Kratom (Photo – tmc.edu)
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) advises local residents to avoid products containing kratom and its synthetic compound, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), due to significant health risks.
By News Desk
This warning follows an advisory from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which highlights the dangers of 7-OH, a substance that is increasingly being found in unregulated products sold throughout LA County.
Although there have been no confirmed deaths linked to 7-OH ingestion in Pasadena, PPHD officials stress the severe dangers posed by these substances. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, and its synthetic counterpart, 7-OH, are sold in various forms, including tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated liquid shots. These products are marketed as dietary supplements, promising benefits such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, and increased energy.
However, PPHD warns that the concentration levels of 7-OH in these products are often unknown, leading to unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects. At low doses, 7-OH acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses, it can have opioid-like effects, slowing breathing and increasing the risk of overdose. This dual action makes the substance highly addictive and especially dangerous when combined with alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs.
“The safest choice is to avoid all 7-OH products,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer for PPHD. “This substance carries serious risks and can lead to fatal respiratory depression, particularly when mixed with other substances.”
To minimize the risks associated with 7-OH, health officials recommend the following precautions for anyone considering its use:
- Never use alone:
Always have someone nearby who can assist in an emergency and administer naloxone if needed. - Use in groups:
Ensure a designated person can respond quickly if something goes wrong. - Avoid mixing substances:
Combining 7-OH with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances increases the risk of unpredictable and dangerous effects. - Carry naloxone:
Naloxone can reverse opioid effects, including those caused by 7-OH, and restore normal breathing during an overdose.
Health authorities emphasize that these products have not been proven safe or effective, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. The best course of action is to avoid them entirely and explore safer, more reliable alternatives for managing health concerns.
For more information or assistance, individuals can contact the following resources:
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Overdose Prevention Page
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in Los Angeles County
- Poison Control Hotline: (800) 222-1222
- Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH): (800) 854-7771
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