Suspected Driving Under the Influence Case Involving Mitragynine

Abstract

Mitragynine is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) that has emerged as a designer opioid being distributed on the street. Mitragynine, also known as kratom, has dose-dependent pharmacological effects and possesses both stimulant-like and sedative effects due to dual-binding of α-adrenergic and μ-opioid receptors. This herbal remedy readily available online has caused adverse effects including tachycardia, agitation, tremors, hallucination and death; however, this is the first reported suspected driving under the influence case involving mitragynine. Additional testing outside of the normal routine protocol for suspected impaired driving cases was performed based on the admission of kratom use from the suspect to the drug recognition expert (DRE) officer. Based on the evaluation, the DRE officer concluded that the driver was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and cannabis. An alkaline drug screen identified mitragynine in a 37- year-old female driver who was suspected of driving under the influence after nearly striking an oncoming vehicle. A blood amphetamine concentration was quantified at 0.052 mg/L and mitragynine and citalopram were reported qualitatively. The goal of this case study is to provide demographic history, adverse effects and a DRE evaluation in a driver known to have abused mitragynine.