Hundreds Died Using Kratom in Florida. It Was Touted As Safe. | Tampa Bay Times
He was found at dawn lying on the sofa vomiting on his shirt pale with the eye halfway closed. One resident told paramedics that Jonathan Dampf may have been overdosed after a relapse with drugs. But again it was a different thing. Dampf arrived in Florida a decade ago after a drug overdose. Alcohol, tablets, everything you can get. Within months, he was sober and began leading his congregation in Fort Lauderdale recovery programs. He married his wife. Jonathan Dampf, Kristi Kraus, and Evannah are expected to be married on February 22, 2019. In that same year, Dampf died in the Broward County house after taking medication.
There has been an increase in wrongful death lawsuits related to kratom, with families taking legal action after the deaths of their loved ones who consumed the substance.
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the United States for its purported benefits, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and opioid withdrawal management. However, with its rise in use, there have been increasing reports of adverse effects, including deaths linked to its consumption. The potential for serious harm has raised significant concerns among health officials and consumers alike. A plant native to Southeast Asia, it contains the alkaloid mitragynine, which can produce stimulant effects in low doses and some opioid-like effects at higher doses when consumed.
Mass Tort America specializes in helping individuals and families who have been affected by dangerous drugs and products. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of legal actions related to kratom deaths, ensuring that you have the support and representation needed during this difficult time.
Understanding Kratom And Its Effects On Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. While some users report benefits such as pain relief and enhanced mood, the lack of regulation and standardized dosages poses significant risks. The primary active compounds, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, can lead to dependency, adverse side effects, and, in severe cases, death.
Kratom is frequently used to self-medicate for various conditions, including pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021
Research has shown that kratom can cause a range of adverse effects. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression. The risk of respiratory depression is particularly concerning as it can be fatal. Additionally, kratom has been linked to seizures, liver damage, and severe withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids.
The growing number of kratom-related deaths has prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue warnings about its kratom use. While kratom remains legal in many states, these deaths highlight the need for caution and further research into its safety and potential health risks.
As of April 2019, kratom was not scheduled as a controlled substance. However, since 2012, the Food and Drug Administration has implemented several measures regarding kratom and issued a public health advisory in November 2017. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration has classified kratom as a drug of concern. Between 2011 and 2017, the National Poison Center Reporting database recorded 1,807 calls related to kratom exposure. To evaluate the impact of kratom, the CDC analyzed data from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System.
2 Nearly two-thirds of the calls came in 2016 and 2017. 2 The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)continues to support research to better understand the potential dangers of kratom. On its own, overdose is rare but when combined with drug alcohol, dangerous side effects can occur.
More than 530 people in Florida died from mixing kratom with one or more substances, over three-quarters involved fentanyl. Six died from combining the plant with alcohol. Medical examiners attributed over 30 overdoses to a deadly combination of kratom and at least one medication used to treat anxiety or depression.
Their analysis revealed that the labeling on many kratom products failed to disclose their potency. According to the American Kratom Association, eleven states have enacted regulations on kratom, including age restrictions and labeling requirements. However, there are no equivalent federal regulations. In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration proposed classifying kratom compounds as controlled substances but abandoned the plan after significant public opposition. The following year, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended restrictions on kratom, but this recommendation was subsequently withdrawn.
The American Kratom Association has argued that banning kratom would exacerbate the opioid epidemic by pushing people toward more dangerous substances. They reference a widely circulated study by Johns Hopkins researchers, which surveyed over 2,700 kratom users.
Of the 587 kratom-related overdoses reported up to June 2022, medical examiners identified 38 cases in Tampa Bay, including eight involving kratom alone. The Times shared autopsy and toxicology data from these kratom-only overdoses with four independent pathologists and kratom researchers, who observed variations in the causes of death. Records show that many kratom-related deaths between 2020 and 2022 also involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. “It is hard to separate the effects of kratom when it’s mixed in with other drugs,” said Justin Brower, a toxicologist with NMS Labs, a Pennsylvania company that conducts testing for medical examiners and coroners nationwide. “I think a lot of these kratom deaths are really due to misuse, not so much drug abuse,” Brower said. “You take enough kratom, you can put yourself in harm’s way and die.”
Kratom Addiction, Withdrawal, And Side Effects
The risks of kratom use have risen due in large part to the fact that the main ingredients of the compound are mitragalynine and 7-hydroxymitragalynine – the two of the main components that activate receptors. However, studies suggest that kratom may decrease a person’s ability to become addicted to other medications. 2. There are also potential risks of reliance and addiction, but there is evidence of a very poor chance of both.
Using kratom for longer than intended, consuming more than intended, craving kratom, continuing its use despite adverse physical or personal consequences, increasing the dosage to achieve the same effect (tolerance), and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping (physical dependence) are all noted issues. The FDA has also reported cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome, where newborns showed withdrawal symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability, and muscle stiffness due to prolonged exposure to kratom before birth.
