FDA Warns of 'Gas Station Heroin': Dangers of Tianeptine in Supplements

FDA Warning on Tianeptine

• ⚠️ The FDA has issued a new warning about products sold as energy shots or cognitive supplements in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.
• 💡 These products, sometimes referred to as "gas station heroin," contain tianeptine, a drug not approved by the FDA.

Dangers and Side Effects

• ⚡ Tianeptine is known for its opioid-like effects and can be addictive.
• 🧠 Users describe it as invigorating and a distraction from reality, but it can lead to serious side effects.
• 📉 Calls to poison control centers involving tianeptine have increased by over 500% in recent years.

Personal Stories of Addiction and Loss

• 💔 Hannah Gilliam shared her experience of addiction to tianeptine, stating that withdrawals were more severe than those from heroin or fentanyl.
• 😔 Christy Terry's son tragically died after taking 12 pills from a tianeptine bottle for a headache, far exceeding the suggested dosage.

Regulatory Challenges

• ⚖️ While technically illegal to have tianeptine in products in the US, companies exploit a regulatory gray area.
• 💊 Supplements do not face the same scrutiny as approved medications, allowing these dangerous substances to remain on the market.
• 🚫 The FDA urges consumers to avoid all products containing tianeptine.