Tianeptine, also called gas station heroin, is an unapproved antidepressant masquerading as a dietary supplement in the U.S., posing significant risks, including addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal outcomes.

Marketed as a dietary aid for energy and focus, this substance carries risks far beyond its promises.

What Is Tianeptine?

Tianeptine was originally an antidepressant used in some parts of the world. It has largely been phased out in favor of more modern medications like SSRIs in the United States. However, it remains available in other countries, typically prescribed in dosages ranging from 25 to 50 milligrams per day. Shockingly, recent reports indicate individuals in the U.S. consuming doses as high as 3,000 milligrams daily.

There is no FDA approval for tianeptine’s medical use. Despite being banned in several states, it continues to be sold under various names like Tianna, Nootropic, Pegasus, TD Red, or ZaZa Red, falsely marketed as a solution for mental health issues, pain, and other conditions.

Because it calls itself a dietary supplement, it evades the rigorous safety testing required for prescribed medications.

Why Do They Call It “Gas Station Heroin”?

While not containing actual heroin, tianeptine produces effects akin to opioids, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to manage or maintain their opioid use disorder. However, its addictive nature and impact on opioid receptors in the brain pave the way for dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, including abdominal discomfort, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory depression.

Primary Product, “Neptune’s Fix,” Recalled by Manufacturer

The FDA recently reported receiving numerous severe adverse event reports associated with Neptune’s Fix products, including seizures, loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization, and fatalities.

A voluntary nationwide recall of all Neptune’s Fix products has been issued due to tianeptine because the FDA has not approved the ingredient for medical use. These products, including Neptune’s Fix Elixir, Neptune’s Fix Extra Strength Elixir, and Neptune’s Fix Tablets, are being recalled as their safety and efficacy remain unestablished.

The FDA warned that tianeptine products are illegally marketed with claims to enhance brain function and treat various conditions, posing life-threatening risks such as suicidal thoughts, unintentional overdose, confusion, seizures, and respiratory issues.

Mixing tianeptine with other antidepressants or alcohol could exacerbate these dangers, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

Dangerous Outcome From Using Tianeptine Recreationally

The CDC also reported an increase in severe cases associated with tianeptine use, with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists detected in some samples. Although no deaths were reported, people affected required intensive care and intubation.

In response, the FDA urged convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers to cease selling Neptune’s Fix and similar products containing tianeptine. Neptune Resources LLC denied any adverse events associated with their products, attributing serious injuries to counterfeit versions mixed with cannabinoids by competitors.

Despite their claims, the FDA remains vigilant, emphasizing the risks of tianeptine-containing products and the importance of halting their distribution to protect public health.

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