October 30, 2024

Coroner Cautions Against Use of Kratom After Recent Death

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape is cautioning about the dangerous over-the-counter “supplement” Kratom after the toxicology report of a recent death showed the decedent died from an excessive dose. In late August, a 36-year-old woman died of polydrug toxicity, including a lethal dose of the still-legal Kratom.

“In low doses, Kratom causes enhanced energy,” Tape said. “In moderate doses, it causes sedation. In large doses, it can cause death, particularly when combined with other substances or when the user has other health conditions.”

Kratom is an herb derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been heavily marketed in the United States in recent years, and is even available in pill form in many gas stations and convenience stores.

“Although I don’t recommend using this plant derivative at all, it is intended for low-dose use in tea,” Tape said. “Higher doses and frequent use can lead to hallucinations, delusions, loss of appetite, and a myriad of other harmful symptoms and conditions. And, in worst cases, it is fatal.

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