TIANEPTINE OR “GAS STATION HEROIN”

Q.) What is Tianeptine or “Gas Station Heroin”?

Tianeptine is a prescription drug used for depression in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries. It is not approved for use in the US.

 

Q.) Why is Tianeptine known as “Gas Station Heroin”?

Tianeptine is known as “gas station heroin” because it can mimic an opioid high and is found at some gas stations.

 

Q.) Does “Gas Station Heroin” have another name?

Neptune’s Fix is an over-the-counter supplement that is also referred to as “gas station heroin”. The main ingredient in it is tianeptine. The supplement is sold in convenience stores, gas stations and online.

 

Q.) What is a recall?

A recall is an option that can be chosen rather than an FDA requested court action for eliminating or adjusting the products in question that have been distributed.

 

Q.) Why is Neptune’s Fix being recalled?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new and urgent warning about using any products, such as Neptune’s Fix, that contain tianeptine. They sent a letter on January 11, 2024 to convenience stores, gas stations, vape/smoke shops and other companies advising the retailers to stop selling any tianeptine-containing products. In November 2023, they issued an initial warning and have continued to receive reports on the adverse effects of tianeptine, including seizures, loss of consciousness and death.

 

Q.) Why is Tianeptine dangerous?

The drug commonly induces agitation and can also cause effects such as a racing heart rate, high blood pressure, confusion, nightmares, drowsiness, dry mouth and nausea. The more serious effects include slowed or stopped breathing, coma, heart arrhythmia and death.[1] The drug can also interact with other medications with deadly consequences.

Q.) What do I do if I need help or someone I care about needs help after using Tianeptine, Gas Station Heroin or Neptune’s Fix?

Reach out to get medical and therapeutic assistance; you don’t have to face this alone. Santé Center for Healing is the place to turn. “We have treated substance use abuse and disorders that include co-occurring mental health conditions for over 27 years. If we aren’t the right fit for an individual, we will help them find a place that is,” (where should the front of the quotation marks start?) says Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O., FASAM, CEDS. Reach out for assistance 24-hours a day from one of our licensed therapists at 940-464-7222.

 

Q.) Why Santé for those who Suffer from Addiction?

Santé Center for Healing provides integrity-driven, evidence-based, and personalized long-term recovery customized for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health, trauma, problematic sexual behavior, disordered eating and other compulsive behaviors. Founded in 1996, Santé’s mission is to provide long-term recovery because left untreated, addiction is a fatal disease. Contact Santé Center for Healing at 940-464-7222.

 

Article by: Nicole Miller & Hollie Higgins

Reformatted for blog by: Amy Miller, MBA & Julie K. Ballard

 

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Sources

1. El Zahran T, Schier J, Glidden E, et al. Characteristics of Tianeptine Exposures Reported to the National Poison Data System — United States, 2000–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:815–818. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6730a2