PHD issues kratom warning

The Panhandle Health District on Monday issued a districtwide warning for kratom, a drug it says has addictive and overdose potential. 

"Kratom, and in particular 7-OH, appears to be a growing problem in Northern Idaho and the rest of the nation,” said Panhandle Health District’s Medical Director, Gregory Pennock, MD. “Deaths associated with kratom use have occurred in Northern Idaho per my communications with the Kootenai County Coroner. The health district wants to increase local awareness of these potentially dangerous products for individuals, parents, educators, healthcare workers, government officials and retailers."

Kratom is derived from the leaves of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia.  At low doses, kratom produces a mild stimulant effect, causing increased alertness and energy, while at higher doses it has sedative properties similar to opioids. 

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, kratom consumption can lead to addiction and there have been cases of psychosis resulting from kratom use, a press release said.

The two most active components of kratom are the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).  

Potency and content of kratom products vary widely, and products are currently unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the release said.

Street names include, “Thang, Kakuam, Ketum, Krathom, Madat, Mambog, Thom, Krypton, Herbal Speedball and Gas Station Heroin.”

Kratom leaves may be processed and concentrated through extraction and distillation methods and sold in the form of liquids, powders or pills over the counter at gas stations and convenience stores.  

"These concentrated preparations may contain unsafe levels of the active alkaloids and may cause seizures, addiction, liver and kidney toxicity," the release said. 

Signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting, agitation and restlessness. 

The Health District recommends:

1. Avoiding all kratom products, especially those containing 7-OH

2. Seeking medical advice for side effects, addiction or withdrawal symptoms

3. Reporting adverse reactions of kratom or 7-OH products to the FDA’s MedWatch program and to the Panhandle Health District (208-415-5235).