Health experts are raising alarms over tianeptine, a substance often sold at gas stations and convenience stores. Known as gas station heroin, this unregulated drug mimics the effects of opioids. Despite its classification as a dietary supplement in some instances, users report severe withdrawal symptoms and dependency.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding the risks of tianeptine. The agency notes that it is not approved for any medical use in the United States. Many of the products containing this extract are marketed as mood enhancers or focus aids without clinical evidence to support these claims.
State regulators have started to take action to curb the availability of these products. Several states have moved to ban or heavily restrict its sale. Poison control centers have reported an increase in calls related to adverse effects, ranging from rapid heart rate to seizures.
Consumers should exercise caution regarding any unregulated substance sold in retail environments. What is sold as a supplement often lacks the quality control measures found in pharmaceutical products. Medical professionals suggest that those struggling with dependency on these extracts seek help from specialized treatment centers to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.