The Silent Threat of Tianeptine: Unmasking “Gas Station Heroin”

In the bustling aisles of gas stations and vape shops across the United States, a dangerous substance lurks under the guise of a harmless supplement. Tianeptine, often marketed as a mood booster or cognitive enhancer, has earned the chilling nickname “gas station heroin” due to its opioid-like effects and widespread availability. Despite its unassuming packaging, this unapproved drug has been linked to severe health risks, including overdoses and deaths, prompting urgent warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2025.

The rise of tianeptine highlights a troubling gap in regulatory oversight. Sold as products like Neptune’s Fix, Zaza, and Tianaa, it is easily accessible at convenience stores and online, often without clear warnings about its addictive potential. Its ability to mimic the euphoric effects of opioids has led to a surge in misuse, particularly among those seeking alternatives to traditional narcotics. As poison control centers report a dramatic increase in tianeptine-related incidents, the public faces a growing health crisis that demands attention.

What Is Tianeptine?

Tianeptine is a synthetic compound developed in France in the 1960s as an antidepressant. Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily boost serotonin levels, tianeptine acts on the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a role in learning and memory. It is prescribed in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries under brand names like Stablon and Coaxil to treat depression and anxiety. However, its unique pharmacological profile sets it apart from other medications.

Key Characteristics of Tianeptine

• Chemical Structure: Resembles tricyclic antidepressants but functions differently.
• Mechanism of Action: Activates mu-opioid receptors, similar to morphine and heroin, producing euphoria at high doses.
• Approved Uses: Licensed in some countries for depression and anxiety, typically at 12.5 mg doses taken three times daily.
• U.S. Status: Not approved by the FDA for any medical use; marketed as a dietary supplement or nootropic.

In the U.S., tianeptine is sold in various forms—capsules, powders, and liquids—under names like Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red. These products are often mislabeled as dietary supplements, exploiting regulatory loopholes that allow them to be sold without FDA approval.

Why the Nickname “Gas Station Heroin”?

The term “gas station heroin” stems from tianeptine’s easy accessibility at gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops, combined with its opioid-like effects. At high doses, it triggers euphoria and sedation, mimicking the effects of controlled substances like heroin or fentanyl. This has led to its growing popularity among those seeking a legal high, despite the serious risks.

The Growing Public Health Crisis

The rise of tianeptine use has alarmed health officials due to its association with severe health consequences. The FDA’s 2025 warnings underscore the escalating number of adverse events, including overdoses and deaths, linked to this unregulated substance. Poison control centers have reported a dramatic increase in tianeptine-related cases, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness.

Alarming Statistics

• Poison Control Data: From 11 cases between 2000 and 2013 to 151 cases in 2020, with approximately 350 cases reported in 2024 alone.
• Demographics Affected: Primarily individuals aged 21-41, followed by those aged 41-60, with some cases involving minors.
• Geographic Spread: Cases reported across the U.S., with significant numbers in the South (75 cases), West (54 cases), Midwest (47 cases), and Northeast (41 cases) from 2000 to 2017.

Health Risks of Tianeptine

Tianeptine’s effects can be devastating, particularly when taken at doses far exceeding those prescribed in countries where it is approved. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a range of adverse effects, including:

1. Neurologic Effects:
   • Confusion
   • Drowsiness
   • Seizures
   • Coma
2. Cardiovascular Effects:
   • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
   • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
   • Cardiac arrest
3. Gastrointestinal Effects:
   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Diarrhea
4. Other Effects:
   • Respiratory depression
   • Kidney failure
   • Delusions
   • Death

Common Tianeptine Products and Their Risks

Why Tianeptine Is So Dangerous

Tianeptine’s danger lies in its accessibility, deceptive marketing, and potent opioid-like effects. Unlike prescription medications, which undergo rigorous FDA scrutiny, tianeptine products are sold with little oversight, often containing inconsistent or dangerously high doses.

High Doses and Addiction

In countries where tianeptine is approved, the recommended dose is 37.5 mg per day (12.5 mg three times daily). In contrast, U.S. consumers have reported taking doses ranging from 50 mg to 10,000 mg daily, leading to euphoria, dependence, and severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, which mirror those of opioid withdrawal, include:

• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Suicidal thoughts

Lack of Detection

Tianeptine does not appear on standard drug screens, making it difficult for healthcare providers to identify in emergency settings. This complicates diagnosis and treatment, particularly in cases of overdose or withdrawal.

Adulteration Risks

Some tianeptine products, like Neptune’s Fix, have been found to contain unlisted ingredients, such as synthetic cannabinoids, THC, or CBD. These contaminants increase the risk of unpredictable and life-threatening effects, as seen in a 2023 cluster of illnesses in New Jersey linked to Neptune’s Fix.

Vulnerable Populations

Individuals with a history of opioid use disorder are particularly at risk of abusing tianeptine due to its opioid-like effects. Social media platforms, like Reddit, reveal stories of users spending thousands of dollars on tianeptine products, facing financial ruin, and requiring intensive detox to break free from addiction.

FDA’s Response and Legal Actions

The FDA has taken significant steps to address the tianeptine crisis, issuing multiple warnings and import alerts to curb its spread. However, the lack of pre-market regulation for dietary supplements poses ongoing challenges.

FDA Actions

• Warnings and Recalls: In 2024 and 2025, the FDA issued consumer warnings against tianeptine products, including Neptune’s Fix, and prompted voluntary recalls by manufacturers like Neptune Resources, LLC.
• Import Alerts: The FDA has placed tianeptine on import alerts to detain shipments at U.S. borders.
• Letters to Retailers: In January 2024, the FDA urged gas stations and convenience stores to stop selling tianeptine products.
• Educational Outreach: The FDA published an article titled “Tianeptine Products Linked to Serious Harm, Overdoses, Death” to inform healthcare professionals and the public.

