In today’s world, 1 in 10 people aged over 12 suffer from depression in America and are regularly prescribed SSRI anti-depressants to combat this depression. However, regular usage of anti-depressants not only causes addiction and dependency but can also lead to suicidal thoughts and further depression.

Reports by users suffering from severe or mild depression have shown that kratom is a miracle substance to reduce depression. Instead of causing severe changes in mood suddenly, kratom works slowly to create a steady state of optimism in the user.

It has been proven to be much more superior to relieve depression than SSRI anti-depressants because it helps a lot of other symptoms that are associated with depression. These include muscle fatigue, tension, anxiety, stress, lethargy, sleep or appetite problems, mood changes, etc.

It is only when all these issues are addressed together with kratom, which is nonaddictive and does not have significant side effects, which depression can be reduced permanently.

If you suffer from depression, then you should consider using these strains instead of your usual SSRI antidepressants:

Red strains: Red Bali kratom or Red Vein Indo Kratom are famous for their ability to induce a sense f relaxation and calm in the user. They do not cause the user to lose their capacity to concentrate or focus but still allow them to feel that they are soothed and relaxed.

If you suffer from depression and have symptoms such as lack of concentration, excessive tension, fixation on one issue, neuroticism, hyperactivity, etc. and wish to calm down, then the red strain kratom is recommended for you.

It relaxes the nerves and calms down a hyper person, so for those with excessive energy yet depression, red strain kratom is best suited for their needs.

White Strains: For users who feel excessive lethargy, laziness or inability to make an effort to do anything, such as their jobs, then they should consider taking white kratom.

These include White Borneo kratom, which is a miracle substance that provides a boost in energy and moods, alongside a lessening of depression.

Many people report feeling suicidal or not wanting to socialize when they are in a depression, which is why white kratom is the most effective for them. It makes one want to talk, be happy, socialize, go out and do their chores and their jobs, without constantly feeling tired or bored.

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Interactions between Kratom and SSRI?

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a naturally occurring substance made from the leaves of trees grown in Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Borneo, etc.

It belongs to the same family as the coffee tree, and its botanical name is ‘Mitragyna Speciosa’, though it is commonly just referred to as ‘kratom’. It can be taken in powder or capsule form, and is often mixed with tea or any liquid before consuming. For centuries, many people in Southeast Asia have taken kratom due to its excellent qualities.

People suffering from chronic pain, restless legs syndrome (RLS), arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, tension, muscle or back aches, etc. have taken kratom and enjoyed its benefits.

This herbal drug does not cause addiction nor does it have the common side effects associated with other over-the-counter medications.

Because it belongs to the coffee tree family, certain strains of kratom, such as Maeng Da, are popularly used for providing a boost of energy, euphoria and general uplifting of the mood.

The recommended kratom dosage for treating depression is:

  • Slight feelings of daily depression: 1-5 grams
  • Chronic or moderate symptoms of depression: 5-15 grams
  • Severe or extremely dangerous periods of long-term depression: 15-25 grams

What is SSRI?

SSRI are a group of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs by doctors, and stands for ‘Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.’

Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical or a neurotransmitter in the human brain, and these drugs increase the absorption of some serotonin receptors, which also leads to increase in levels of pheromones and dopamine in the body.

Enhanced levels of dopamine and pheromones in the bloodstream send signals to the hypothalamus gland of the human brain, thereby boosting mood and causing sensations of happiness to be felt.

The brand names of SSRI include Prozac, Zoloft, Pexeva, Celexa, Wellbutrin, etc. However, SSRIs have numerous side effects which are quite commonly felt.

These include addiction, withdrawal symptoms that are severe, a decrease in appetite, disruption in sleep patterns, inability to the pattern, lethargy, suicidal thoughts, further depression, etc.

What is the interaction between them?

Users have reported that some SSRIs actually enhance the effects of kratom, and these include Lexapro and Luvox.

Another well known SSRI is Wellbutrin, which can cause inhibition of an enzyme in the body that reduces or slows down the effects of kratom. Taking up to 75mg of Wellbutrin, alongside 5.5 grams of White Vein Sumatra kratom resulted in a user experiencing kratom’s effects, but it took longer for these effects to take effect.

The physical sensations that were felt were the same as usual, but the white vein kratom’s normal mental calm and relaxation were not experienced alongside the SSRI.

