Advertisement Alert: Potentially Harmful Kratom Tea Mixtures Labeled as Rainbow Shot Draw Controversy
In a concerning development, the misuse of kratom tea, a substance that has recently been decriminalized in Thailand, has been identified as a health risk, particularly among young people and manual laborers in Health Region 5.
The study of seized samples from Health Region 5 between 2021 and 2025 confirmed widespread mixing of medicinal syrups, particularly those containing diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, with kratom decoctions. This practice, which violates pharmaceutical and consumer protection laws, has raised public health concerns due to the combined effects on the central nervous system.
The consumption of kratom tea mixed with antihistamine syrups can lead to drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially for those operating vehicles or machinery.
Key risks include central nervous system depression resulting in impaired alertness and cognitive function. The sweet taste of the syrup may encourage repeated and addictive use, leading to increased demand for medicinal syrups and the illicit production of counterfeit syrups lacking proper active ingredients.
The study referenced examined 778 samples of kratom decoctions and medicinal syrups seized in Health Region 5 between October 2020 and May 2025. The most commonly used medicinal syrups mixed with kratom decoctions contained either Diphenhydramine (59.19%) or Chlorpheniramine (40.81%).
From fiscal year 2023 onwards, enforcement patterns shifted significantly towards targeting unauthorized sellers. Confiscated items were packaged in transparent plastic bottles, ready for sale, in quantities ranging from 600 millilitres to 1.5 litres.
The commercial production and sale of kratom tea remain regulated and require prior authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the study also highlighted the emergence of more sophisticated products, including those modified for appeal with color, scent, and flavor, known as "rainbow shots."
These findings emphasize the need for systemic solutions to monitor and curb the misuse of kratom and antihistamine syrup blends in the region. While the FDA notes kratom by itself contains opioid-receptor binding compounds that carry risks of dependence and adverse effects, the additional mixture with antihistamines exacerbates potential dangers, especially central nervous system depression and risk of misuse.
References:
[1] "Misuse of Medicinal Syrup Mixed with Confiscated Kratom tea in Health Region 5 (FY2021-2025)", unpublished study.
[3] "Health Risks Associated with the Misuse of Kratom Tea in Thailand", Thai Journal of Public Health, 2023.
[4] "Kratom: An Overview of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Public Health Implications", U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022.
- The misuse of kratom tea, a recently decriminalized substance, has been identified as a health risk, with potential impacts on the economy and mental health, given its correlation with accidents and abuse.
- The study published in the Thai Journal of Public Health in 2023 reveals that kratom tea mixed with antihistamine syrups can cause central nervous system depression, impaired alertness, and cognitive function.
- In light of growing concerns, the FDA has been cracking down on unauthorized sellers of kratom tea since fiscal year 2023, aiming to curb its misuse and assure public safety.
- Meanwhile, the illicit production of counterfeit medicinal syrups, as revealed in the unpublished study from FY2021-2025, also poses risks to general healthcare, particularly in Health Region 5, and adds to the overall criminal and justice issues related to the sale of such products.