State-Level Bans

As of 2025, tianeptine is banned or restricted in 12 U.S. states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio. Delaware is considering a ban through House Bill 21, which would classify tianeptine as a Schedule I controlled substance if signed into law by Governor Matt Meyer.

Legal Challenges

A class action lawsuit filed in June 2025 against MRSS Inc., the manufacturer of Zaza products, alleges that the company intentionally marketed tianeptine as a safe supplement while concealing its addictive properties. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, seeks damages for affected consumers and an injunction to halt sales or mandate clear warning labels.

Global Perspectives and Regulatory Gaps

While tianeptine is approved in some countries, its regulation varies widely. In the UK, it exists in a legal gray area, not licensed for medical use but not classified as a controlled substance. This allows online vendors to sell it as a “research chemical,” raising concerns about potential misuse.

International Regulation

• Approved Countries: Tianeptine is prescribed in parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America, often with restrictions to prevent abuse.
• Banned Countries: Several nations have imposed strict controls due to addiction risks.
• U.S. Challenges: The FDA classifies tianeptine as an unsafe food additive and an unapproved drug, but its sale as a dietary supplement exploits regulatory loopholes.

The Role of Dietary Supplement Laws

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows products to be sold without FDA pre-approval, placing the burden on manufacturers to ensure safety. This has enabled tianeptine to flood the market, often with misleading claims about its benefits.

Protecting Public Health

The tianeptine crisis underscores the need for stronger oversight of dietary supplements and increased public education. Healthcare professionals are urged to counsel patients against using tianeptine and to discuss evidence-based treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, or opioid use disorder. Over-the-counter naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, is recommended for those at risk.

Steps for Consumers

• Avoid Tianeptine Products: Refrain from purchasing or using products like Neptune’s Fix, Zaza, or Tianaa.
• Check Labels: Be wary of supplements claiming to enhance mood or cognitive function without clear ingredient disclosures.
• Seek Help: Contact the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) for adverse reactions or the SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) for addiction support.

Policy Recommendations

• Strengthen FDA Oversight: Require pre-market approval for dietary supplements to prevent dangerous substances from reaching consumers.
• Expand Testing Protocols: Develop standardized tests to detect tianeptine in emergency settings.
• Increase State Bans: Encourage more states to classify tianeptine as a controlled substance.

Key Facts and Findings

• Tianeptine’s Nature: A synthetic compound with opioid-like effects, not approved for medical use in the U.S.
• Health Risks: Linked to seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death, with withdrawal symptoms mimicking opioid addiction.
• Availability: Sold at gas stations, vape shops, and online under names like Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, and Tianaa.
• FDA Actions: Issued warnings, import alerts, and prompted recalls to curb tianeptine’s spread.
• Legal Status: Banned in 12 U.S. states; under consideration for a ban in Delaware.
• Lawsuits: A class action against Zaza’s manufacturer highlights deceptive marketing and addiction risks.

A Call to Action Against a Hidden Epidemic

The rise of tianeptine, or “gas station heroin,” serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in unregulated markets. Its accessibility, coupled with its potent opioid-like effects, has fueled a public health crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including young people and those with a history of substance use. The FDA’s warnings, state bans, and emerging lawsuits signal a growing recognition of the threat, but significant gaps in regulation and detection remain.

The stories of addiction, financial ruin, and hospitalization shared by users on platforms like Reddit underscore the human toll of tianeptine’s unchecked spread. As the U.S. grapples with the broader opioid epidemic, tianeptine represents a new frontier—one that requires swift action from regulators, healthcare providers, and consumers alike. By raising awareness, strengthening oversight, and prioritizing evidence-based treatments, society can mitigate the harm caused by this deceptive substance. The path forward demands vigilance, education, and a commitment to protecting public health from the shadows of “gas station heroin.”

FAQs About Tianeptine

1. What is tianeptine, and why is it called “gas station heroin”?
   Tianeptine is a synthetic drug with opioid-like effects, sold as a supplement in the U.S. It’s nicknamed “gas station heroin” due to its availability at gas stations and its euphoric, addictive properties.
2. Is tianeptine approved for medical use in the U.S.?
   No, the FDA has not approved tianeptine for any medical use. It is considered an unsafe food additive and an unapproved drug.
3. What are the health risks of tianeptine?
   Tianeptine can cause seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, tremors, and insomnia, similar to opioid withdrawal.
4. Where is tianeptine sold?
   It is sold at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online under names like Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, and Tianaa.
5. Why is tianeptine dangerous?
   Its opioid-like effects, high doses, and lack of regulation make it addictive and prone to causing severe side effects, including overdoses.
6. How has the FDA responded to tianeptine?
   The FDA has issued warnings, prompted recalls, and placed tianeptine on import alerts to stop shipments at U.S. borders.
7. Which states have banned tianeptine?
   As of 2025, 12 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio, have banned or restricted tianeptine.
8. Can tianeptine be detected in drug tests?
   No, tianeptine does not appear on standard drug screens, complicating diagnosis in emergency settings.
9. What should consumers do if they’ve used tianeptine?
   Seek immediate medical help for adverse reactions by calling the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or contact SAMHSA (1-800-662-HELP) for addiction support.
10. What legal actions are being taken against tianeptine manufacturers?
    A class action lawsuit against MRSS Inc., the maker of Zaza, alleges deceptive marketing and seeks damages for addiction-related harms.