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FDA issues warning about kratom; Jacksonville area woman says she uses it to manage pain

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on Friday about deadly risks associated with the herbal supplement called kratom.

We first brought you the story on Action News Jax This Morning.

A local woman told us she needs kratom to manage her pain.

Action News Jax spoke with the woman and a local doctor about the drug and its potential impact.

For 21-year-old nursing student Emily Lucas, packets of kratom represent relief.

“I was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome about eight months ago. Basically I live with chronic pain every day of my life,” Lucas said.

But by mixing the powdered kratom into a drink, Lucas said her life’s changed.

“Not being on anything, I pretty much just live on my couch. Kratom has really helped me be more mobile and to be able to walk around," Lucas said.

The FDA's warning about the plant-based drug states it can be addictive and life-threatening.

"It’s a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Marcus De Carvalho, president of The Center for a Healthy Mind and Wellbeing.

De Carvalho is a specialist in addiction medicine and psychiatry.

“Kratom is essentially just another opioid out there. I’ve detoxed many people on kratom. They go through the same withdrawal, they suffer the same side effects such as respiratory depression and they can develop death,” De Carvalho said.

And with the United States already in the midst of an opioid epidemic, the FDA warns kratom use could expand because of people thinking it's a safe alternative to prescription drugs.

“It’s a little frustrating because I just found something that really helps and it’s not very expensive to buy,” Lucas said.

The FDA said more research on the drug is needed and they're going to start cracking down, even going as far as to stop kratom shipments from entering the U.S.

Kratom is a controlled substance in 16 countries and already banned in several states, including Alabama.