Kratom Poison Center Calls Rose Sharply in 2025 But Severity Stayed Stable

Why it matters

A peer-reviewed analysis of nearly 13,200 kratom-related poison center cases from 2016 through 2025 provides the most comprehensive U.S. epidemiological picture to date, showing a sharp 2025 surge without a corresponding spike in severe outcomes.

The big picture

Kratom exposure reports to U.S. poison centers had remained relatively steady from 2018 through 2024, hovering at about 130 cases per month. The 2025 spike — coinciding with the proliferation of new kratom-derived products including synthetic 7-OH extracts — raised alarm among emergency physicians. However, the clinical severity profile of reported cases did not change significantly, complicating the narrative around kratom's danger.

Key findings

• 13,194 kratom exposures were reported to U.S. Poison Centers from 2016 through July 2025
• Exposures increased sharply starting in March 2025, rising from ~130/month to 228 in March and continuing upward
• 219 deaths (1.6%) recorded over the full period: 43 single-substance and 176 polysubstance
• 85% of reported patients were seen in or referred to a healthcare facility
• Clinical effects — agitation, tachycardia, CNS depression, nausea, confusion — remained largely consistent over time

What they say

The authors concluded: "Kratom exposure cases have risen sharply in 2025 compared to previous years. While the increase was notable, we did not identify a change in the severity of outcomes, clinical effects or healthcare utilization."

Bottom line

Kratom-related poison center calls surged in 2025, but without a rise in deaths or severe outcomes — pointing to increased use rather than a new toxicity profile.