States Move to Restrict Tianeptine Amid Growing Concerns

Medical professionals are increasingly alerting the public to the dangers of a substance known as “gas station heroin.” Tianeptine, a tricyclic antidepressant, is now classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in fourteen states.

Connecticut has recently joined these states, implementing a ban on the sale and use of tianeptine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about the substance’s potential to produce euphoria at higher doses, making it more potent than morphine and addictive opioids.

The misuse of tianeptine can lead to severe health issues such as respiratory depression and even death. It is often marketed for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and mental alertness enhancement, sold in various forms like pills, powders, salts, and liquids.

These products are available at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers under names such as Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red. Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz emphasized the importance of regulatory action to counter addiction.

Connecticut has classified tianeptine alongside substances like Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), Bromazolam, and others. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary has expressed concern over the health risks posed by tianeptine, especially to young individuals.

Robert Schwaner, M.D., from Stony Brook Emergency Medicine, highlighted the substance’s similarity to opioids in terms of its potential for addiction and withdrawal. He has called for national regulation due to its mu-opioid receptor activity, which can result in respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Dr. Marc Siegel noted that kratom, often sold with tianeptine products, is part of an ongoing addiction epidemic in the U.S. With its compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom is highly potent and poses significant addiction risks.

Despite the prevalence of tianeptine and similar products, they are not routinely tested for in overdose cases. The need for stricter oversight and regulation remains urgent according to these medical experts.