Butler County Coroner Dr. Lisa Mannix joined a regional warning about kratom-related overdose deaths Monday, Nov. 9.
Mannix reported two confirmed deaths involving kratom or mitragynine and one suspected death in Butler County, according to WLWT’s coverage of the news conference.
Coroners raised concerns about concentrated products sold through gas stations, vape shops and online retailers, including shots, gummies and pills, WCPO reported.
Kratom comes from a Southeast Asian tree. Two of its compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health explains. Human research remains limited, and serious reported effects include seizures and liver problems.
Federal warnings distinguish the trace amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine naturally present in kratom leaves from products with added or enhanced levels. These concentrated products are often labeled 7-OH.
The Food and Drug Administration advises avoiding 7-OH products, which can cause addiction and other serious harm. No 7-OH product has FDA approval for medical use. People seeking help for pain, anxiety or opioid withdrawal should speak with a health care professional about treatment.
For a suspected poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. If someone is unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
