Red kratom and red corvette: A case of mania induced by kratom withdrawal.

BACKGROUND

Kratom, derived from the , a plant native to Southeast Asia, is a substance that is gaining popularity in the United States as a tool for self-medicating in opiate withdrawal and pain management. Its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with various receptors in the body, resulting in a spectrum of clinical effects.

CASE

A 56-year-old male with a history of depression and cannabis use disorder arrived at the emergency department in a state of severe agitation with erratic behavior and aggression. Further evaluation revealed a recent abrupt discontinuation of Kratom use. A psychiatric consultation was requested and performed by the consultation liaison team, diagnosing Kratom withdrawal as the most likely cause of his acute mania.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropsychiatric symptoms arising from Kratom toxicity is a well-documented phenomenon. However, to our knowledge, this is the first documented case of acute mania induced by Kratom withdrawal.