Los Angeles Issues Warning After Kratom Supplement Linked to Deaths

Los Angeles County health authorities have issued a serious warning concerning a synthetic Kratom supplement, available at some gas stations and smoke shops, following the deaths of three individuals. These individuals, who were otherwise in good health, died after using the drug.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that three overdoses in the area have been linked to the potentially dangerous Kratom compound known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. The victims, aged between 18 and 40, had no significant health issues prior to their deaths. While alcohol was present in all cases, no other substances were identified as a major contributing factor.

Kratom and 7-OH products are derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. This synthetic supplement has gained popularity in the United States as a potential treatment for pain, anxiety, and depression, despite the lack of regulation. The leaves can be consumed by smoking them, brewing them into tea, or encapsulating them. Products containing 7-OH are commonly sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail locations.

These products are often marketed as dietary supplements, claiming to address various issues such as pain, anxiety, mood disorders, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and to promote energy and well-being. They are available in various forms, including tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated liquid extracts or shots. Health officials have cautioned that these concentrated forms can significantly increase the risk of adverse and potentially life-threatening effects.

At lower doses, 7-OH can produce stimulant-like effects, while higher doses can mimic the effects of opioids. Health officials have warned that high doses of 7-OH, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives, can lead to severe respiratory depression and death. The unregulated nature of these products means that the concentration of 7-OH can vary, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings to several companies for illegally marketing concentrated 7-OH products. Health officials emphasize that there are no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH, and it is illegal to market any drugs containing it. Consumers who use 7-OH products are exposing themselves to substances that have not been proven safe or effective for any use.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends avoiding the use of 7-OH or Kratom products altogether. However, they also provided safety tips to help prevent overdose or overdose-related deaths, including never using drugs alone, staggering drug use with others, avoiding mixing 7-OH with other drugs, and carrying naloxone.