Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rey Mysterio 619]

Judging by the abysmal quality of cold and flu medicines in Korea, not to even mention the so-called painkillers available over the counter here, has anyone come across any OTC drugs here that provide a nice, mellow buzz (depressants, not stimulants - not interested in the pseudoephedrine shakes and sweats)?

[Darkness]

I would look to see if you can get something called Kratom, it's a mild stimulant similar to opiates, natural and mild though.

[ttompatz]

[Darkness]

oh you want a depressent....opps...

[stillnotking]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I was also wondering about kratom in Korea. I enjoy kratom occasionally in the US, where it's completely legal, and I'm curious about its availability and legality in ROK. (Mostly the latter; I can always mail-order it, assuming it's kosher.)

To answer the question posed: kratom is both a stimulant and a depressant. Its active components are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to both the adrenals and the delta opioid receptors. At low doses it's a stimulant with effects similar to caffeine; at higher doses it's opiate-like, though nowhere near as euphoric or addictive as true opiates.

It's really popular in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand.