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 is found in low amounts in natural kratom, concentrated versions have been appearing for sale as liquid extracts, powders, and gummies.
According to data from the Texas Poison Center Network, there have been 192 reports this year involving exposures to kratom or products with 7-OH. This marks an increase compared to 107 reports for all of 2024 and 122 in 2023. Of this year’s cases, 19 involved concentrated forms of 7-OH, with 11 requiring treatment at healthcare facilities due to serious health effects.
Symptoms reported after using products containing 7-OH include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Some products containing kratom and 7-OH are marketed as natural remedies for pain relief or anxiety and are sometimes promoted as aids for opioid withdrawal. However, neither kratom nor its component 7-OH has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medicinal use. The safety and effectiveness of these products have not been established.
“People should: Avoid all products containing 7-OH, including products that claim to treat a health ailment. Examine the packaging and label when buying candies and other treats. Keep kratom and 7-OH products away from children and pets. Talk to children and teens about the dangers of 7-OH and kratom products. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements, especially ones marketed for pain, energy or mood. Talk to a health care provider if help is needed with opioid addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, pain or other ailments. Contact a health care provider or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 regarding concerns about 7-OH. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone is unresponsive or needs urgent medical attention.”
The full alert can be accessed on the DSHS News & Alerts page.
