KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tianeptine, also known as "gas station heroin," and may be used by people to help with energy, mood and appetite control. However, this drug is banned in the state of Tennessee. The Food and Drug Administration warns that it can be addictive and deadly.
"Tianeptine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any medical use," the FDA said. "Despite that, some companies are illegally marketing and selling products containing tianeptine to consumers."
The FDA also said these companies make dangerous and unproven claims that tianeptine can improve brain function and treat things such as anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions.
According to the FDA, the Poison Control Center said cases involving the drug have increased nationwide, from 11 total cases between 2000 and 2013 to 151 cases in 2020.
"Tianeptine is associated with several adverse health effects, such as seizures, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness," the Tennessee Department of Health said. "Additionally, there have been several fatal overdose cases reported in Tennessee where Tianeptine was involved."
It is a felony to buy or sell the drug in Tennessee, with 14 people being sent to the emergency room in 2021 and again in 2023, according to a February report from the DOH.
In 2022, 26 people were sent to the ER for the use of tianeptine, the department said.
According to the same report, the percentage of emergency visits in Tennessee involving the drug from 2021 through 2023 was 29.2% in East Tennessee, 60.4% in Middle Tennessee and 10.4% in West Tennessee.
Many other states have joined in the banning the drug, including:
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Florida
