FDA Renews Warning on Tianeptine Gas Station Supplements

The FDA and health officials are warning Americans about tianeptine, a drug found in gas station and smoke shop supplements under names like Zaza, Tianaa, and Neptune’s Fix, which is marketed as an energy or cognitive booster but is not FDA-approved for any medical use. Despite being illegal as a supplement ingredient and banned in several states, tianeptine remains widely available due to regulatory loopholes. The drug acts on opioid receptors, can be addictive, and has resulted in a 525% increase in poison control calls from 2018 to 2023, with many cases requiring intensive medical care. Some tianeptine products have also been found to contain other hidden or dangerous substances, compounding their risks. Ongoing sales, despite FDA warnings and state bans, underscore major gaps in supplement regulation and enforcement. Health officials urge consumers to exercise caution with these supplements to avoid serious health consequences.