Reports of serious health effects linked to 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH (a strong chemical found in the kratom plant – native to Southeast Asia), are on the rise, according to recently published health alert.
“Kratom has been used for its stimulant and opioid-like effects,” America’s Poison Centers says in the alert. “Products containing Kratom or 7-OH are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain, anxiety or to help with opioid withdrawal.”
However, Kratom and 7-OH aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical use. In a fact sheet, the FDA warns that products containing 7-OH are “sitting on store shelves, making gas stations and convenience stores risky places where kids can purchase these drugs as easily as buying candy.”
The APC says the 54 poison centers it represents have reported 165 cases of exposure to 7-OH through the first seven months of the year. Of those, 35% involved serious health problems and 67% were treated at a health care facility.
Symptoms of 7-OH exposure include nausea and vomiting, confusion, agitation, sweating, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
In July, the FDA, in an effort to “protect Americans from dangerous, illegal opioids,” recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
“7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors,” the FDA says.
America’s Poison Centers advises against using products containing 7-OH, along with keeping all herbal products away from kids and pets, discussing any supplement use with a doctor or pharmacist, and reporting any problematic reactions to a local Poison Control Center online or by phone at (800) 222-1222.
