can help you recover more quickly.

The recovery is similar to the steps you'd take to avoid kratom side effects, as well. Common kratom side effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Dry mouth

  • Itching or sweating

  • Loss of appetite

  • Increased urination

  • Anxiety or restlessness (especially at low doses)

  • Sedation or drowsiness (especially at high doses)

  • Headache

 

How Kratom Users Can Recover from a Kratom Hangover

If you've tried to avoid a kratom hangover and found yourself feeling the effects of one anyway, there are a few tricks to curbing your symptoms. Here's how to get back on track if you're feeling rough after your kratom dose wears off: 

Hydration and Electrolytes

Dehydration is one of the main reasons people feel the effects of both kratom side effects (symptoms that occur during your kratom dose) and a kratom hangover (symptoms that follow your kratom dose). Symptoms like headaches and thirst are often indicators of poor hydration, but we'd defer to your doctor's expertise.

Water and electrolytes are both essential to maintain your body’s strength and electrolyte balance. 

  • Drink water steadily throughout the day, not all at once.

  • Add electrolytes (via sports drinks, electrolyte powders, or coconut water).

  • Eat water-rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon, oranges, or cucumber.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.

  • Sip broth or herbal teas for gentle hydration.

  • Set reminders to drink water if kratom suppresses thirst.

Avoid taking kratom on an empty stomach if you are prone to kratom withdrawal symptoms, primarily tummy issues. Taking with food can slow the onset of your kratom, which can also help.

We recommend mindful kratom use for this and other reasons, but if you are honest with your self-evaluations, then you can better understand your body's response to the kratom doses you are taking. (And, mindfully adjust to smaller dosages, when necessary.)

Essential to curbing the adverse symptoms of kratom use or kratom hangover is to rest your body. Treat kratom fatigue by getting enough rest, rehydrating, and eating a variety of healthy foods—nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to naturally support your energy and provide antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body and help your cells fight oxidative stress.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

  • Berries: High in anthocyanins and vitamin C, supporting heart and brain health. Dark chocolate: Rich in flavanols, which may help protect the heart. WebMD

  • Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds): Contain vitamin E and other antioxidants.

  • Artichokes: High in polyphenols, contributing to antioxidant capacity. 

  • Beans (kidney, black, pinto): Packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins.

  • Spices (cloves, cinnamon, turmeric): Contain potent compounds like eugenol and curcumin.

  • Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale): Rich in lutein and beta-carotene.

  • Fruits (apples, plums, pomegranates): Provide polyphenols and vitamin C.

And for added calming support while you recover:

When to Skip Your Next Dose of Kratom

If you're still experiencing symptoms, your body isn't ready for more kratom, but less. Often, when one builds a tolerance and dependency, it is because they did not recognize this need from their body, or ignored it and upped their kratom dosage, thinking they need more kratom to feel better.

But taking breaks from kratom can be a healthy part of your kratom journey. Giving your body a break from kratom can help prevent tolerance buildup or dependency. 

  • Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms: Consider stopping kratom use until this is addressed with your medical care team.

  • Kratom Hangover Symptoms: Overdoing it with your kratom doses can take a toll. Rest up and skip taking kratom for at least a few days. 

  • Kratom Side Effects: If your kratom side effects are bothersome, cut down or stop taking kratom until you feel the side effects ease. If they are persistent, speak with your doctor.

Kratom Hangover vs Kratom Withdrawal 

Sometimes it can be challenging to recognize the difference between a kratom hangover and kratom withdrawal. The two key factors are the duration and severity of your symptoms.

Here are some of the major differences between a kratom hangover and kratom withdrawal: 

Aspect 

Kratom Hangover

Kratom Withdrawal 


Cause

Overconsumption of kratom in a short period

Long-term or habitual use


Onset

After a single large dose

After stopping or reducing regular use


Duration

A few hours to one day

Several days to weeks (depending on severity)


Symptoms

Nausea, headache, fatigue, mental fog

Muscle pain, irritability, anxiety, and cravings


Severity

Mild to moderate

Moderate to severe


How to Prevent Kratom Hangovers

Using kratom responsibly helps you avoid kratom adverse effects, including those next-day kratom hangovers.  

Know Your Dose

Always start with a low dose for the amount of kratom you take. Monitor your body’s response. Because we all respond a bit differently to kratom, our use of kratom may differ from one person to the next. Knowing your optimal kratom dose will prevent overuse, minimize side effects, and improve your kratom experience. 

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or Stimulants

Don’t mix kratom with alcohol or stimulants. Combining kratom with other substances can amplify its effects and increase the likelihood of dehydration and overstimulation. For better guidance and prevention, consult a healthcare professional. 

Choose Lab-Tested, Clean Products

You may notice your side effects are worse with low-quality kratom. Ensure the purity of your products by buying lab-tested, pure kratom only. Stick with trusted kratom vendors who only offer top-tier kratom selections.

Low-quality kratom may be contaminated with impurities, chemical fillers, adulterated compounds, or contain heavy metals. 

Manage Your Kratom Frequency

Re-read the instructions on your kratom product. You may discover that you've been taking your kratom doses too close together. Reduce frequency if you are experiencing kratom hangovers. 

When to Seek Medical Help

Mostly, kratom hangovers are not severe and are easy to manage with rest and hydration. But if you still experience symptoms of kratom hangover, or other symptoms such as confusion and chest pain, then you should seek medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider and follow their instructions promptly.  

FAQs About Kratom Hangovers

Are hangovers normal with kratom?

Kratom hangovers aren't the normal response to a normal dose of kratom, but what happens when you overdo it. The effects of a kratom hangover can ruin your experience with kratom, so take it slow when starting kratom, and be mindful of how much kratom you take.

How long does a kratom hangover last?

Depending on the dose and the body’s response, the signs and symptoms of kratom hangover can last from a few hours to a full day.

Does everyone

Not everyone experiences kratom hangovers, but high-dose, unregulated, and frequent use can increase the risk.

What strains cause fewer side effects?

Certain strains of kratom (or kratom products) could be too strong for you. Some users may be more sensitive to different kratom strains. If you frequently experience kratom hangover symptoms, the best kratom for you may be a single-strain, full-spectrum red kratom or a kratom dose that also has kava in the formulation. (Try our kratom + kava shots!) 

Responsible Kratom Consumption for a Better Experience

Want to have positive and rewarding kratom effects? Start using kratom responsibly. Stay hydrated, manage your kratom dose, and take breaks to avoid hangovers. If your dose of kratom causes you to experience hangover-like symptoms, you may be using too much. Take a break from kratom to rehydrate and rest.   

If you’re looking for smoother, low-crash kratom formulas, consider selecting high-quality kratom products from Real Botanicals! 

← Older Post Newer Post →