Epidemiological data suggest that some individuals develop substance use disorder after using kratom. However, a well-designed human abuse potential study has not yet been conducted to determine if kratom, mitragynine, or 7-OH-mitragynine produce rewarding effects (such as feeling “high”) that might lead to abuse.
Symptoms Of Kratom Overdose
Although kratom overdose is rare, there have been a handful of reported cases that reported adverse side effects associated with both chronic kratom use and acute overdose/toxicity including Tremors. Anorexia. Frequent urination. Weight loss. Seizures. Delusions. Hallucinations. Liver damage. Death.
Clinicians should be cautious with kratom overdose, as this is associated with rebound hypoxia within 24 hours, which must be accounted for during patient management. It is crucial to differentiate kratom overdose from opioid overdose to avoid potential misdiagnosis by practitioners. A thorough toxicology workup is essential to rule out other causes of hypoxia and substance ingestion, but there is currently no urine or serum test that detects kratom ingestion.
The main danger of mixing kratom with drugs lies in how the body processes the substances. Research has shown that kratom can inhibit certain enzymes in the intestine and liver as the body processes and eliminates the herb’s alkaloids.
The vast majority of users have not experienced life-threatening side effects or died. According to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kratom was the cause of death in only 91 out of more than 27,000 overdose deaths between July 2016 and December 2017. The report also found that around 80% of these kratom-related deaths involved individuals with a history of substance misuse.
The Role Of Contaminants And Adulterants In Kratom Products
One of the major concerns surrounding kratom is the presence of contaminants and adulterants in products sold to consumers. Since kratom is not regulated by the FDA, there is no guarantee of the purity or safety of the products available on the market. Contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, and other harmful substances have been found in some kratom products, exacerbating the potential for harm.
Adulteration with other drugs or substances is another significant risk. Some kratom products have been found to contain additional opioids or other psychoactive substances, which can increase the likelihood of overdose and death. This lack of transparency and regulation in the kratom market puts consumers at serious risk.
The presence of contaminants and adulterants not only increases the health risks but also complicates the ability to determine the true cause of adverse effects and deaths. This makes it challenging for health authorities and legal professionals to address the issue effectively.
What Is The Product Liability Of Kratom in Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
In the Kratom Industry Product Liability covers the risks related to the products that may result from contamination and mislabeling, and also the unidentified additive. Vendors have the responsibility of providing customers with a quality, accurate label.
The firm, Botanic Tonics, is fighting in court for the return of its products. Founder JW Ross said his company’s drinks use only whole leaves. Labels have been updated to indicate that the product may “interact” with certain medications and to provide a warning for individuals with a history of substance abuse.
4o Ross is part of a new organization, the Leaf Kratom Coalition, that advocates for limiting the potency of kratom products. “We’re setting the stage to place regulations before the industry shoots itself in the foot,” Ross said. The FDA declined to make officials available for interviews on kratom. In a statement, the agency reiterated its warning to consumers not to use kratom, citing the risks of serious adverse events such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder, and noting that in rare instances, kratom has been linked to deaths. The agency, however, has declined to assist federal counterparts in highlighting that message. In this case of a female in her 40s brought in by her husband appearing hypoxic, obtunded, difficult to arouse, and cyanotic, our differentials included substance use disorder (opioid versus benzodiazepines versus other substances that could cause respiratory suppression), stroke, respiratory failure secondary to infection, cardiogenic causes, and central nervous system infections.
Legal And Regulatory Responses
The legal and regulatory landscape for kratom is complex and varies by state. While the federal government has not banned kratom, some states and municipalities have implemented their own restrictions or outright bans on the substance. These regulatory actions are often a response to the rising number of kratom-related health issues and deaths.
The lack of consistent regulation across the country makes it difficult to ensure the safety of kratom products. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers have called for more stringent federal regulations to protect consumers and provide clear guidelines for the sale and use of kratom. This ongoing debate reflects the need for a balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits and risks associated with kratom.
Legal actions related to kratom deaths are also increasing. Families of individuals who have died after using kratom are seeking justice through lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers. These legal cases aim to hold responsible parties accountable and push for stricter regulations to prevent further harm.
Why Choose Mass Tort America?
Mass Tort America is committed to helping victims and their families navigate the legal challenges associated with kratom-related deaths. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the complexities of these cases and works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation, providing comprehensive support every step of the way.
Our nationwide reach allows us to assist clients from all over the country. Our Concierge Team is dedicated to coordinating every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to representing you in court. We recognize the emotional and financial burden a wrongful death imposes on a family, and we are here to support you in seeking justice and closure.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a kratom-related death, contact Mass Tort America today. Our team is ready to assist you with your case and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Call us at 800-356-4338 or visit our contact form at https://masstortamerica.com/contact/ to get started.
