Breakthrough seizure associated with kratom use in patients with epilepsy

Purpose of review: Kratom (mitragynine) is a commercially available herbal supplement that is gaining popularity in the United States (U.S.). Kratom is associated with a variety of neurological effects. This review will discuss kratoms association with seizure through three cases and highlight what neurologists should know about kratom9s clinical effects and legal status. Recent findings: Kratom is currently commercially available, unscheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and a topic of regulatory debate in the US. Large poison center reviews have suggested that kratom use is associated with seizure. There have been limited case studies to corroborate this finding. We present three cases in which seizures were associated with kratom use in patients treated for epilepsy. Summary: Since 2008, kratom use is rising in prevalence in the U.S. aided by lack of regulation. Neurologists need to be aware of its association with seizure and other neurologic side effects.