Health officials are urging the public to steer clear of certain over-the-counter energy shots and supplements sold at gas stations and convenience stores, often referred to as “gas station heroin.” These brightly colored bottles contain tianeptine, an unapproved drug in the U.S. that mimics opioid effects and poses serious health risks.
Despite being promoted as cognitive boosters or mood enhancers, these products are neither tested nor regulated by the FDA. Reports of harmful side effects have been rising for over a decade, prompting renewed warnings from federal health agencies.
Unapproved Antidepressant Sold as Supplement Exploits Loopholes and Endangers Uninformed U.S. Consumers
While tianeptine is legally used as an antidepressant in several countries, it has never been approved for use in the U.S. Yet, companies still manage to sell it under brand names like Zaza, Tianaa, and Neptune’s Fix, often disguising it as a dietary supplement or drink.
Because the FDA does not pre-approve supplements or their ingredients, these products often slip through regulatory cracks. This loophole allows potentially dangerous substances to be marketed without adequate safety testing or oversight, creating what experts call a “grey area” in consumer health.
Gas Station “Heroin” Spurs Health Warnings as Unregulated Tianeptine Fuels Addiction and ER SurgesDespite lacking any scientific validation, many of these products claim to treat conditions like addiction, depression, and chronic pain. Tianeptine, although not classified as an opioid, interacts with similar receptors in the brain and can produce opioid-like effects, including euphoria and sedation.
This makes it attractive to individuals struggling with opioid dependency or mental health issues. However, it also brings similar dangers, such as respiratory depression and the risk of addiction. Medical professionals stress the importance of using FDA-approved treatments under supervision rather than self-medicating with these unregulated products.
Surging Emergencies and State Bans Highlight Growing Dangers of Unregulated Tianeptine Use
The use of tianeptine appears to be on the rise, with poison control centers reporting a 525% increase in related emergency calls between 2018 and 2023. A significant percentage of these incidents required critical medical intervention. Experts suggest that as these products become more potent and contaminated with other drugs, like synthetic cannabis, the risk of adverse reactions grows.
This unpredictability makes them particularly dangerous, as users cannot be sure of what substances they are ingesting, even if they’ve used the same brand before.
Tianeptine is not federally classified as a controlled substance, though several states have enacted their own bans or restrictions. These policies have shown promise; for instance, Alabama saw a sharp decline in related emergency calls after passing legislation in 2021.
However, such regulations can also lead to withdrawal issues among dependent users, emphasizing the need for accessible treatment options. Broader federal action and public education may be necessary to curb the growing threat of tianeptine misuse and protect public health more effectively.
