Bottom Line Up Front: 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7OH) is a highly potent alkaloid found in kratom that acts primarily on opioid receptors in the brain. While naturally occurring in trace amounts, concentrated 7OH products carry significant risks including rapid tolerance development, physical dependence, and challenging withdrawal symptoms that can last weeks to months.
What is 7OH?
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7OH) is a terpenoid indole alkaloid present in the plant Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom. It was first described in 1994 and in humans, it is produced as an active metabolite of mitragynine via hepatic oxidation. While 7OH is naturally present in small amounts from 0.6%–0.7% on average in kratom leaves, modern extraction techniques have made it possible to create highly concentrated products.
7OH is formed when mitragynine (kratom’s primary alkaloid) is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A enzymes. This conversion significantly enhances 7OH’s effectiveness as a pain reliever, making it substantially more potent than mitragynine despite being present in kratom leaves at much lower concentrations.
Key Characteristics of 7OH:
- Potency: Approximately 13 times more potent than morphine
- Receptor Activity: Acts as a partial agonist at μ-opioid receptors and as a competitive antagonist at δ- and κ-opioid receptors
- Natural Occurrence: Pure kratom products should contain no more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the alkaloid fraction
How Long Does 7OH Last?
Users report the effects of 7-hydroxy lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, with some lingering effects possibly extending to 8 hours in certain individuals. The duration depends on several factors:
- Individual metabolism: Body weight, liver function, and genetic factors
- Dosage: Higher doses typically last longer
- Method of consumption: Oral tablets vs. liquids vs. other forms
- Food intake: On an empty stomach, onset occurs in 15 to 20 minutes, while on a full stomach it takes more time
How Long Does 7OH Stay in Your System?
The elimination of 7OH from your system depends on multiple factors including dose, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual physiology. For comprehensive information about kratom detection times and metabolism, visit our detailed guide on how long kratom stays in your system.
What Are 7OH Tablets?
7OH tablets are pre-measured dosage forms containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, typically ranging from 5mg to 22mg per tablet. These tablets are identifiable by their distinct appearance – often purple or green – marked with manufacturer logos and dosage information.
Common 7OH tablet characteristics:
- Purple tablets: Often contain 20-22mg of 7OH
- Green tablets: Typically contain 5-10mg of 7OH
- Scored design: Many tablets have center notches for splitting
- Weight: Approximately 600 milligrams each
What Does 7OH Feel Like?
7OH produces potent analgesic effects, mood enhancement, and sedative properties. Users report pain relief, enhanced relaxation, and euphoric sensations similar to opioids. Personal accounts describe feelings of “calm and peace” and being “totally pain and anxiety free.”
Common effects include:
- Significant pain relief
- Mood elevation
- Relaxation and sedation
- Reduced anxiety
- Euphoria (at higher doses)
How Long Does 7OH Take to Kick In?
Effects typically kick in within 15-45 minutes for liquid forms, offering a relatively swift experience. For tablets and other solid forms, effects are gradually absorbed through the digestive system, leading to a delayed onset of effects, typically within 1-2 hours.
Onset times by consumption method:
- Liquid/drinks: 15-45 minutes
- Tablets/capsules: 1-2 hours
- Vaping: Nearly immediate
- Empty stomach: 15-20 minutes
How Strong is 7OH?
7OH is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine and about 10 times more potent than mitragynine at the μ-opioid receptor. This exceptional potency makes 7OH one of the most powerful naturally-occurring opioid-like compounds.
Potency comparisons:
- 13x more potent than morphine
- 10x more potent than mitragynine
- 7OH has a tenfold higher potency at the mu-opioid receptor than mitragynine
Is 7OH Stronger Than Morphine?
Yes, 7OH is significantly stronger than morphine. Research indicates that 7-hydroxymitragynine is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine in terms of analgesic effects. Studies show that 7OH binds to opioid receptors with greater affinity than morphine, making it one of the most potent naturally occurring opioid-like compounds.
This extreme potency is why concentrated 7OH products carry significantly higher risks than traditional kratom leaf, including rapid tolerance development and severe withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Does 7OH Withdrawal Last?
7OH withdrawal can persist for a longer duration compared to typical opioid withdrawal, potentially lasting up to 3 months after discontinuation, compared to about 1 week for traditional opioids.
Withdrawal timeline:
- Acute Phase (1-7 days): Most severe physical symptoms, including muscle pain, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety
- Sub-Acute Phase (1-3 weeks): Persistent symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and poor concentration
- Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS): In some individuals, emotional instability, brain fog, and cravings can persist for weeks or even months
How to Quit 7OH
Quitting 7OH requires careful planning due to its high potency and potential for severe withdrawal. Buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone have been used off-label for kratom withdrawal, with these agents hypothesized to effectively treat withdrawal by alleviating symptoms and reducing cravings.
Professional treatment options:
- Medical detoxification under supervision
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Counseling and therapy
Important note: Due to 7OH’s potency and withdrawal severity, medical supervision is strongly recommended when discontinuing use.
For those struggling with kratom dependence, learn more about kratom addiction treatment options and detox programs.
How to Taper Off 7OH
Due to the extended withdrawal timeline and severity of symptoms, a gradual taper under medical supervision is often necessary. A proper taper plan should:
- Reduce dosage gradually over weeks or months
- Monitor for withdrawal symptoms
- Provide medical support for symptom management
- Include counseling and support services
Key considerations for tapering:
- Work with healthcare professionals experienced in opioid withdrawal
- Expect a longer timeline than traditional opioids
- Prepare for potential post-acute withdrawal symptoms
How Much 7OH is Too Much?
