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Gas Station Heroin: Emerging Drug, Understanding Tianeptine
What is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine, commonly referred to as “gas station heroin,” is a pharmaceutical drug initially developed in Europe as an antidepressant. Despite its medical origins, tianeptine has not been approved for any medicinal use in the United States due to its potential for addiction. It is known for its opioid-like effects, which can lead to severe dependency and withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced with opioids such as oxycodone and heroin.
Availability in the U.S.
Despite its lack of FDA approval, tianeptine is widely available in the U.S., often sold under the brand name Neptune’s Fix among others. It can be found in convenience stores, gas stations, and online, marketed as a dietary supplement. This accessibility has contributed to an increase in its use and the associated health risks.
Health Risks
Tianeptine poses serious health risks, including addiction, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. Health professionals have reported cases where individuals using tianeptine required intensive care due to severe agitation, confusion, heart problems, and seizures. Withdrawal symptoms have been likened to those experienced during heroin withdrawal.
