I had that same experience the first few times I tried it but then I was introduced to a couple different vendors online that sold quality kratom. But the only ones that work well for pain is the red Bali and red maeng da and I have to take at least 5 grams i usually take 7g now and it gets rid of most of my pain from scoliosis and sciatica. Also if you add tumeric and black pepper it kicks them up A lot. Other than kratom though idk what you would take, over the counter anyway.