Shady Lootlings: Tianeptine's Threat Echoing Across America
Hazardous compound referred to as 'gas station heroin' is identified as a significant threat to youths by the Food and Drug Administration, warning of potential harm.
In the heartland of Brewer, Maine, police chief Chris Martin paints a grim picture. Drug dealers are flooding the state, driving a surge of crime, he told our hip digital platform Digital.
The top honcho at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has blasted a warning on a deadly drug they call "gas station heroin." This devilish drug could lead to severe harm, even death. Christopher A. Makary, the commissioner, penned a stern letter to his mates last week, alerting them to what he calls a "menacing and increasing health trend" endangering America, especially its young ones. Makary raises the alert concerning products containing tianeptine.
Yeah, you might know it as that shady stuff sold at gas stations through different item baits – gas stations ain't FDA-approved dealers, mate.
In New Jersey, health officials already shrieked that this dangerous elixir, known as ZaZa or Tianna Red, sparked a spike in sicknesses.
So, what's the real deal with this "gas station heroin?" It’s marketed as supplements, mainly available at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers, carrying vicious names like Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune's Fix, Pegasus, or TD Red.
Makary clarifies that the FDA follows the distribution and sale of these tianeptine-laced products but stresses the urgency for his colleagues to share knowledge about the drug, underscoring its underlying terror.
Tianeptine, in some countries, is licensed as an unusual antidepressant. They generally suggest a daily dosage of 12.5 mg orally, thrice a day to tackle depression, but when higher doses are involved, they can trigger euphoria. Several countries have monitored tianeptine prescriptions and even revised labels to caution against potential addiction.
In the U.S., though, tianeptine's not listed as part of the Controlled Substances Act. That means open season for its recreational use, but stopping intake may cause withdrawal symptoms identical to those linked with opioid withdrawal – you might experience cravings, sweating, diarrhea, and the like.
If ingested, tianeptine might cause adverse events like agitation, coma, confusion, death, drowsiness, hypertension, nausea, respiratory depression, sweating, tachycardia, and vomiting.
Two years ago, New Jersey health officials warned that Neptune's Elixir and ZaZa Red, sold as dietary supplements in gas stations and online, were triggering a surge in ailments.
Jump to 2023, and New Jersey health officials spotted a problem with Neptune's Fix Elixir, containing tianeptine, after a cluster of illnesses was linked to the product. Between June and November 2023, there were 20 reported cases of tianeptine causing "severe clinical symptoms" in New Jersey.
In 2023, the FDA issued a warning about Neptune's Fix or any other products containing tianeptine.
"FDA considers tianeptine as a substance unsuitable for the definition of a dietary ingredient and is an unsafe food additive. The FDA is aware of various serious adverse events associated with tianeptine," they warned.
On January 28, 2024, Neptune Resources, LLC, the makers of Neptune's Fix, issued a voluntary recall of its items due to the presence of tianeptine. But let's be real; other products might contain this beast too.
If you or someone you know is experiencing withdrawal symptoms related to tianeptine, dial 1-800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical help, experts suggest.
Raise your voices, folks! Shout out about the dangers of "gas station heroin" and keep yourselves, friends, and family away from this menace. Stay informed and stay safe!
this article was contributed to by our shrewd, Digital staffer, Melissa Rudy
Greg Wehner, our breaking news reporter for Digital, is always open to your story ideas and tips. Feel free to send them to [email protected] and connect via Twitter (@GregWehner).
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about a dangerous product called tianeptine, marketed as supplements and sold at various non-FDA-approved locations like convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers.
- Tianeptine, while licensed as an unusual antidepressant in some countries, can have severe consequences, including addiction, when higher doses are involved, and it carries potential risks even when used as prescribed.
- In 2023, New Jersey health officials spotlighted a problem with Neptune's Fix Elixir, containing tianeptine, after a cluster of illnesses was linked to the product, resulting in 20 reported cases of severe clinical symptoms.
- In response to the serious adverse events associated with tianeptine, the FDA issued a warning and Neptune Resources, LLC, the makers of Neptune's Fix, issued a voluntary recall of its items. However, it is crucial to stay informed and aware of the dangers of tianeptine, often nicknamed "gas station heroin," and to avoid its use to ensure safety and well-being.
