Journal of psychoactive drugs
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Nov 2020
Case ReportsA Complex Case of Kratom Dependence, Depression, and Chronic Pain in Opioid Use Disorder: Effects of Buprenorphine in Clinical Management.
Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) is a psychotropic tropical tree that is indigenous to Southeast Asia, Africa and New Guinea. Kratom has gained popularity in the United States in more recent years as an opioid agonist. Although Kratom is considered an opioid agonist with abuse potential, its use is not federally regulated. ⋯ Four months after initiation, the patient's depression and anxiety symptoms resolved, and he was able to discontinue his antidepressant and anxiolytic medications. Kratom dependence and withdrawal appear similar to that of opioids, and may also lead to worsening depression and anxiety. Buprenorphine-naloxone may be a viable option to consider for treating opioid use disorder complicated by Kratom use, chronic pain, and depression.