Kratom and Energy Drinks

TL;DR: This guide explores the topic of kratom and energy drinks, breaking down what happens when the two are combined. Kratom energy drinks often contain kratom extract and caffeine, but scientific research on their interaction is limited. Due to the unpredictable nature of mixing kratom with stimulants, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider and be mindful of potential risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not promote or endorse kratom use. Kratom is not FDA-approved, and its legal status varies by location. Always consult a healthcare professional before purchasing or using kratom products.

Kratom and energy drinks are two products that have made waves in recent years. Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia and has gained attention in the West. Energy drinks, on the other hand, are practically everywhere - from gas stations to gym bags - offering a quick jolt of caffeine and other stimulants.

But what happens when these two are combined? What should you know about kratom energy drinks, and are there any reasons to be cautious?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What kratom energy drinks are and how they’re made
• How energy drinks with kratom differ from taking kratom alone
• What current research (and regulations) say about combining kratom and stimulants
• What to consider before trying an energy drink with kratom

Ready? Let’s take a closer look.

Kratom energy drinks are exactly what they sound like - beverages that include kratom (usually in extract form) as one of the ingredients, alongside typical energy drink components such as:

• Caffeine
• Taurine
• B-vitamins
• Sweeteners or herbal additives

Most commercially available kratom energy drinks use a refined form of kratom, such as a liquid kratom extract or alkaloid blend, often in small amounts. These drinks are sometimes marketed as botanical or herbal alternatives to traditional energy drinks.

Kratom contains naturally occurring alkaloids, most notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are thought to interact with receptors in the brain. At lower doses, kratom is often described as energizing or mildly stimulating - leading some people to think it pairs well with energy drinks.

But here’s the catch: caffeine and kratom are both stimulants. Combining them could potentially amplify effects like:

• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness or jitteriness
• Dehydration
• Elevated blood pressure

Because kratom’s effects can vary widely depending on dose, strain, and individual response, mixing it with a stimulant like caffeine adds an unpredictable variable.

While scientific studies are scarce, anecdotal experiences from forums and social media suggest mixed results.

Some report that energy drinks with kratom reduce kratom’s perceived effectiveness, especially at higher caffeine levels. Others feel overstimulated, particularly if they’re sensitive to stimulants.

Here’s a quick look at common user-reported experiences:

• Mild alertness when combining small amounts of kratom products with low-caffeine drinks
• Jitters, restlessness, or stomach discomfort when caffeine is high
• Reduced kratom effects when energy drinks are consumed before or during kratom use

Remember: These are personal experiences, not medical facts.

There’s currently no conclusive scientific evidence that confirms the safety or risks of mixing kratom with energy drinks. However, there are a few things to consider:

Energy Drinks with Kratom - Possible Risks:

• Cardiovascular stress: Both substances may increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Dehydration: Energy drinks are mildly dehydrating - when paired with kratom, it may be harder to stay hydrated.
• Reduced sleep quality: Both kratom and caffeine can affect sleep, especially if consumed later in the day.
• Unknown interactions: Kratom has not been widely studied in combination with caffeine or other energy drink ingredients.

A few products on the market are branded as “kratom energy shots” or “herbal energy drinks.” These usually feature:

• A small dose of kratom extract
• Other herbs (like ginseng or guarana)
• High levels of caffeine
• Flavor additives or preservatives

These products typically market themselves as “natural” or “plant-based,” but keep in mind that natural doesn’t mean risk-free. Without standardized testing, the actual amount of kratom - or its alkaloids - can vary from product to product. And if you take into  consideration various kratom colors and strains available on the market, things get even more complicated.

Q: Is it okay to drink coffee or energy drinks with kratom?

A: There is no medical consensus on this. Some users report overstimulation when combining kratom and caffeine. Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing.

Q: Do kratom energy drinks work better than kratom alone?

A: Some people report feeling more alert, but others say caffeine dulls kratom’s effects. Reactions vary widely.

Q: Are kratom energy drinks legal?

A: It depends on your location. Kratom’s legality varies by state and country. Always check local regulations.

Energy drinks with kratom are an emerging trend - but one that raises important questions. While both substances can possibly be used for their reported stimulating effects, combining them isn’t without concerns. The interaction between kratom alkaloids and caffeine isn't well studied, and individual responses can be unpredictable.

If you’re curious about trying a kratom energy drink, don’t forget to do your research, understand the possible risks, and, most importantly, consult with a healthcare professional before making that decision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider and verify local laws before considering the use of kratom or energy drink products.

Sources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6598159/
• https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
• https://academic.oup.com/ehjcr/article/8/8/ytae364/7718898
• https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom