Does Kratom Interact With Grapefruit Juice?
Grapefruit juice is well-known for potentiating many substances’ effects because it inhibits the CYP3A4 group of enzymes [1]. These enzymes are mainly responsible for metabolizing many medications and supplements, including kratom [2].
Problematic interactions happen when one substance hinders another substance’s metabolism. One or both substances will be broken down or metabolized at a much slower rate, making them stay in the body for longer. This eventually could lead to a drug buildup and experiencing side effects from toxicity.
Essentially, kratom and grapefruit juice are metabolic inhibitors. This means that, when combined, grapefruit will slow down kratom’s metabolism.
It’s unknown how much grapefruit juice and kratom you’d have to take for any toxicity to build up in your body. When grapefruit juice is mixed with other pharmacological substances, it only takes one or two glasses to produce adverse reactions.
Avoid taking grapefruit and kratom together. Speak to your doctor to get professional advice about combining medications and supplements.
Is It Safe to Take Kratom With Grapefruit Juice?
Grapefruit juice interacts with more than 85 different drugs. Of these, 43 can lead to serious side effects [3]. Although grapefruit juice also interacts with kratom, the risk of an overdose is low.
However, the risks go up if you take grapefruit juice with kratom regularly. If you’re new to the kratom world, make sure to know about the substances that might potentiate kratom’s effects and avoid them to stay safe.
However, kratom potentiators can also be a good thing — they help you get the most out of your kratom and can allow you to consume less. But if you’re not careful, it can worsen the side effects or make addiction more likely.
Just be aware of the interaction and make the proper adjustments.
What Is Grapefruit Juice?
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a citrus fruit and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. People use fruit, oils, and extracts to treat many health issues.
Grapefruit can interact with several medications and vitamins and impair their metabolism. This is why grapefruit is frequently listed as a contraindication on the labels of numerous drugs and supplements.
Grapefruit Juice Details & Specifications
| Name | Grapefruit juice |
| Other Names | Tropicana, Ocean Spray, Lakewood, V8, Florida’s Natural, Santa Cruz Organic |
| Classification | Juice |
| CYP Metabolism | CYP3A4 |
| Interaction with Kratom | Metabolic competitor |
| Risk of Interaction | Low to moderate |
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, comes from Southeast Asia, where it has been used for traditional medicine and cultural purposes for centuries. Now it’s making its way around the world.
Its ability to act as an opioid has made it popular but also puts it on the radar. Many governments seek to ban it, claiming it’s dangerous — even though the risk for kratom overdose is extremely low, and addiction is not nearly as severe as prescription opioids.
Kratom usually comes as a powder, making it easy to add to drinks or capsules. Its wide range of capabilities has many people stocking up on it.
What’s Kratom Used for?
Kratom can be used recreationally, but it serves a variety of medical purposes.
Kratom can help do the following:
- Increase energy
- Promote sleep
- Reduce pain
- Relieve anxiety
- Improve mood, create euphoria
- Increase focus and motivations
- Reduce cravings and symptoms of opioid withdrawal
What’s the Dose of Kratom?
A large amount for one person might have little effect on another person. Dosage is highly individualized and largely depends on what you need it for. Standard kratom dosage is as follows:
- Microdose: under 2 grams
- Low dose: 2–5 grams
- High dose: 5–8 grams
- Heavy dose: 8-12 grams
Start with lower doses if you’re new to kratom or trying a different strain. To avoid side effects and lower the risk of addiction, use the smallest amount possible and take breaks from it — usually, two days a week is efficient.
What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?
Kratom’s side effects are not severe and easily avoidable. Most issues come from too high a dose. If you keep the amount small and use it responsibly, you likely won’t have to deal with them.
Common side effects are:
- Addiction & dependence
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage (with long-term use)
- Low libido
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness
- Sedation and prolonged sleepiness
- Withdrawal symptoms
- The Wobbles
Related: Is Kratom Bad For Your Heart?
What Are the Different Types of Kratom?
Kratom strains are an easy way to determine the effects the powder will have. Dose comes into play, too, since small amounts of kratom tend to be more stimulating while larger quantities are sedating.
Certain strains are better at those effects, though.
White Vein Kratom
White kratom strains are stimulating, promote a positive attitude, and provide focus and mental clarity.
Red Vein Kratom
Red strains act as powerful painkillers and are great at promoting sleep. These are calming and commonly used to ease anxiety.
Green Vein Kratom
Green kratom strains are well-balanced. They’re stimulating and offer pain relief, but to a lesser extent than the whites and reds. These are perfect for anyone new to kratom or those with milder issues.
Yellow Vein Kratom
Yellow strains are less popular, partly because they’re a mix of white and red. They improve focus, concentration, and mood while providing pain relief, similar to green strains.
Key Takeaways: Is It Safe to Mix Kratom & Grapefruit Juice?
Grapefruit juice is known to cause problems with many medications. It serves as a potentiator for kratom, meaning it makes kratom’s effects stronger and lasts longer.
Kratom and grapefruit juice are generally low risk, but this risk will rise if you use this combo regularly. Be aware of the juice’s impact on kratom, and adjust your dose accordingly.
With grapefruit juice affecting so many different types of medication, you need to speak to your doctor before you begin taking it with kratom.
- Bressler, R. (2006). Grapefruit juice and prescription drug interactions. Geriatrics, 61(11).
- Kamble, S. H., Sharma, A., King, T. I., León, F., McCurdy, C. R., & Avery, B. A. (2019). Metabolite profiling and identification of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of mitragynine, the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). Xenobiotica, 49(11), 1279-1288.
- Bailey, D. G., Dresser, G., & Arnold, J. M. O. (2013). Grapefruit–medication interactions: Forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences?. Cmaj, 185(4), 309-316.
- Monroe, K. R., Stanczyk, F. Z., Besinque, K. H., & Pike, M. C. (2013). The effect of grapefruit intake on endogenous serum estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Nutrition and cancer, 65(5), 644-652.