Manufacturers typically recommend not exceeding one tablet every four hours and advise using the product only as needed. Beginners are recommended to start with 1/4 to 1/2 a tablet to gauge their tolerance and response.
General dosing guidelines:
- Beginners: 2.5-5mg (1/4 to 1/2 tablet)
- Typical dose: 5-10mg per serving
- Maximum frequency: Not more than every 4 hours
- Daily limit: Do not take more than 20mg per day
What Does 7OH Look Like?
7OH tablets typically feature distinctive colors – purple tablets often contain 20-22mg, while green tablets typically contain 5-10mg. They are marked with manufacturer logos on one side and dosage information on the other.
Common appearances:
- Purple tablets: Higher potency (20-22mg)
- Green tablets: Lower potency (5-10mg)
- Scored design: Center notch for splitting
- Logo markings: Manufacturer identification
How Addictive is 7OH?
7OH is a highly selective mu-opioid receptor agonist with binding affinity 14-22 times more potent than morphine, suggesting significant addiction potential. Research shows that 7-hydroxymitragynine demonstrates abuse liability and can produce morphine-like effects in animal studies.
Addiction risk factors:
- High potential for abuse leading to increased self-administration and addiction
- Rapid tolerance development
- Physical dependence can occur quickly
- Higher risk for dependence development if used for self-treatment of pain or opioid withdrawal
Legal Status and Regulatory Concerns
In 2016, the DEA announced intent to temporarily place mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine into Schedule I, but withdrew this notice in October 2016 following significant public opposition. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drug products containing kratom or its components that are legally on the market in the U.S.
Current status:
- Not federally scheduled
- Some states and localities have banned kratom and its alkaloids
- FDA continues to warn consumers not to use kratom due to risk of serious adverse events
What States Have Banned 7OH?
Several states have banned kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom is banned in the following states:
- Alabama – Kratom is completely prohibited
- Arkansas – Kratom is completely prohibited
- Indiana – Kratom is completely prohibited
- Rhode Island – Kratom is completely prohibited
- Vermont – Kratom is completely prohibited
- Wisconsin – Kratom is completely prohibited
Local bans also exist in:
- Sarasota County, Florida
- Union County, North Carolina
- Malheur County, Oregon
- Denver, Colorado
- San Diego, California
- Oceanside, California
- Several counties in Mississippi
- Various parishes in Louisiana
Laws are constantly changing, so it’s important to check current local and state regulations before purchasing or using 7OH products. For the most current information on kratom legality, visit American Kratom Association’s legal status page.
Will 7OH Show Up on a Drug Test?
7OH and kratom alkaloids are not typically detected on standard drug tests, but specialized testing can identify them. Most standard 5-panel, 10-panel, and 12-panel drug tests do not screen for kratom alkaloids. However, specific kratom tests do exist and may be used in certain circumstances.
Drug testing considerations:
- Standard workplace drug tests typically don’t screen for kratom
- Specialized kratom tests can detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine
- Detection windows vary based on usage patterns and individual factors
- Some employers or treatment facilities may specifically test for kratom
For detailed information about kratom detection times and testing methods, read our comprehensive guide on how long kratom stays in your system.
What Does 7-Hydroxymitragynine Do to You?
7-Hydroxymitragynine produces potent effects similar to opioids due to its strong binding affinity to μ-opioid receptors. The compound affects multiple neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic receptors.
Primary effects include:
- Pain relief: Potent analgesic effects approximately 13 times stronger than morphine
- Mood enhancement: Feelings of euphoria and well-being
- Sedation: Relaxation and drowsiness, especially at higher doses
- Anxiety reduction: Calming effects on the nervous system
Negative effects may include:
- Respiratory depression
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Physical dependence with regular use
The effects are dose-dependent and can vary significantly between individuals based on tolerance, body weight, and other factors.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
Serious health risks include:
- Respiratory depression
- Liver toxicity
- Seizures
- Cardiovascular problems
- Substance use disorder development
For information about addiction treatment and recovery, visit our pages on substance abuse treatment and addiction recovery programs.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with 7OH use, professional help is available:
Refine Recovery: (866) 890-9573
Learn more about getting help for addiction and finding the right treatment program.
Conclusion
7-Hydroxymitragynine represents a significant public health concern due to its extreme potency, rapid development of tolerance and dependence, and challenging withdrawal profile. Unlike traditional kratom leaf products, concentrated 7OH products carry substantially higher risks and should be approached with extreme caution.
The distinction between whole-plant kratom and isolated 7OH compounds is crucial for public understanding. While kratom has been used traditionally for centuries, modern concentrated 7OH products represent a fundamentally different substance with opioid-like addiction potential.
For those struggling with 7OH use, professional medical intervention is strongly recommended due to the complexity of withdrawal and high relapse risk. Recovery is possible with appropriate support and treatment.
Get Help for 7OH and Kratom Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with 7OH, kratom, or any substance use disorder, help is available. At Refine Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of kratom and 7OH addiction and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs designed to support lasting recovery.
Our specialized kratom addiction treatment program includes:
- Medically supervised detox and withdrawal management
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
- Holistic healing approaches
- Family support and education
- Aftercare planning and relapse prevention
Don’t face this challenge alone. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you reclaim your life from kratom and 7OH dependence.
Call us today at (866) 890-9573 to speak with an admissions counselor and learn more about our treatment options. Take the first step toward recovery – you deserve a life free from dependence.
