Physicians and state health officials in Texas are warning residents about the dangers of kratom products following a recent increase in reported cases of harm related to the substance. Kratom, which contains opioid-like chemicals, has been linked to serious health risks and potential dependence.
“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.”
Kratom products that are semi-synthetic or synthetic can contain up to 98% of the psychoactive compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which may lead to significant health issues and a higher risk for abuse or dependence. In contrast, natural kratom products usually have less than 2% 7-OH content.
These concentrated products are often sold as pills, gummies, candies, or imitation ice cream cones at gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) notes that symptoms from 7-OH exposure include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, agitation, confusion, nausea or vomiting, and seizures.
In testimony before the Texas Legislature in 2025 supporting a bill to ban kratom and other hallucinogenic substances, TMA highlighted risks such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorders.
Although kratom is neither approved nor regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMA cited data indicating that about 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021. “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,” TMA stated.
Reports from the Texas Poison Center Network show a marked rise in exposures: as of late August this year there were 192 reports involving kratom or other products containing 7-OH—compared with 107 in all of 2024 and 122 in all of 2023. Of those exposed to concentrated 7-OH products in 2025, more than half required treatment at a healthcare facility according to DSHS data.
Dr. Sprintz cautioned against using kratom for pain management due to lack of regulation over production methods 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,” he said. He explained that withdrawal symptoms resemble those associated with opioids as well as certain antidepressants.
“My recommendation to the public is not to start using kratom because it is not safe to use and does cause dependence,” Dr. Sprintz added. “Additionally, the dose of active drug is variable, so the overdose risk is high.”
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