Other Common Substances: What Parents Should Know

These products are commonly sold in gas stations and vape/smoke shops. They are marketed as “herbal,” “natural,” “energy,” “focus,” or “mood” aids — but may contain potent synthetic stimulants, opioid-acting compounds, or high-dose hemp derivatives. Labels are often incomplete or inaccurate. Use these examples to recognize packaging and start calm, fact-based conversations at home.

See also: Kratom • Tianeptine • Phenibut • THC Extracts

“Energy/Mood” Capsules with DMHA, Eria jarensis, β-PEA, hordenine, caffeine

Lit energy capsule front packaging Lit energy capsule back packaging

Why it’s risky:
• DMHA is not an approved dietary ingredient; FDA says supplements with DMHA are adulterated and has issued multiple warning letters.1
• Similar stimulant analogs (DMAA/DMBA/BMPEA) have also been targeted by FDA for safety concerns in supplements—illustrating the “swap-one-chemical-for-another” pattern.1–2
• Eria jarensis products have repeatedly tested for N,N-dimethyl-PEA (a methamphetamine-like stimulant) and labeling is often inaccurate. Some regulators abroad restrict N-phenethyl-dimethylamine in foods.3

Parent tip: Watch for labels listing DMHA, 2-aminoisoheptane, 1,5-dimethylhexylamine, Eria jarensis, BMPEA, DMBA, DMAA, hordenine, or high caffeine — all red flags.

“Corydalis (Rhizoma)” Pills (often stacked with caffeine / Kanna / lidocaine)

Corydalis Rhizoma front packaging Corydalis Rhizoma capsule back label

Why it’s risky:
• Corydalis contains tetrahydropalmatine (THP); case series link it to drug-induced liver injury (hepatotoxicity).4–5
• Some listings even add lidocaine (a numbing medicine) to “feel” the product; oral lidocaine can cause seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, and has been fatal, especially for kids.16–17

Parent tip: Avoid any ingestible product boasting a “numbing” sensation.

“All-Natural Energy + Focus” Stacks (PEA + Kanna + Huperzine A + caffeine)

Energy and Focus supplement front packaging Energy and Focus supplement back label

Why it’s risky:
• Huperzine A is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (drug-like). Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and it interacts with other medicines.15
• Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) affects serotonin reuptake; mixing with antidepressants or other serotonergic agents raises serotonin-syndrome risk.14,13
• Stacks often pair PEA, caffeine, and guarana, which can push heart rate and blood pressure and are frequently under-labeled for total caffeine load.11

Parent tip: “Brain boosters” that combine stimulants + Kanna + Huperzine A are drug-like without medical supervision.

“Got Energy Now” – Energy + Focus Capsules (PEA + Kanna + Huperzine A + Caffeine)

Got Energy Now front packaging Got Energy Now back label with supplement facts

Why it’s risky:
• Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a potent stimulant that spikes dopamine and norepinephrine but breaks down rapidly—leading to a fast high and sharp crash. When mixed with caffeine or Kanna, it increases the risk of anxiety, agitation, or hypertension.14
• Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) alters serotonin reuptake and should not be combined with antidepressants, MAOIs, or other serotonergic agents due to the danger of serotonin syndrome.14,13
• Huperzine A is a drug-like acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it affects brain neurotransmitter levels similar to prescription memory medications; side effects include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.15
• English Walnut Bark extract has MAOI-like properties, which may dangerously amplify stimulant and serotonin effects when combined with PEA and caffeine.13
• 85 mg caffeine per serving (and likely underreported totals) can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in adolescents or people sensitive to stimulants.11

Parent tip: “All-natural” doesn’t mean safe. This kind of “next-generation focus” stack mixes multiple neurotransmitter-altering compounds—essentially mimicking prescription stimulants without medical oversight.

“Mushroom/Adaptogen” Blends with 5-HTP + Guarana/Caffeine (e.g., “Chaga Laka Laka”)

Chaga Laka Laka mushroom blend front packaging

Why it’s risky:
• 5-HTP (serotonin precursor) can interact with antidepressants → serotonin syndrome; poison centers warn about this.12–13
• Guarana concentrates very high caffeine (2–8% in the seeds), which stacks with other sources.11

Parent tip: If a “mushroom” capsule also lists 5-HTP or guarana/caffeine, treat it like a mood-altering stimulant mix.

“Shilajit” Resin Capsules or Powders (Fulvic Acid + Trace Minerals + Heavy Metal Residues)

Shilajit resin capsules or powder packaging

Why it’s risky:
• Shilajit is a tar-like exudate scraped from Himalayan rocks and often contaminated with heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury) when unpurified. Even so-called “purified” products frequently test above safe limits in independent lab analyses.10
• It contains fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones, compounds that can alter hormone levels and blood pressure. Unregulated doses may trigger testosterone spikes, liver strain, or blood sugar fluctuations.
• Unstandardized sourcing is a major issue—Shilajit varies wildly by region and vendor, with no consistent chemical fingerprint or clinical dosing standard.
• It’s often marketed as a “natural performance enhancer” or “male vitality resin,” but clinical evidence is minimal, and adulteration with steroids or synthetic drugs is well-documented.

Parent tip: “Shilajit” may sound ancient and earthy, but what’s really inside can be rock sludge laced with metals. Products sold as “mountain tar for stamina” are unregulated, untested, and potentially toxic—not ancient medicine.

If There’s an Exposure

Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) or use webPOISONCONTROL for real-time guidance. Bring the package to the ER if symptoms appear.

References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). DMAA/DMHA and related stimulant analogs in products marketed as dietary supplements (consumer and enforcement communications, 2018–2025).
  2. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Republic of Korea) and other international notices regarding formulated supplementary sports foods and imported products sold outside approved channels (2018 onward).
  3. Independent testing advisories (e.g., consumer testing organizations) warning of undeclared stimulants or excessive caffeine in “Eria jarensis” / PEA-based sports supplements (2025).
  4. National and state agency alerts on kratom-derived 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) recommending control based on illness and misuse reports (2024–2025).
  5. State health department health advisories documenting serious illnesses associated with 7-OH-containing products (2025).
  6. U.S. FDA. Consumer updates about mislabeled or high-potency hemp derivatives (e.g., Delta-8 THC) and pediatric exposures (2023–2025).
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Alert Network advisory on Delta-8 THC availability and adverse events (2021) and subsequent updates.
  8. America’s Poison Centers. Emerging hazard summaries showing increased calls related to Delta-8 and other hemp derivatives (2023–2024).
  9. California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Cannabis-related calls to the California Poison Control System, 2016–2023.
  10. Biological Trace Element Research (2024). Review of Shilajit safety noting heavy-metal contamination in improperly purified resin.
  11. National Library of Medicine (LiverTox Database). Guarana — caffeine content and adverse effects (2023 update).
  12. National Capital Poison Center. 5-HTP safety concerns (reviewed 2023).
  13. StatPearls (2024). Serotonin Syndrome — risks with serotonergic combinations (updated 2024).
  14. Molecules (2021). Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna): serotonergic activity and considerations.
  15. WebMD Medical Team (2024). Huperzine A — uses and adverse effects.
  16. Utah Poison Control Center (2022). Local anesthetic systemic toxicity: risks of oral ingestion.
  17. Acta Clinica Belgica (2002). Fatal intoxication after accidental ingestion of viscous 2% lidocaine in a young child.
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