About Tianeptine

Tianeptine is a human-made drug. In some countries, it can be prescribed to treat depression. However, it is not approved for any use in the United States, either as a medication or supplement.

Even though it is not approved for sale, tianeptine is sold in the US. You may see it at gas stations, vape shops, smoke shops, or online. It comes in the form of pills, powder, or liquid, under brand names such as Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune's Fix, and Pegasus. Product labels often include unproven health claims, such as improving brain function or treating depression or anxiety.

At low doses, tianeptine can feel like a mild antidepressant. But, at the higher doses found in most US products, it acts on the same brain receptors as opioids like morphine, heroin and fentanyl. Due to this, tianeptine is one of several substances that has been called "gas station heroin”.

Because it is not regulated, you cannot know how strong a product is or what else might be in it. Some products have been found to contain other harmful, undisclosed ingredients.

• Physical dependence and addiction: Regular use can lead to tolerance to tianeptine and a feeling of needing to use the drug. Some people have trouble stopping tianeptine due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms or urges and cravings to continue taking tianeptine.
• Overdose: Taking too much can slow or stop your breathing, which can be deadly, especially if combined with alcohol, opioids, or other sedating drugs.
• Other potential serious effects: agitation, drowsiness, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, or vomiting.
• Unpredictable strength: Because these products are unregulated, doses can vary widely between batches and brands.
• Rising harm reports: Calls to poison control centers about tianeptine have grown sharply nationwide over the past decade.
• Long-term effects: Heavy, repeated use has been linked to serious withdrawal, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

• The FDA has warned that tianeptine is not approved for any medical use in the US and is illegal to sell as a food or dietary supplement.
• Federally, tianeptine is not currently a controlled substance, so enforcement varies by state.
• More than a dozen states have already banned or restricted tianeptine as a controlled substance.
• California does not currently classify tianeptine as a controlled substance, but state lawmakers have introduced legislation to restrict its sale, and enforcement action is possible under existing food and drug safety laws.

• Tianeptine products are sold at some convenience stores, vape shops, and online retailers, often marketed with vague claims about mood, energy, or focus.
• Because it isn't tested or regulated, you cannot be sure what's really in the product you're buying or how strong it is.
• People trying to quit on their own can experience severe withdrawal. Medical support can make this safer.

The safest choice is not to use tianeptine. If you do use it:

• Avoid mixing it with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical support — withdrawal can be severe. Treatment is available and effective.
• Carry naloxone. Because tianeptine can act like an opioid, naloxone may help reverse an overdose.
• Call the California Poison Control Center if you have any concerns. It is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222.