Kratom Poisonings Surge: 1200% Rise in Calls to Poison Centers

Reports of potential kratom poisoning are surging across the United States, raising concerns among health officials. Calls to poison centers regarding the herbal supplement have increased dramatically—more than 1,200% between 2015 and 2025—with a corresponding rise in hospitalizations, according to a new analysis by UVA Health. Last year alone, poison centers received a record-high 3,434 reports related to kratom, a significant jump from the 258 reports documented in 2015.

What is Kratom and Why the Sudden Increase?

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years as a purported alternative medicine. Marketed for its stimulant and pain-relieving properties, it’s readily available in vape shops, gas stations and online retailers. The UVA Health analysis suggests the dramatic increase in calls to poison centers isn’t simply due to wider use, but also reflects the increasing potency of new kratom formulations.

The rise in potency is particularly concerning. A recent report from the Blue Ridge Poison Center highlighted the emergence of a potent opioid chemical, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which isn’t naturally present in high amounts in the kratom plant but is being added to products like gummies, pills, and drops. This synthetic opioid is far more powerful than naturally occurring compounds in kratom and poses a serious health risk.

Who is Most at Risk?

While kratom poisoning can affect anyone, certain populations appear to be more vulnerable. The UVA Health data indicates that more than 4 out of every 10 poisonings occur in children under the age of six, highlighting the risk of accidental ingestion. Although, the majority of fatal poisonings occur among adults. This suggests that adults may be more likely to use larger doses or combine kratom with other substances, increasing the risk of severe adverse effects.

The availability of kratom in unregulated settings, such as vape shops, also contributes to the risk. As Dr. Chris Holstege, director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center, stated in NBC29, “I wouldn’t trust any of the labeling that’s out there…There are not quality control measures that are being done on these products.” This lack of regulation means consumers may not realize the true potency or composition of the kratom products they are using.

Understanding the Symptoms and Potential Effects

Kratom’s effects vary depending on the dose, the individual, and the specific product. Low doses may produce stimulant-like effects, while higher doses can have opioid-like effects, including pain relief and sedation. However, even at moderate doses, kratom can cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, and dizziness.

More serious effects, such as respiratory depression, seizures, and liver damage, have also been reported, particularly with higher doses or when kratom is combined with other substances. The presence of 7-OH, the synthetic opioid, significantly increases the risk of severe respiratory depression and overdose. Symptoms of 7-OH poisoning can include slowed or difficult breathing, decreased alertness, and loss of consciousness. Naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist, can be used to reverse the effects of 7-OH poisoning in cases of respiratory distress.

The Role of Poison Centers and What the Data Reveals

The UVA Health analysis underscores the critical role of poison centers in managing potential poisonings. Calls to the Poison Help Line (800.222.1222) are answered by healthcare providers specifically trained to handle poison emergencies. According to the UVA Health report, nearly 90% of callers who are at home when they call can receive guidance and avoid a trip to the hospital, saving an estimated $3.1 billion in medical costs annually across the United States. Since 1978, the Blue Ridge Poison Center alone has assisted over 1 million callers.

The data also reveals some broader trends. Nine out of ten poisonings occur in the home, and the most common sources of poisoning remain medicines, cleaning products, pesticides, and other household chemicals. However, the increasing prevalence of substances like kratom, novel cannabis products, and opioids is creating new challenges for poison centers and healthcare providers.

ToxTalks: A Resource for Healthcare Professionals

The Blue Ridge Poison Center also provides a monthly bulletin called ToxTalks, aimed at healthcare professionals who manage poisoned patients. Recent topics covered in ToxTalks include ketamine analogues, pediatric nicotine ingestions, and, notably, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (August 2025) and Kratom (March 2025), demonstrating the center’s ongoing focus on emerging toxicological threats.

What Comes Next: Surveillance and Guidance Updates

Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concerns about the marketing of 7-OH products as natural kratom extracts, emphasizing that they are, in reality, concentrated synthetic opioids. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of kratom and its various formulations.

The UVA Health analysis highlights the need for increased public awareness about the risks of kratom, particularly the potential for contamination with potent opioids like 7-OH. It also underscores the importance of stricter regulation of kratom products to ensure quality control and accurate labeling. Ongoing surveillance by poison centers and public health agencies will be crucial for tracking trends and informing future guidance and policy decisions. Individuals concerned about potential kratom exposure should consult with a qualified healthcare professional or contact the Poison Help Line at 800.222.1222.