mobanmarketEDISON, NJ — “Gas station heroin.”
Ever heard of it? It’s the nickname for tianeptine, an unregulated dietary supplement that’s increasingly sold at convenience stores and gas stations across the country. It is usually sold in pill or powder form.
Tianeptine is sold under the brand name “Neptune’s Fix.” Although tianeptine has been approved for use in other countries, it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Nevertheless, it is sold in America under claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression and pain.
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Tianeptine mimics the sedative effects of opioids, hence its nickname “gas station heroin.” Some people turn to tianeptine as an opioid alternative, or to self-treat anxiety or depression.
However, according to America’s Poison Control Centers, 391 calls reporting tianeptine overdose were made last year, with 27 of those calls coming from New Jersey.
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Central Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ6) held a press conference Thursday at JFK University Medical Center, where he is calling on the FDA to issue a public safety alert on tianeptine. Pallone is also asking convenience stores and gas stations to voluntarily stop carrying Neptune’s Fix and other products with tianeptine, because of the danger they pose.
Also, in January the FDA asked Neptune Resources, the company that makes “Neptune’s Fix,” to issue a voluntary recall of their product.
“I am glad to be part of this effort to raise awareness about tianeptine — one of the more recent, unregulated products that is too easily available under the guise of being a harmless mood and cognitive booster,” said Dr. Eric Alcera, the Behavioral Health chair at Hackensack Meridian Health, which owns JFK hospital. “Illicit substance use often does not exist in a vacuum. Often, it co-exists with mental illness.”
The problem is people can quickly develop a tolerance to tianeptine, which can result in them using more of the drug — and overdosing. Taking too much tianeptine by itself or mixing it with drugs, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, can result in drowsiness, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, slowed or stopped breathing, coma — and even death.
Some people may have difficulty stopping their use of tianeptine and may experience withdrawal symptoms. The clinical effects of tianeptine abuse and withdrawal can mimic opioid toxicity and withdrawal, according to the CDC. People with a history of opioid use disorder or dependence may be at particular risk of abusing tianeptine.
Talk to your kids, teenagers or anyone you love about tianeptine or “Neptune’s Fix.”
Read the three letters Congressman Pallone sent, warning the public and convenience stores about tianeptine:
Health Resources and Services Administration
National Association of Convenience Stores
Council for Responsible Nutrition
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