Kratom and Nicotine — What to Know

 

Many kratom users report combining their kratom use with nicotine. Supposedly, the combination is synergistic, but it’s important to be aware of some of the possible pitfalls of putting these two together.

At moderate doses, kratom and nicotine are both stimulants. Presumably, that’s why users report synergy between them. But it also means that you’re increasing your likelihood of experiencing the side effects of each substance — as well as some that might emerge out of the unique combination of the two!

So, mixing kratom and nicotine: is it a safe combination? Here’s what we know.

A Word of Warning: Nicotine

First things first: Kratom Spot does not endorse nicotine use — no matter if it’s on its own or combined with kratom.

Nicotine is known to have many, many harmful side effects. It’s also incredibly addictive — most research now says it’s as addictive as heroin, and any former smoker will attest to it.

In short, there’s really no upside to nicotine. That said, the information in this article is just for educational purposes. If you’re going to be mixing kratom and nicotine, it’s best to be armed with all available knowledge before you do.

The “Up” Side of Mixing Kratom and Nicotine

“Up” is the word for it.

Most users report using nicotine to further boost the daytime effects of white or green vein kratom strains. Others report combining nicotine with reds, hoping to balance out the effects with a bit of nicotine’s stimulation.

Simply put, nicotine’s stimulating effects are often used to supplement, further enhance, or round out the effects of a user’s chosen kratom strain. There’s little else to be gained from mixing kratom and nicotine, but users report that the synergistic effect is noteworthy.

Side Effects of Mixing Kratom and Nicotine

Mixing kratom and nicotine may increase the effects you feel — but it will also increase the unwanted side effects!

Even when used on their own, both of these substances can cause unpleasant side effects. Some users experience these only at high doses, while others may have an adverse reaction even to very small amounts.

Common side effects of kratom include:

• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Loss of Appetite
• Itching
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Dehydration

Common side effects of nicotine include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure
• Changes in heart rhythm and rate
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Nausea 
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Joint aches

Moreover because both substances can have stimulating effects, taking them together increases the likelihood of experiencing the whole batch of bad times. Even if you’ve taken them separately and never experienced side effects, mixing kratom and nicotine is far more likely to expose you to unpleasant side effects that can ruin your good time.

All that said, it’s doubtful that you’ll experience extreme side effects from this combination. The chances of side effects are much higher than taking the substances on their own, but it’s unlikely they would be debilitating or lasting.

Nonetheless, the golden rule stands: whenever you’re trying something new, it’s best to start small. You can always modify your dosage upwards for next time — but there’s no un-ringing a bell, and there’s no reducing a side-effect-inducing dose you’ve already taken.

The Long and Short of Combining Kratom and Nicotine

Combining Kratom and Nicotine is surprisingly common. Many users report that doing so offers an effective supplement to the kratom experience, wherein nicotine’s stimulating effects provide more energy, clarity, or focus.

There is little, if any, formal research on kratom and nicotine taken together. However, anecdotal user reports suggest that the incidence of side effects is significantly higher when taking the two substances together. Such side effects are generally quite unpleasant but reasonably mild, with severe side effects being exceptional and generally linked with very high doses of one or both substances.

Nonetheless, we here at Kratom Spot would caution you to stay away from mixing kratom and nicotine.

Nicotine is known to be an extremely addictive substance that, taken over time, can have powerfully negative effects on a number of your body’s most important vital functions. It’s incredibly easy to get hooked on the stuff, and nicotine withdrawals can be absolute hell.

If you are considering combining kratom and nicotine use, we urge you to start small. And, as always, it’s a great idea to talk to your doctor before beginning to use any new substances.