Understanding Kratom Shakes: Insights from Medical Research

If you are new to the world of kratom, you may have heard something called “kratom shakes.” While you may first think that this is a reference to adding kratom to a protein shake to cut down on the product’s bitterness, you’re partly right. Some users do add kratom powders or extracts to beverages, but typically, “the kratom shakes” refers to a particularly unpleasant side effect.

We’ll explain what kratom shakes are, why people experience them, and what the science says about this side effect.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Long known for its both stimulative and sedating properties (depending on the dosage), it has found its way to the Western world. Kratom has come a long way, from its leaves being chewed to enhance the productivity of Southeast Asian fishermen and farmers to being blended into protein drinks or ingested as edibles for fitness enthusiasts or those who long for its other benefits.

The Benefits of Kratom

In the West, kratom has been used for everything from increasing energy and focus to pain management. Depending on the user’s desired experience, they may adjust their dosage or use a different strain. Kratom has been known to produce the following benefits:

Energy boost: At lower dosages, kratom has a stimulating effect, increasing energy levels and alertness.

Pain relief: Kratom’s two main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the brain’s opioid receptors and can act as an effective analgesic.

Enhanced mood: Some kratom alkaloids can have mood-lifting effects and can provide a better sense of well-being. Some studies suggest that kratom can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Opioid withdrawal aid: Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors and has been used to help reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Kratom Side Effects

While kratom has many benefits, it’s not without its side effects. Each user’s experience is different; not everyone will have the same side effects, if they have them at all. However, overall, these are the most common issues with kratom use.

Constipation
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness (aka the wobbles)
Drowsiness and sedation
Loss of appetite
Increase in urination
Possibility of dependence
Tremors (aka kratom shakes)

What Are Kratom Shakes?

One unfortunate side effect of kratom is tremors, more commonly referred to as kratom shakes. Users sometimes experience involuntary tremors, mainly in the arms, legs, and hands, but they can manifest themselves anywhere in the body. These tremors can be anywhere from mild to severe. While these involuntary tremors usually subside on their own after some time, some users have experienced more severe bouts that can make everyday activities difficult.

These involuntary muscle tremors are more common when kratom is taken in large doses frequently. Whether an individual experiences kratom shakes varies and is dependent on their body’s metabolism, tolerance to kratom, and overall health.

Kratom dependence is a known and concerning side effect. While many individuals who are addicted to opioids have been successful with eliminating their opioid dependence by replacing it with kratom, some have found themselves dependent upon it. Withdrawal from kratom is similar to opioid withdrawal, although its symptoms are much less severe. One of its symptoms is involuntary muscle tremors, similar to kratom shakes.

What Medical Research Says About Kratom Shakes

There hasn’t yet been a substantial amount of scientific research about kratom. Unfortunately, there are no direct studies into why kratom shakes occur. However, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that they do occur, either as a result of using large amounts of kratom or as a symptom of kratom withdrawal once dependent upon it.

Numerous case studies and kratom user surveys report the presence of involuntary muscle spasms when either taking kratom in more significant amounts or while experiencing a kratom withdrawal. While there aren’t any specific clinical trials about the mechanisms of why they occur, it is hard to doubt their existence with so much anecdotal evidence.

A 2024 report from WebMD that was medically reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD, states that a “rare but serious side effect” of kratom use is muscle tremors. From numerous kratom studies to reports from long-time kratom users, reports of kratom shakes are widespread.

How To Avoid Kratom Shakes

While there are no scientific studies as to how to avoid experiencing kratom shakes, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence pointing to some common sense suggestions. Kratom users from around the world have reported what has worked for them to avoid this unpleasant side effect. Here are some suggestions worth considering.

Product purity: States that haven’t yet adopted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act can legally sell adulterated kratom products, some of which may increase the risk of unpleasant side effects.

Proper hydration: Some kratom users report increased thirst when using the product. Staying adequately hydrated can help to avoid both dehydration and muscle tremors.

Moderation: Frequent kratom use, especially when taken at high doses, increases the risks of side effects, muscle tremors included.

Kratom Shakes: More Research is Required

Although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence, there hasn’t been any significant medical research that directly points a finger as to the existence, cause, or frequency of kratom shakes. However, with so many kratom users discussing this unpleasant side effect, it’s almost impossible to deny that it does exist.

New kratom users should always begin with lower dosages, self-monitor their bodies for unpleasant reactions, and adjust accordingly.