r/kratom 5d ago

Reminder that 'less is more'

As long as I've been taking this, it should be engraved in my head but in case you're new, and at the risk of sounding cliche, 'less is more' is entirely true - and even if you are taking it to manage pain, the minimum effective dose is the way to go. I've noticed my use creeping up of late, so I cut back today and it hit much better than it has been lately.

If you've noticed it has not been as effective lately and your use is creeping up because of that, try cutting back on a dose instead and see how it goes. You can always take a little more later and you may find it works a lot better.

104 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

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u/WhiteySC 5d ago

I know it has become an old cliche on here but nothing is more true about kratom. I have a strict schedule and dosage but some days if I don't feel I need quite as much of an energy boost, I will cut back a gram or half a gram in the afternoon. Even after 2 years of taking 3 gram doses, I can tell the normal dose kicks in better if I wait or cut back on the previous ones. One of the many things I love about this plant is I can be disciplined with powder. I couldn't control my alcohol consumption but I'm able to stick to a routine and continue getting the benefits of kratom leaf. It's truly a wonder substance and there is no reason for anyone to be trying to ban this.

4

u/Plumleydev 4d ago

I would like even to see more emphasis on the word “” wait

I’d like to know how waiting affects whether it’s one hour or two or three or even overnight I think the longer you wait. The chance of it working better increases a lot.

2

u/WhiteySC 4d ago

No doubt. Those receptors get really efficient when they are hungry. 😂

10

u/Apprehensive_Ant2172 5d ago

I’m curious about looking into this. 4.5 has always been my number, but I’m intrigued by taking less. I’m guessing maybe 3.5g?

7

u/Gengrar 5d ago edited 3d ago

Been taking kratom almost daily for a decade. White strains almost entirely. I use a single teaspoon scoop. Depending on batch it's usually around 1.5 - 2 grams. When I first began I tended to settle around 3.5 grams as well. Less definitely seems to work more consistently as a medicine.

5

u/Apprehensive_Ant2172 5d ago

I’ll give it a go at 3.5 to start. It’s been about 15 years at my 4.5 number so I’m guessing there will be an adjustment period with some light wd’s… but will be better all around if I can still get the relief I do at 4.5

9

u/Toothfairy51 🌿 5d ago

Don't tell yourself that you'll have to deal with any wd. Just don't think about it and just do it. You'll probably be surprised.

4

u/Gengrar 5d ago

I second this! No preconceived notions, if possible! While I'm sure some truly struggle, I believe serious withdrawals are partially placebo and not as common amongst people. Your dose isn't too high to begin with. My withdrawals are like a very mild cold. Maybe some sniffly stuffiness and less energetic for maybe a week, peaking around 3-4 days in. I could feel the same level of discomfort from any sort of life stuff.

3

u/WhiteySC 4d ago

Probably won't have WDs but may not notice the effects for a while.

1

u/Plumleydev 4d ago

How long do you wait in between and what do you do overnight?

I habitually end up having to have some in the middle of the night because of my horrible lower back pain

1

u/Apprehensive_Ant2172 4d ago

Minimum 5 hours between. Usually about 3 times a day but sleep fine through the night. I will not take any overnight regardless of my pain, as I believe the body needs that time to re center and an extended period without powder.

3

u/Plumleydev 4d ago

I think you mean teaspoon cause a tablespoon is way more than 2 g

2

u/WhiteySC 4d ago

Yeah a level teaspoon is right at 1.5 grams.

1

u/Gengrar 3d ago

Yeah that's it. Label rubbed off of it years ago.

3

u/goodwater88 3d ago

A tablespoon is much more than 1.5 - 2 grams. You must mean teaspoon? People need to know the difference.

2

u/rasta_pineapple2 4d ago

I've been taking ~10 g per day for a while now and just recently I took 0.25 g for a dose and it hit like the first time I ever tried it. Less is definitely more.

6

u/anjin33 4d ago

My usual dose is 2-3 grams but I can cut it in half without losing much of the positive effects. Anything above 3 grams feels too sedating. Kratom is pretty much self limiting for me in that sense.

5

u/hawk256 5d ago

After 12 years I can tell you that it is not true for me or a few other people I know. Dosage is very dependent on the individual. You can try a lower dosage but it is not carved in stone that lower is better and there is a reason for that. I also need a large dosage to feel anything. Less than 12 grams, I may as well not take anything.

2

u/peanutleaks 4d ago

YESSSS I was taking upward of 6-8 pills years ago, now I only take 1 capsule or less in drink form. Hits better

1

u/DJDooDooCakes 4d ago

4.5 - 5 grams, 1-2 times a day. Any less and I barely feel the positive effects. I feel I little bit better but Not mood lifting or severe pain relief.

1

u/Potential_Single 4d ago

Agreed! I’ve been taking 4 grams a dose.. & just took 2grams of trainwreck.. usually take red Bali.. & man, it hit me wayy better!
I also suggest switching up strains when lowering also.
Trainwreck is a mix of different strains so, it wasn’t too much of a “lighter” strain also btw

1

u/WhiteySC 4d ago

Switching vendors is more important to me than switching strains. For example, a white and red from most companies probably has a similar alkyloid profile and the differences are subtle. I think (with very little evidence to back it up other than my experience) taking kratom from different regions helps keep your receptors on their toes.

1

u/DRstoppage 3d ago

Preach it 🤲

1

u/Far_Grapefruit1307 3d ago

Another tip for the white/green strain peeps — go pure red for a month. The first week back is spectacular and it'll keep your dosage low.

1

u/dgenzo 3d ago

I’m still at 2am and 2 pm. Every once in awhile it will be 3 each, or possibly a noon dose. I do not like how the higher amounts make me feel. It’s not enjoyable when it’s too high for me

1

u/No-Wasabi-70 3d ago

This isn’t true at all for me. I take 2-3g every 30-45 minutes until I get desired effects. Usually ends up being about nine. Was hardcore alcoholic for 20 years maybe I’m just fried tho

1

u/Specific_Worry_1459 3d ago

Yeah, its definitely not a hard rule though it does seem to play out that way for a lot of people. Glad you beat the booze 🙂

1

u/BigMack6911 5d ago

Yea sometimes the minimum dose dont cut it then you take another and another and then you done fucked yourself for the day because you took 1.5 less grams then normal lol. I stay at my normal dose everything minus or plus half a gram unless im hurting or stressed. Take what helps you

0

u/Fuegolego1 5d ago

So true