It is reported that some alkaloids in kratom, such as mitragynine, do have an effect on specific monoamines such as dopamine and serotonin.

The interaction between SSRI and kratom is such that the MAO inhibitors in both substances can counteract each other and might lessen the effect of each other, depending on how long the user has been using both materials.  It is important to remember that users experience effects differently. Hence individual differences can always arise.

Is combining a SSRI and Kratom safe?

Though individual users can experience differences, however, the common perception is that combining a SSRI with kratom is generally safe.

SSRI contains anti-seizure properties, which is why the combination of both these substances usually does not lead to an adverse effect on the body.

Users who have taken 2-8 milligrams of Diazepam, 0.5-1 milligrams of Clonazepam and 0.5 milligrams of Alprazolam alongside kratom have not experienced any adverse side effects or difficulties.

However, combining Xanax with kratom can lead to increased hyperactivity and boost in mood, much like taking too much caffeine. It is not, however, life-threatening or dangerous. 1467294394291

Does kratom help to ease SSRI taper?

Many say that replacing a SSRI with kratom is just like replacing one anti-depressant with another.

However, this is not true. Depending on much kratom you take during your SSRI taper (where you are slowly reducing and ultimately giving up your SSRI consumption), you can benefit from kratom’s relaxing and soothing effects.

SSRI withdrawal symptoms during the taper period can be quite severe and debilitate for many users.

They lack of concentration, inability to focus at work or maintain personal relations, severe dehydration, constipation, mood swings, reduced sleep, inability to digest food and a general disruption in one’s life.

Perhaps the biggest problem during SSRI taper is the returning symptoms and feelings of depression.

To combat these, users report that taking small dosages of white vein kratom, ideally 2-4 grams, and it can be extremely beneficial.

Users report that kratom should be consumed two to three times a week during SSRI taper, and not more than that.

It manages to keep depression and its associated symptoms at bay, whilst helping the user maintain the willpower and mental strength required during the SSRI taper.

Moreover, kratom is not addictive. Hence it will help fight the addiction to SSRI during the taper. Therefore, kratom does help to ease SSRI taper quite a lot for most users.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. I’m an addict, caused by an inappropriate Dr. who had me on 3 different narcotics for pain and 2 different benzodiazepines, plus 3 different antidepressants. I trusted him For 6 1/2 yrs unti he was fired, big mistake!. But anyway I’ve been using kratom for 2 yrs now I quit everything with in 2wks of starting with very minimal side effects. I ran out of my kratom and couldn’t afford it for about six months I did Not have any withdrawals from it!! It has saved my like ❤️✌

  2. Your body definitely becomes dependent on kratom esp if you take it daily for longer periods of time. I’ve been using 15g a day for almost a year and if I go more than 13 hrs w out it I start getting antsy, annoyed, and a headache. Its definitely not as severe as opioid withdrawal, but you still get dependent on it.

  3. Kratom is absolutely addicting. One should be proceeding with caution when combining Kratom with prescription medications and in some cases, like with MAOIs, it actually could be pretty dangerous.

    I personally have not found Kratom to be good for the long term treatment of depression. The half-life of mitragynine and other alkaloids is short, meaning you experience withdrawal quicker, and over time tolerance develops. I’m both an experienced Kratom user and have been on an SSRI for 5 years. I’m sorry, but this article is not accurate, safe, or well-researched. I think KratomGuides.com should remove it.

    • I’d have to agree with you there. I was taking kratom to fight depression and anxiety from the start of 2020 up until a week ago. I’ve quit cold turkey 3 separate times when I felt I was getting too reliant on it. The first 2 times were not bad, but from May 2021 until a week ago I was using kratom heavier than ever before to treat increasing depression. I realized that I was still depressed, unmotivated, and was losing time (it felt like days would blink and be over). So a week ago I quit cold turkey again and I have been incredibly depressed to the point I hardly ate, was having bad thoughts, and it was ruining friendships and relationships.

      If you are a long time user of kratom and want to quit, I highly recommend tapering off over a month or so. Cold turkey side effects also include restless legs, tremors, shaking, etc. I still support kratom and think it can be great when taken in regular controlled doses. Just be careful. I just got a prescription for SSRI, hopefully it helps!

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