Recently, there has been a concerning rise in the number of reported cases of a dangerous drug called tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” causing severe health effects in New Jersey.
What’s even more alarming is that this drug can easily be purchased on the shelves of corner convenience stores, without a prescription or any restrictions. This trend has sparked a health alert from the New Jersey Department of Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a warning regarding this issue.
The rise of “gas station drugs” has become a cause for concern among health professionals and law enforcement officials. These drugs are masqueraded as dietary supplements and marketed as aids for pain, anxiety, and depression, or as a safer alternative to opioids. However, experts are warning about the highly addictive and dangerous properties of tianeptine, which has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant that can be sold as pills, powder, salt, or even in liquid form. Some companies are also selling it as an active ingredient in supplements. This widespread availability and ease of accessibility contribute to the increasing use of this drug.
What’s even more concerning is that it is being sold in gas stations, minimarts, and smoke shops, making it easily accessible to people of all ages, including children.
The FDA has received numerous severe adverse event reports related to tianeptine, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization. It has also issued an alert stating that tianeptine does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient and is a substance rarely toxic in nature. Yet, companies continue to market and sell products containing tianeptine to consumers, putting their health at risk.
Many states have already taken a stand against these gas station drugs and have made tianeptine illegal to sell. However, the lack of federal regulation and enforcement is a significant hurdle that needs to be addressed. Until then, prevention and education must take center stage for parents, schools, and other institutions to curb the scope of underage use.
Parents and caregivers must also be aware of this issue and educate themselves about the dangers of gas station drugs. It is essential to have an open dialogue with children and teens about the risks of experimenting with unknown substances, especially with the proliferation of adulterated drugs sold online.
There is no safe experimentation when it comes to a substance like tianeptine, which can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even respiratory failure and overdose.
In January 2024, Neptune Resources, LLC, the maker of Neptune’s Fix, voluntarily recalled its products containing tianeptine. This recall highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of illegal and potentially harmful substances in the market.
