In the United States, the National Institute on Drug Abuse claims that kratom has directly caused two fatalities, though it does not provide an existent source to back this assertion.

Unlike classic opioids, kratom does not seem to cause respiratory depression, and is thus far less likely to cause fatal overdose.

According to Drs. J. E. Henningfield and Oliver Grundmann, most kratom-related calls to poison control centers are minor or moderate in severity. Dr. Henningfield’s user surveys report fewer than 1 percent of respondents sought medical or mental health treatment related to kratom consumption.

It is important to note that while recent research indicates that Kratom can have many positive applications to its users’ lives, it nonetheless can have negative effects and should be taken responsibly. Kratomscience does not support kratom highs as a “legal high.” Kratom should never be used in combination with other drugs, especially without the consultation of a doctor who understands kratom’s recommended dosages.

Sources:

1) “Kratom Use and Mental Health: A Systematic Review.”

2) “The Abuse Potential of Kratom…”