The FDA has issued a warning regarding tianeptine, a substance marketed as a dietary supplement but infamously dubbed 'gas station heroin' due to its association with overdoses and fatalities.

In the US, tianeptine is sold as a 'wellness' product or nootropic, often misleadingly labeled as a dietary supplement, which allows it to circumvent FDA regulations despite its risks.

While prescribed doses of tianeptine have subtle effects, higher doses can induce euphoria, sedation, and dependence, prompting some users to consume excessive amounts.

This substance is readily available in gas stations, smoke shops, and online, despite never being approved for medical use in the US.

Originally developed in France in the 1960s, tianeptine is used as an antidepressant in some countries, but it is not approved for medical use in the US.

Tianeptine acts on the brain's glutamate system and activates mu-opioid receptors, similar to morphine and heroin, which can lead to euphoria and potential dependence when abused.

Users have reported withdrawal experiences resembling those of opioid addiction, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, complicating the process of quitting.

There has been a dramatic increase in poison control calls related to tianeptine exposure, with a reported 500% rise from 2018 to 2023 and over 300 poisoning cases linked to the drug in 2024 alone.

The potential for undetected tianeptine use raises concerns about misdiagnosis in emergency situations, complicating treatment for related health issues.

Unlike typical antidepressants that increase serotonin levels, tianeptine's unique mechanism of action contributes to its street name and raises alarms about its safety.

In the UK, tianeptine is not licensed for medical use and exists in a legal gray area, making it accessible online despite limited evidence of its circulation.

Tianeptine's effects differ from conventional antidepressants, as it was approved for depression treatment in the late 1980s, highlighting its complex profile.