What Are Kratom Capsules?
Kratom capsules are gelatin or cellulose containers filled with kratom powder designed to make taking kratom more convenient. They’re compact and portable, making them easier to use than loose powder. Capsules are also great for avoiding kratom’s bitter taste since you don’t need to mix the powder with water or brew kratom tea.
Capsules tend to be more expensive than powder, so they’re not the right choice for budget-conscious kratom users. They’re also more difficult to dose since they come in fixed sizes.
How Long Until You Feel the Effects of Kratom Capsules?
Most people feel the effects of kratom capsules about 45 minutes after ingestion, although it varies based on the person. In comparison, kratom powder usually kicks in after 30 minutes.
Digestion takes time, and absorption through the intestines takes significantly longer when capsules have to break down first. They aren’t the best choice for people who want to feel the effects quickly.
There are other factors to consider, which we’ll look at next.
What Factors Affect How Long Kratom Capsules Take to Work?
Not everyone will feel the effects of kratom at the same time, even if they take it simultaneously. Here are the four most important factors determining how long it takes for someone to notice the effects of taking kratom capsules.
Recency of Last Meal
Kratom capsules are digested in the stomach and absorbed in the intestines, so taking them on an empty stomach will make you feel the effects sooner than after eating. If you want to feel the effects of kratom capsules as soon as possible, take them at least several hours after a meal.
Water Consumption
Being well-hydrated will speed up the onset of the effects of taking kratom capsules. Dehydration slows digestion in extreme cases, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help you feel the effects of kratom capsules sooner.
Most experienced kratom users recommend taking kratom capsules with one or two large cups of water to aid digestion and keep you hydrated. Kratom can be dehydrating for some people, and drinking water with your capsules reduces the risk of feeling nauseous or getting a headache from becoming dehydrated.
Kratom Tolerance
How often you take kratom capsules can drastically affect how long it takes you to feel their influence. Kratom tolerance develops quickly, and experienced users may take 1–1.5 times longer than beginners to feel the effects of an equivalent dose.
Kratom tolerance can be a sign that you need to take a break. Addiction is the main risk of using kratom, so experts recommend taking a week off if you notice it takes longer to feel the effects of your regular dose.
Suggested Reading: Is Kratom Addictive? Know the Signs
Age & Metabolism
Your age and metabolism also play an important role in how quickly you feel the effects of kratom capsules, although their impact is difficult to quantify. Generally, older people and people with slower metabolisms will take longer to notice kratom’s effects.
Age-related slowing of your metabolism is impossible to avoid, but research shows that eating smaller meals more frequently and exercising can improve a person’s metabolism.
What Are the Effects of Kratom Capsules?
Kratom capsules can have many different effects, depending on what strain and how much kratom powder they contain. Unlike many substances, kratom’s effects differ substantially at different doses.
Effects at Low Doses
Low doses of kratom capsules are more stimulating than higher doses. Many people use low doses of kratom to boost their cognitive function, improve their memory, and make them more productive. Some kratom capsule users compare the effects of low doses to coffee, saying it makes them feel alert and energized.
What constitutes a low dose varies somewhat depending on the strain, but most kratom users regard 1–3 grams as a low dose.
Effects at High Doses
High doses are sedating and are often used for relaxation and pain relief. Many people who take more significant amounts of kratom are looking to relieve muscle tension and block the pain from chronic conditions like arthritis or acute musculoskeletal injuries. Some people also use high doses to treat insomnia, saying that it helps them clear their minds and destress before bed.
Unlike low doses with a relatively narrow range, high doses can be anywhere from 4–10 grams depending on the strain and desired effects.
Effects of Red-Vein Kratom Capsules
Red-vein kratom capsules are more sedating than other strains, boasting high alkaloid concentrations, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine. Red strains are the most popular choice for pain relief and are significantly more relaxing than virtually every white or green strain.
Red strains at high doses are often the only combination that is capable of reducing extreme pain, making them especially popular for people with hard-to-manage conditions like nerve pain.
Effects of White-Vein Kratom Capsules
White-vein kratom capsules are the polar opposite of red-vein capsules. They’re the most stimulating strains, often taken as a coffee replacement in the morning. Some users claim that white strains have a nootropic effect, making them more productive and improving mental clarity.
Most people prefer to take low doses of white-vein kratom, coupling the natural stimulation from the strain with kratom’s inherent energizing effects at low doses.
Effects of Green Vein Kratom Capsules
Green vein capsules sit between white and red capsules, offering users a bit of both stimulation and sedation. Dosing has a more dramatic effect on green capsules since the effects vary more between low and high doses.
Many people swear by green kratom as the best all-around option, although just as many say they prefer red or white. Green kratom capsules are a great option for new users who aren’t sure of their preferences.
Suggested Reading: Kratom Dosing Guide
Wrapping Up: The Timeline of Effects With Kratom Capsules
Most people will feel the effects of taking kratom capsules after 45 minutes, although it can vary depending on your tolerance, age, and how much you take. If you want to feel the effects of kratom capsules as quickly as possible, try to take them on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water. Digestion is the limiting factor and taking kratom capsules several hours after a meal can drastically speed up the process.
The strain type and dose don’t affect how long it takes to feel the effects of kratom capsules, but they do change what effects you feel and their intensity.
