The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a warning to the public about products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical found in the kratom plant. The department advises against using these products, which have been sold in concentrated forms such as liquid extracts, powders, and gummies.
This year, the Texas Poison Center Network has received 192 reports related to exposure from kratom or other 7-OH-containing products. This marks an increase compared to previous years, with 107 reports in all of 2024 and 122 in all of 2023. Of this year’s cases, 19 involved concentrated forms of 7-OH; eleven required treatment at a healthcare facility for serious health issues.
Reported symptoms after using products with 7-OH include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Products containing kratom and 7-OH are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain relief or anxiety and as aids for opioid withdrawal. However, neither kratom nor its component 7-OH is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical use. Their safety and effectiveness have not been established.
The department recommends that people avoid all products containing 7-OH—even those that claim to treat health conditions—check product labels when buying candies or treats, keep such items away from children and pets, discuss risks with young people in their care, consult medical professionals before using any supplements marketed for pain or mood enhancement, seek help from healthcare providers if struggling with addiction or mental health issues, contact a healthcare provider or the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 with concerns about possible exposure to 7-OH products, and call emergency services if someone is unresponsive.
“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.”
Further information on this alert can be found on the DSHS News & Alerts page.
