The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued a warning about the use of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an opioid-like substance found in the kratom plant. According to DSHS, high concentrations of 7-OH can lead to significant health issues and may carry a risk for dependence or abuse.
Data from the Texas Poison Center Network shows an increase in reported exposures involving kratom or other products with 7-OH. As of August 27, there were 192 such reports in 2025, compared to 107 in all of 2024 and 122 in all of 2023. Nineteen cases this year involved concentrated forms of 7-OH, mostly reported during July and August. Of those, eleven individuals required treatment at healthcare facilities due to serious health effects.
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, and its products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain or anxiety, or as aids for opioid withdrawal. While typical kratom products contain less than two percent 7-OH, newer semi-synthetic or synthetic versions have concentrations as high as ninety-eight percent. These concentrated forms are increasingly available and are often added to various consumer items such as pills, gummies, candies, and imitation ice cream cones sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and online.
Research indicates that concentrated 7-OH has up to thirteen times the potency of morphine. Due to these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new steps in July 2025 aimed at restricting access to these products because of their strong opioid-like effects. Neither kratom nor products containing 7-OH have been approved by the FDA for medical use or proven safe or effective.
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, seizures, and respiratory depression.
DSHS recommends avoiding all products containing 7-OH. “Anyone who has health concerns after using 7-OH products should contact their healthcare provider or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222,” according to DSHS guidance.
Healthcare providers are advised by DSHS to provide emergency care as needed for patients exposed to these substances. They should also consider administering naloxone if respiratory depression occurs and monitor for signs of opioid use disorder following exposure.
Members of the public are urged by DSHS not only to avoid purchasing these items but also to keep them away from children and pets. People should check product labels carefully when buying candies or treats that could contain such substances and consult healthcare professionals before using supplements marketed for pain relief or mood enhancement.
For questions about adverse reactions related to kratom or concentrated forms of 7-OH—or advice on medical management—individuals can contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.
