Archive · 16 Jun 2025
US Warns of Rising Risks from "Gas Station Heroin"
Imagine a drug called tianeptine, sometimes called "gas station heroin."
It's sold in some stores, but it's not approved by the US government.
It acts like an opioid, which means it can affect your brain in similar ways to drugs like heroin.
Health officials are worried because more people are using it, and it can cause serious problems.
People have experienced seizures, problems with blood pressure and heart rate, and severe distress.
The FDA is concerned because there has been a rise in people getting very sick or even dying from it.
US health authorities warn of increased health risks related to tianeptine, known as "gas station heroin."
Tianeptine is an unapproved drug found in over-the-counter supplements at various retail locations.
The FDA has not approved tianeptine, which mimics opioid effects.
The FDA issued a formal warning due to a sharp increase in adverse events, including deaths.
Poison control centers across the US have recorded a spike in tianeptine-related calls over the past decade.
- Who
- US health authorities and the FDA are concerned about tianeptine users.
- What
- US health authorities are raising alarms about tianeptine, an unapproved drug, due to increasing health risks.
- When
- The FDA issued a formal warning last month after a sharp increase in adverse events.
- Where
- Tianeptine is found in over-the-counter supplements sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores across the US.
- Why
- Due to the surge in use and the associated health risks, including deaths.
- Drug Name
- Tianeptine
- Nickname
- "Gas Station Heroin"
- Approval Status
- Not approved by the FDA
- Effects
- Mimics opioid-like effects
- Common Locations
- Gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores
- Reported Symptoms
- Seizures, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, severe distress