TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- The FDA is warning the public to avoid a drug that's gaining popularity to relieve pain. We're talking about Kratom, and you may have heard about it's mood-enhancing abilities.
It comes from a plant found in Southeast Asia, and lately Kratom has been gaining popularity in the United states as a natural pain killer.
Kratom comes in a variety of forms, from extracts, to resins, and tinctures.
We found multiple smoke shops in Tallahassee that sell these products.
According to Kratom.com, the first commercial kratom supplier in the country, this substance helps to ease body aches, anxiety, and can alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
For one man who suffers from a handful of seizures a year, kratom did more than just ease pain.
"It cleared my speech up," says Alexander Jones, a kratom user. "It made my mind sharper. I don't worry about having seizures anyway, but as long as I'm on that, I'm not worried about having a seizure at all."
A natural drug that is able to help some individuals live a better life.
Much like every drug, kratom can cause side effects when taken.
So what's the FDA worried about? This week's warning refers to the opioid properties of kratom... and the potential that users might abuse the drug.
Kratom.com does warn that users could have some withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug.
The full FDA warning can be found here.
