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The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert on Sept. 2 advising people not to use products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical found in the kratom plant. While 7OH is found in low levels in kratom, concentrated forms of the chemical have been popping up for sale as a liquid extract, as a powder, and in gummies.
So far this year, the Texas Poison Center Network has received 192 reports of exposures involving kratom or other products containing 7-OH. In comparison, there were 107 reports for all of 2024 and 122 for all of 2023. Of the reports this year, 19 involved concentrated 7-OH products, 11 of which resulted in health problems serious enough to be treated at a healthcare facility.
Symptoms reported after 7-OH use include nausea and vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Kratom and 7-OH products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain, anxiety or to help with opioid withdrawal. Kratom and 7OH do not have an FDA-approved medicinal use, and products containing 7-OH have not been proven to be safe or effective.
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 1800-222-1222 regarding concerns about 7OH.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately, if someone is unresponsive or needs urgent medical attention.
The health alert is available on the DSHS News & Alerts page at dshs.texas.gov/newsalerts.
