The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning about the dangers of kratom, a substance linked to three fatal overdoses in the area. The victims, aged between 18 and 40, were otherwise healthy and had consumed alcohol alongside kratom, according to the department’s statement released on Friday.
Kratom, scientifically known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is an unregulated product derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. It is marketed as a remedy for pain, anxiety, and depression, and is available in various forms such as tablets, gummies, and drink mixes. At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, but at higher doses, it exhibits opioid-like effects, which can lead to severe respiratory depression and death, especially when mixed with alcohol or other sedatives.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to address the issue, sending warning letters to companies marketing 7-OH products illegally. The FDA has also announced plans to classify 7-OH as an illicit drug, pending approval from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as reported by USA Today.
To minimize the risk of overdose, health officials advise against using kratom products, especially in combination with other substances. They recommend carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and never using kratom alone.
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