Physicians and state health officials in Texas are warning residents about the dangers of kratom products following a rise in cases of harm related to exposure to the plant’s opioid-like chemicals. Kratom, which is often sold as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, has been linked to serious health issues.
“Using kratom is like buying an opioid on the street, with the same risks – and harder to stop using,” said Michael P. Sprintz, DO, a pain and addiction medicine specialist with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and member of its Committee on Behavioral Health. “Just because something is ‘natural’ or legal does not mean that it is safe.”
Health authorities note that some semi-synthetic or synthetic kratom products contain up to 98% of the psychoactive compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which can lead to significant health problems and may be addictive. In contrast, unsynthesized kratom typically contains less than 2% 7-OH.
These concentrated products are available at gas stations, smoke shops, and online in various forms such as pills, gummies, candies, and imitation ice cream cones. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), symptoms associated with 7-OH include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, agitation, confusion, nausea or vomiting, and seizures.
The TMA presented information about kratom’s risks—including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorders—to the Texas Legislature in 2025 while supporting legislation aimed at banning kratom and other hallucinogenic substances.
Despite not being approved or regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), around 1.7 million Americans aged 12 or older used kratom in 2021 according to TMA testimony. The association stated: “Though the health effects of kratom still need to be further researched, studies so far have also shown risks of addiction and potential long-lasting cognitive and behavioral deficits among adolescents.”
Recent data from the Texas Poison Center Network show a marked increase in reported exposures involving kratom or similar products containing 7-OH—192 reports as of late August this year compared with 107 for all of last year and 122 for all of 2023. Of those exposed to concentrated 7-OH products in 2025, more than half required medical treatment.
Dr. Sprintz emphasized that people might seek out kratom for pain relief but should be aware of substantial risks due to lack of regulation over manufacturing standards or potency levels.
“When someone uses kratom and its metabolites like 7-OH for a period of time, they develop dependence so if they suddenly try to stop using kratom, they will go into withdrawal,” said Dr. Sprintz. They suffer from opioid-type withdrawal but also experience symptoms similar to withdrawal from certain antidepressants.
“My recommendation to the public is not to start using kratom because it is not safe to use and does cause dependence,” he said “Additionally, the dose of active drug is variable, so the overdose risk is high.”
