The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a warning against the use of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical present in the kratom plant. Officials note that while 7-OH occurs naturally at low levels in kratom, concentrated forms have recently been sold as liquid extracts, powders, and gummies.
This year, the Texas Poison Center Network has received 192 reports related to exposure from kratom or products with 7-OH. In comparison, there were 107 such reports in all of 2024 and 122 in 2023. Of this year’s cases, 19 involved concentrated 7-OH products; 11 required treatment at healthcare facilities due to serious health issues.
Reported symptoms following the use of 7-OH include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Kratom and its derivative products are sometimes promoted as natural remedies for pain relief, anxiety management or to help with opioid withdrawal. However, neither kratom nor 7-OH is approved by the FDA for medicinal use. There is no evidence that these substances are safe or effective.
Health officials recommend avoiding all products containing 7-OH—including those marketed as treatments for health conditions—carefully checking packaging and labels when purchasing candies or other treats, keeping such products away from children and pets, and discussing their dangers with young people. They also advise consulting medical professionals before using any supplements marketed for pain relief, energy boosts or mood enhancement.
Anyone with concerns about exposure should contact a healthcare provider or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Immediate medical attention should be sought by calling 9-1-1 if someone becomes unresponsive or requires urgent care.
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