Step into your local headshop or C-store, and you will probably find several brands of kratom on the shelves. Next to it, and in similar packaging, you may also find several brands of cannabis, CBD/Hemp, java, kava, energy drinks, energy pills and tianeptine.
While the availability of kratom is growing, so is the negative stigma, and kratom sometimes gets grouped together with other health and energy-boosting substances - some of these, unfortunately, are not very reputable. It is important to remember that kratom is an herbal substance all it’s own, with it’s own unique properties.
What Makes Kratom Special
Kratom is unique down to its chemical compounds - the most common compounds are mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. However, there are 40+ other alkaloids found in kratom leaves. These chemicals are naturally occurring and are believed to be the source of kratom’s potential effects.
One important thing to be aware of is that kratom can have starkly different effects depending on the serving size and individual differences. For this reason, we suggest starting small, and only increasing the amount you take once you understand your body’s response.
Also, kratom is notably more versatile than other substances in that it is reported to be energizing at small amounts and relaxing at larger amounts.
Perhaps the most important distinction between kratom and other “gas station substances” is that it has a lower potential for abuse than products it’s likely lined up next to. According to the American Kratom Association.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse seems to agree, stating that NIDA supports and conducts research to evaluate potential medicinal uses for kratom and related chemical compounds. The NIDA also supports research towards better understanding the health and safety effects of kratom use.
The purpose of this article is to dispel rumors that sensationalize kratom and lump it in with other substances. We will highlight one specific substance -Tianeptine - although it is not the only product confused with kratom. So let’s break things down:
Tianeptine vs. Kratom:
Before we explain the reasons people may muddle or mistakenly confuse these products, let’s start at the very beginning (Que the Sound of Music…..)
Origins
- Kratom: Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, a species of tree native to Southeast Asia. The name also refers to the products made from the leaves of these trees. Companies source a large percentage of the kratom leaf material in kratom powder, kratom tea, and other types of kratom products in Indonesia. Kratom has been used for centuries to help improve overall wellness. However, it has only been well known in the US for the last decade or so.
- Tianeptine: Is A synthetic molecule invented in the late 1960s. Pharmaceutical companies have patented it and sold it with trade names such as Stablon, Tynept, and Coaxil.
Usage and Risks
- Kratom: People commonly use products containing kratom for motivation in place of caffeinated beverages. They are also popular in social settings for mood support, and can be a substitute for alcoholic beverages. A number of kratom consumers report utilizing kratom to reduce their consumption of other substances or decrease pain. Kratom can cause nausea and dizziness when overconsumed, and it may be habit-forming if consumed regularly.
- Tianeptine: Healthcare professionals typically prescribe tianeptine for depression and anxiety. It can have side effects like constipation and drowsiness, and can be habit-forming. In the U.S., there are case reports of individuals consuming over 10 times the commonly prescribed dosage, and these amounts can have more serious side effects and can be quite physiologically addictive.
Why Do People Mix Up Kratom and Tianeptine?
First off, It is important to note that there are similarities between tianeptine and kratom. They both provide energy-boosting effects. They are both, to varying degrees, μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists without actually being true opiates. Yet, the differences are just as stark. Tianeptine is a full MOR agonist, while kratom is only a partial agonist. Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant. Kratom has alkaloid-laden leaves and is in the botanical family as coffee.But, from the outlook, it seems these two products are more different than alike. If that is so, why are they often confused?
Labeling and Marketing
In many ways, the similarities between kratom and tianeptine are more about the way their respective industries market the products and the loose regulatory framework that the FDA uses to classify the supplement or dietary ingredient.
Manufacturers have formulated, packaged, marketed, and sold these two substances in very similar ways. These similarities make it difficult for consumers, the media, legislators, and others to distinguish between them. For example:
1- Names and Descriptions: Tianeptine products names and descriptions closely resemble terms used in the kratom industry. For instance, kratom can be found in 3 “vein colors” - red, white and green. These colors refer to the age and drying or processes used. On the other hand, tianeptine can be found in various colors - namely red,white, green, and silver. These color variations, alternatively, indicate the difference in tianeptine formulation. Also, tianeptie is often sold in capsules or liquid shot, as is kratom. The kratom industry often refers to these extract products as “gold” or “silver”.
2- Product Mixing: There are a growing number of kratom products that are combinations of Kratom and other substances, such as kava root. Some companies sell both products separately, and in at least one known case (Hulu kratom) sells a combination kratom/tianeptine blend.
- (Note: While these products are increasing in popularity, we strongly encourage the use of kratom to be kept pure. Be sure you are choosing a vendor that uses whole leaf extraction and does not mix kratom with any other substance. Until you know what your reaction to any supplement, it is important that you monitor it’s use and effects on your body type.)
3- Marketing and Labeling: As stated earlier, there is a lot of overlap in the design of products that contain tianeptine and products derived from kratom leaves. It is easy to grasp why customers might confuse them and other products when stores and online retailers sell them side by side. Sometimes the employees themselves do not know the difference, and may unknowingly refer you to a product very different than the one you set out to find. In addition, supplier and retailers often market them for similar purposes - like relaxation or comfort.
4- Media: As we touched on above, media sources often don’t clearly and accurately report on tianeptine or kratom, and they lump many products together. This makes it difficult for consumers to understand the risks and benefits of each individual product, product type (such as crushed leaf kratom vs. kratom extract), and serving size.
So Where Do We Go from Here???
While people often confuse tianeptine and kratom due to their overlapping uses, product labeling, media reporting, and industry marketing, they are fundamentally different substances. Within each of these two substance categories there is a very broad range of product strengths, formulations, and product quality. In addition to understanding the tianeptine vs. kratom distinctions, it is crucial to understand the variations in tianeptine products and the variations in kratom products in order to make informed decisions about consumption. Educate yourself, be skeptical, and make decisions that will support YOUR health and wellness for years and years to come.
We encourage you to share this knowledge with others to help combat misinformation and ensure everyone can navigate these substances safely and effectively.
