Polls
Do You Believe “Gas Station Heroin” Should Be Banned Nationwide to Protect Our Youth?
Do You Believe “Gas Station Heroin” Should Be Banned Nationwide to Protect Our Youth?
Here’s The Scoop
The FDA is raising the alarm about a dangerous and unregulated drug known as “gas station heroin,” a substance that’s putting American lives—particularly our youth—at serious risk. Despite not being approved by the FDA, this drug, officially called tianeptine, is being sold openly at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online under names like Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, and Pegasus.
FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary has issued a stark warning about this growing health crisis, calling it a “dangerous and growing health trend” that demands immediate attention. The drug, which is marketed in some countries as an antidepressant, is being abused at high doses to achieve euphoric effects, leading to severe health consequences, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and even death.
The fact that this substance is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States is deeply troubling. This lack of oversight has allowed tianeptine to infiltrate communities, masquerading as a dietary supplement and preying on unsuspecting Americans. It’s yet another example of how government bureaucracy and regulatory blind spots are failing to protect our citizens from harmful substances.
Makary’s concerns are well-founded. The FDA has documented numerous adverse effects from tianeptine use, including agitation, confusion, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and even fatalities. Withdrawal symptoms mimic those of opioids, such as intense cravings, sweating, and nausea—raising fears that this drug is becoming yet another contributor to the addiction crisis plaguing our nation.
New Jersey health officials have already sounded the alarm, reporting a spike in illnesses tied to products like Neptune’s Elixir and ZaZa Red. Between June and November 2023, the state documented 20 cases of severe health effects caused by tianeptine. Despite a voluntary recall by the maker of Neptune’s Fix, experts warn that other products containing this dangerous substance are still on the market.
This crisis is yet another reminder of the broader drug epidemic devastating American communities, particularly in the wake of the fentanyl crisis. Our nation’s youth are being targeted by unregulated substances, and the federal government must act swiftly to crack down on the sale of these dangerous products. The FDA has already warned that tianeptine is not a legitimate dietary supplement and poses a significant threat to public health, but more action is needed to protect Americans from this growing scourge.
It’s time for policymakers to step up and address the loopholes that allow harmful substances like tianeptine to be sold so easily. American families deserve better than to live in fear of what’s being sold at their local gas station. The safety of our children and communities must take priority over the interests of those profiting from these dangerous products.
For anyone currently using tianeptine or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the National Poison Control Center is available at 1-800-222-1222. Don’t wait to seek help—this is a matter of life and death.
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