Over-the-Counter Opioid: The Dangers of Unregulated Tianeptine Use

Overdoses from tianeptine—also known as “gas station heroin”—are on the rise as the FDA calls for a crackdown.

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Tianeptine was developed decades ago to treat depression and anxiety, but today, this drug is earning a far more nefarious reputation as “gas station heroin.”

While this substance was intended to help, its accessibility and opioid-like high have fed an addiction epidemic spreading coast to coast. Sold openly under countless brands and formulations, tianeptine poses grave health risks, yet its use continues to proliferate in the regulatory abyss.

The Rise of Tianeptine Abuse

Tianeptine is an antidepressant sold under brands like Stablon and Coaxil. Though not approved for any medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug is approved to treat depression and anxiety in other countries. Still, its use is limited due to inconsistent results and high abuse potential.