The Ban on ‘Gas Station Heroin’ Explained: This week, Florida became the most recent state to ban tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin.”
On September 21, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed an emergency rule to ban the drug and place it on Schedule 1 of the state’s list of controlled substances.
The Ban on ‘Gas Station Heroin’ Explained: What exactly is tianeptine?
Moody stated that tianeptine is commonly sold as a dietary supplement under the brand names Pegasus, Tianaa, and Zaza Red, and that it can mimic the effects of opioids.
It is referred to as “gas station heroin” because it is available at gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
Moody stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved tianeptine for any medical use.
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What are tianeptine’s dangers?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration identifies tianeptine as abused for its euphoric properties akin to those of heroin and other opioids. Abuse has resulted in severe adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, severe sedation, and mortality.
According to the FDA, some tianeptine users may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms. The effects include agitation, drowsiness, confusion, perspiration, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, slowed or stopped breathing, coma, and mortality.
Moody stated that tianeptine is responsible for five deaths in the United States and that Florida’s poison control centers have received 15 inquiries this year related to exposure to the drug.
Over the past four years, more than fifty contacts from users have been reported in the state.
“Tianeptine, also referred to as service station heroin, is highly addictive and potentially lethal. “The federal government reports deaths across the country, and tianeptine is causing an increase in calls to Florida’s Poison Control Center,” said Moody. “Immediate action is being taken to prohibit this hazardous substance in our state. No one should purchase, sell, or use tianeptine-containing products.”
What does the prohibition entail, and what comes next?
Tianeptine is prohibited in a number of additional states, including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee.
The emergency prohibition imposed by Moody makes it temporarily illegal to purchase, sell, or possess tianeptine in Florida.
Moody stated, “This ban is temporary, but I will work with legislators this year on a permanent ban prior to our legislative session.” This action will save lives and help Florida become stronger and secure.
