Synthetic Kratom Compound Tied to Fatal Overdoses: Feel Free Supplement Under Scrutiny”

Introduction

In a disturbing development, health officials in Los Angeles County have confirmed multiple fatal overdoses linked to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a potent synthetic derivative of kratom. At the same time, a kratom supplement called Feel Free is under intense scrutiny on social media, raising fresh questions about the safety and regulation of kratom products. This unfolding story marks one of the most severe public health warnings tied to kratom in recent memory.

What Has Happened: The Latest Developments

Confirmed Overdoses in Los Angeles

Officials have confirmed 7-OH kratom overdoses in multiple fatalities in Los Angeles County. Public Health Los Angeles County+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2
In prior reports, three deaths were linked to 7-OH, with alcohol present in each case. ABC7 Los Angeles+1
The county Department of Public Health is issuing urgent warnings to clinicians and the public about products containing 7-OH. Public Health Los Angeles County

The “Feel Free” Supplement Under Fire

Feel Free, marketed as a kratom-based supplement, has drawn scrutiny on TikTok and other social media platforms. ABC7 Los Angeles
Users describe dependence, overuse, and inability to quit, despite dosage warnings. ABC7 Los Angeles
While Feel Free claims to be “all-natural,” doctors caution that even “natural” kratom carries risks — especially when combined with synthetic derivatives. ABC7 Los Angeles+1

Understanding Kratom, 7-OH & Their Risks

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (botanical name Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain various alkaloids, among them mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Wikipedia+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

In naturally occurring kratom leaves, 7-OH typically comprises a small fraction of the total alkaloid content (often under 2%). Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Because of the low natural concentration, many high-potency 7-OH products are synthetically enhanced or concentrated, rather than directly extracted from leaves. Wikipedia+2dshs.texas.gov+2

Why 7-OH Is Especially Dangerous

7-OH is far more potent than mitragynine in terms of opioid receptor activity, with stronger sedation and risk of respiratory depression. Wikipedia+3dshs.texas.gov+3PMC+3
At high concentrations—or when combined with alcohol or other depressants—it can cause severe respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Public Health Los Angeles County+3dshs.texas.gov+3U.S. Food and Drug Administration+3
The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued warnings about concentrated 7-OH products after rising exposure reports. dshs.texas.gov

Health Risks of Kratom (in General)

Kratom use carries a spectrum of known and suspected adverse effects, including but not limited to:

Nausea, vomiting, constipation American Addiction Centers+2PMC+2
Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness American Addiction Centers+1
Liver toxicity, seizures, confusion U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2PMC+2
Dependence, withdrawal, substance use disorder potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2UNT Health Fort Worth+2
Contamination risk: kratom products have been found with salmonella and heavy metals, causing additional harm. Mayo Clinic+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

Notably, nearly all documented deaths involving kratom involved multiple substances (e.g. alcohol, other drugs), making it difficult to isolate kratom’s precise role. American Addiction Centers+3Mayo Clinic+3U.S. Food and Drug Administration+3

Regulatory Status & Warnings

The FDA warns against using kratom, concluding that it poses significant risks and lacks sufficient safety data. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Kratom is not legally approved as a dietary supplement in the U.S.; products containing it are considered adulterated. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The FDA has initiated actions to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance (Schedule I) due to its high abuse potential. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1
Some states have already banned or regulated kratom and related derivatives. UNT Health Fort Worth+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

What This Means for the Public, Clinicians & Consumers

Key Takeaways for Consumers

Avoid all products labeled with 7-hydroxymitragynine, “super” kratom extracts, or unknown “alkaloid” blends.
Be highly skeptical of supplements claiming to cure pain, anxiety, or withdrawal — especially ones making strong claims about potency.
Never mix kratom or derivatives with alcohol or other depressants.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of overdose (breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, bluish lips), call emergency services immediately.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience alarming symptoms after kratom use (confusion, severe nausea, seizures).

Advice for Health Professionals

Be aware of the signs of 7-OH/kratom overdose and treat symptoms aggressively (e.g. consider naloxone if respiratory depression is present). dshs.texas.gov+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2
Ask about kratom or supplement use when evaluating unexplained overdose or unexplained organ dysfunction.
Report adverse events involving kratom or derivatives to public health agencies, toxicology centers, or FDA MedWatch.
Educate patients about the unpredictable potency, contamination risks, and lack of regulation in kratom products.

Implications for Policy & Oversight

This surge in overdose cases underscores the urgent need to regulate 7-OH products and restrict their sale.
Policies may need to differentiate between minimal-dose natural kratom and concentrated synthetic derivatives.
Stricter labeling, potency testing, and consumer warnings are required to protect vulnerable populations.
Collaboration among public health departments, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies is essential to curb illicit sales and monitor harm.

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