What Is 7-OH? The Hidden Danger Behind This Toxic Compound

Understanding 7-OH and Its Origins

What Is 7-OH?

7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a potent alkaloid found in the kratom plant with opioid-like effects.

Contained in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which are its major chemical constituents and both partial agonists of the human mu-opioid receptors.

Mitragynine is more prevalent but weaker compared to 7-OH. 7-OH, however, is much stronger in potency. Much like opiate or opioid products, 7-OH can block pain, promote a sedative effect (in higher doses), and induce feelings of euphoria and pleasure.

7-OH products can typically be found over the counter in gas stations and smoke/vape shops. They can be sold in various forms, including pills, powders, drinks, tinctures, gummies, and extracts. 7-OH products are often marketed as “natural” wellness products or “plant-based herbal supplements” to boost energy or focus.

Where Does 7-OH Come From?

7-OH is naturally present in kratom leaves, primarily used in Southeast Asia for traditional medicine.

The kratom leaf was chiefly used for both social and medicinal purposes among the indigenous peoples of the region. Workers traditionally chewed on a krakom leaf as they labored as a way to boost energy.

Kratom was often brewed into tea (or chewed) for its pain-relieving effects. Although kratom has been used for hundreds of years in its native region, it has only seen recent use in the United States.

The kratom plant itself only contains a small amount of 7-OH, and extracting it directly from the plant can be impractical. As a result, modern manufacturers have begun to utilize partial chemical synthesis to create higher concentrations of 7-OH. This is done through the oxidation of mitragynine, another chemical that naturally occurs in the kratom plant.

As a result, this semisynthetic concentrated form of 7-OH is much more potent than natural kratom, and as such, can present many dangers when consumed.

How Is 7-OH Related to Kratom and Opioids?

7-OH binds to opioid receptors, producing effects similar to opioids and posing risks of dependence and toxicity.

Although 7-OH is an alkaloid and not an opioid, it’s still classified as such because of its ability to mimic opioids in how it affects the brain. Kratom and 7-OH withdrawal symptoms can be managed with some of the same drugs used to help those undergoing opioid withdrawal.

How 7-OH Affects the Body and Brain

What Are the Opioid-Like Effects of 7-OH?

7-OH can produce euphoria, sedation, and pain relief similar to opioid drugs.

The dosage of 7-OH is what determines the effects it has on the body. Lower doses tend to be more stimulating and are used as an energy boost. Higher doses are more sedating and provide more pain-relieving effects. When used, 7-OH products can cause a high, which is a state of euphoria and pleasure.

Like an opioid, it can give pain relief, which makes 7-OH attractive as an alternative approach for managing chronic conditions, such as pain or mood disorders. However, 7-OH is not regulated or deemed to be safe for this purpose by the FDA. Like opioids, 7-OH has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Can 7-OH Cause Toxicity or Overdose?

High concentrations of 7-OH can be toxic, potentially leading to respiratory depression and other health emergencies.

Many kratom-based products have higher than reported concentrations of 7-OH than what is expected. The fact that it is not regulated means that there is no oversight or standards for safe dosing or accurate reporting. As a result, many buy these “wellness” products assuming that they are safe, which can lead to toxicity or even overdose.

How Does 7-OH Interact With Opioid Receptors?

7-OH acts as a partial agonist at opioid receptors, affecting pain, mood, and reward pathways.

Specifically, 7-OH targets the mu-opioid receptors, which are the receptors in the brain responsible for recognizing and modulating pain. When 7-OH binds to these receptors, it blocks these signals, allowing a person to not perceive pain while still being conscious.

7-OH also stimulates the production of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters also responsible for pain relief and pleasure, which boosts mood.

These properties make kratom and 7-OH candidates for pharmacology research into new medications for pain relief. However, this research is still in the early stages, and no 7-OH product is currently approved for treating any health or medical condition.

The Risks of 7-OH in Supplements and Kratom Products

Are 7-OH Products Regulated by the FDA?

7-OH products and kratom supplements are not FDA-approved and have limited oversight for safety or dosing.

Some people use 7-OH products as a form of self-medication for conditions like chronic pain or anxiety. Others may use it for opium withdrawal or even recreationally.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found 7-OH products to be safe and effective in treating these conditions. In fact, they recommend that the public avoid 7-OH products as they are not regulated, tested, or subject to regulatory oversight.

7-OH products are not a replacement for medical guidance and treatment performed by a medical or healthcare professional.

What Are the Health Risks of Kratom and 7-OH Supplements?

Consumption can lead to opioid-like dependence, toxicity, withdrawal symptoms, and other serious health problems.

Depending on the dosage, kratom and 7-OH can act like a stimulant or a sedative. High doses can lead to symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, or confusion.

Because some products contain unnaturally high levels of 7-OH, the risk of overdose or respiratory depression is always present. This is especially the case when kratom products are mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

Some tested kratom products have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead and other heavy metals, which may contribute to negative health outcomes. Risk of poisoning, both by 7-OH itself and any contaminants within, is high.

Which Forms of 7-OH Products Are Most Common?

7-OH is found in kratom powder, gummies, drink mixes, and other dietary supplements sold in smoke shops and online.

Most kratom and 7-OH products can look harmless with bright colors and appearances similar to common snacks, such as soft drinks or gummy candies. Others are marketed as health and wellness drinks or powders. It’s important to be vigilant when buying supplements and other “health” products, especially when they claim to boost energy or treat medical conditions.

Addiction and Withdrawal Concerns

Can 7-OH Cause Opioid Addiction?

Yes, 7-OH can lead to opioid-like dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to traditional opioids.

Although 7-OH itself is not a true opioid, it has similar effects on the brain and targets the same receptors. It’s highly potent, especially in concentrated doses, which can contribute to the cycle of dependence, tolerance, and addiction.

When a person becomes dependent on 7-OH products, they can experience similar withdrawal symptoms to opioids, such as nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle aches.

What Are Common Withdrawal Symptoms From 7-OH?

Withdrawal may include nausea, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings.

A person struggling through 7-OH withdrawal will often have both physical and psychological symptoms. For the most part, these withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, but not deadly. However, they can still cause a large amount of discomfort and psychological distress.

How Does 7-OH Compare to Prescription Opioids?

While 7-OH is natural, its potency can rival some prescription opioids and pose similar addiction risks.

Prescription opioids are controlled substances, and as such are subject to study and FDA approval. All prescription opioids have rigorous manufacturing requirements to make sure they are free of contaminants. They can be prescribed by a doctor, and with careful monitoring and correct dosages, prescription opioids can help people manage pain safely.

7-OH products do not have this safety net and are not prescribed by doctors or healthcare professionals. Using kratom or 7-OH products carries more than the risk of addiction. Toxic concentrations, heavy metal contamination, and more make current over-the-counter 7-OH products unsafe.

As a result, 7-OH products are more potent and less safe than properly prescribed prescription opioids.

Public Health and Safety Considerations

Why Is 7-OH a Concern for Public Health?

Unregulated 7-OH use has led to poison center calls, hospitalizations, and rising safety concerns.

Many kratom and 7-OH products are marketed as wellness or natural products, which leads many to believe they are safe. This belief can lead to overconsumption, poisonings, and even overdose. Contaminated products are also an issue, as 7-OH is not subject to oversight or regulation to ensure safety.

There is concern about potential harm to children and teens, as some 7-OH products are bright and candy-like, which may be mistaken for typical gummy candies or energy drinks. If a child or adolescent consumes a 7-OH product, the poison control center must be called immediately.

Is 7-OH Considered a Controlled Substance?

Currently, kratom and 7-OH are not federally classified as a Schedule I drug, but their opioid-like effects raise regulatory interest.

What classifies drugs as controlled substances is if they have acceptable medical use and have the potential for abuse or dependence.

For example, opioids are classified as a Schedule II drug, as they do have acceptable medical use, but have a high potential for abuse or dependence. As such, Schedule II drugs are highly regulated and can only be legally obtained through a prescription.

There is a current push for 7-OH to be classified as a Schedule I drug, as it has no current acceptable use in medicine and has high potential for abuse or dependence.

What Should Healthcare Providers Know About 7-OH?

Providers should be aware of its toxicity, withdrawal symptoms, and potential interactions with opioids or medications.

It’s not uncommon for those living with chronic conditions, such as chronic pain or anxiety, to search for alternative means in which to manage their conditions. Kratom and 7-OH are commonly marketed as alternative means of treatment, which can put people at risk.

Doctors with patients such as these should caution their patients to never try a new supplement or alternative treatment without consulting a medical professional first.

Treatment and Support Options

Can 7-OH Addiction Be Treated?

Yes, treatment options for 7-OH dependence include medical supervision, counseling, and support groups.

Treatment facilities, such as Infinite Recovery, offer a wide range of therapies and treatment programs designed to help people recover from addiction. In the case of 7-OH addiction, some steps an individual may take are to undergo medical-supervised detoxification before transitioning into a treatment program of choice.

Treatment programs range from residential to outpatient treatments, depending on the individual’s needs. Therapies utilized in addiction treatment range from clinical therapies, such as individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to holistic modalities such as art therapy and group therapy.

Are There Medications to Manage 7-OH Withdrawal?

Naloxone and other opioid withdrawal interventions can be used under medical guidance.

During medical-assisted detox, medical professionals may use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to make the withdrawal process comfortable and safe.

What Steps Should a Loved One Take If Someone Misuses 7-OH?

Encourage seeking medical care immediately, contacting poison centers, and exploring addiction treatment programs.

If someone you love has used a kratom or 7-OH product, they could be experiencing poisoning or an overdose if they display symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Trouble breathing
• Sleepiness or loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression

If your loved one is awake, breathing, and not in immediate life-threatening danger, call the Poison Control national hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or your local poison control center. 911 should be called first and immediately if your loved one is unconscious, has trouble breathing, is having seizures, or has collapsed.

Once your loved one is no longer in danger or you notice them beginning to experiment with kratom or 7-OH, educate them about its dangers. Do so without being judgmental, but with concern and love. Infinite Recovery offers intervention services that can help you find the right words to encourage your loved one to seek further treatment.

FAQs About 7-OH and Kratom Use

Is kratom safe to use because it’s natural?

Just because something is natural, it does not automatically make it safe.

The study of toxicology includes many substances that naturally occur in nature but can be inherently harmful. For example, arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element and can have deadly consequences when consumed. In the case of kratom, its dangers lie partially in the fact that many people assume that natural substances are safe.

7-OH is incredibly potent, with it approximately being 13-46 times more powerful than morphine as a pain reliever. Kratom contains mitragynine, which is metabolized in the liver into 7-OH. This amplifies its underlying effects on the opioid receptors, the intensity of which can be unexpected.

If you want to try supplements or herbal-based remedies, you should always talk to your healthcare provider first. The product you may want to use because it’s “natural” may be more harmful than you would expect. This is especially true for products that are not FDA-approved.

How do you know if a kratom product contains high levels of 7-OH?

It’s best to assume that any kratom product will have higher-than-expected levels of 7-OH. 

Some products will have labels that may list percentages or milligrams of 7-OH per serving in their packaging.

Because kratom products are not regulated or subject to FDA oversight, it can be difficult to determine if such information is factual. In fact, one study showed that some krakom products contained unusually high levels of 7-OH. It’s safer to avoid products that contain kratom or 7-OH, as there’s no way currently to be sure of safety.

Some ways 7-OH can be listed on a product label include:

• Kratom extract
• Enhanced kratom
• 7-hydroxymitragynine
• 7-OH-mitragynine
• 7-OHMG
• 7-OHMZ
• 7-Hydroxy
• 7-HMG
• 7

Where can you get help for 7-OH or kratom dependence?

You can get help for 7-OH or kratom abuse or addiction at accredited addiction treatment facilities or hospitals. 

Hospitals or your healthcare provider are a great first step, as they can help guide you to your local treatment facilities. Addiction treatment centers like Infinite Recovery have open contact forms or a phone number to call, where you can ask questions or inquire about enrollment.

Although 7-OH is marketed as a natural substance, it can still be highly dangerous to unsuspecting people. The risk of toxicity, addiction, or even overdose is high with even casual use of 7-OH products. That’s why Infinite Recovery is here to help, with compassionate, quality, and comprehensive addiction treatment programs. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait; call (844) 928-1502.