Health Advisory: Serious Illnesses Associated with Kratom and 7-OH Products

U.S. Poison Centers are reporting serious health effects linked to kratom and kratom-derived products. Kratom is a plant-based substance used for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is sold as powders, teas, capsules, edibles, and liquid extracts. In recent years, more concentrated and highly processed kratom derivatives have emerged that are designed to have stronger effects. A 2026 study using U.S. Poison Center data found that kratom exposures involving multiple substances were more likely to result in serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death.

In 2025, Poison Centers received 3,800 reports of exposure cases involving kratom or kratom derivatives; as of May 31, 2026, Poison Centers have received 2,589 reports of kratom and kratom derivative exposures, on trend for a 63.5% increase from 2025 to 2026. Adults ages 20-39 make up nearly half of these exposures (48.9%), with men comprising 65.9% of exposures. Of patients reporting exposure to kratom or kratom derivatives alone, 40.2% had serious health problems, 67.1% received treatment, and 21.8% were hospitalized.

One of the most commonly marketed kratom derivatives is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Some products contain concentrated levels of 7-OH, which can have opioid-like effects and may pose greater risks than traditional kratom products. Neither kratom or its derivatives, including 7-OH, are approved for medical by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and as of July 1, 2026 DEA has taken action to temporarily schedule 7-OH and related substances.

Poison Centers have continued to see an increasing trend in cases involving 7-OH exposures. In 2025, there were 515 reports of exposures to 7-OH compared to 653 from January 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026. This is trending towards a 93% increase in monthly average case counts compared with average case counts in the last six months of 2025. Of patients reporting exposure to 7-OH alone, 37.5% had serious health problems, 64.3% were treated at a healthcare facility, and 18.0% were hospitalized.

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
• Seizures
• Dependence and withdrawal syndromes

America's Poison Centers advises the public to:

• Avoid products containing 7-OH.Some kratom products have been found to contain potentially dangerous amounts of 7-OH. These products are not tested for safety or effectiveness and are not approved by the FDA to treat any medical conditions.
• Keep all herbal products away from children and pets. Store them up high, out of sight and reach.
• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements, especially ones marketed for pain, energy, or mood.
• Report any bad reactions right away to your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.

Poison Control Centers are available 24/7 for fast, free, confidential, expert medical advice for poison exposures and medication safety.