FDA Warns Against Tianeptine 'Gas Station Heroin' Health Risks Nationwide

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strong warning about the rising use of tianeptine, a drug often referred to as "gas station heroin" due to its availability at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers. Although licensed as an antidepressant in some countries, tianeptine is not approved for use in the U.S., and the FDA highlights its potential for addiction, severe side effects, and even death, particularly among youth. The agency has sent warning letters to companies selling these products and placed import alerts to prevent shipments, urging healthcare professionals to advise patients to avoid all tianeptine-containing products. FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary emphasized the need for proactive measures to address this fast-growing trend, drawing parallels to past delayed responses to opioid and vaping crises. The drug is banned in several U.S. states, but remains widely accessible elsewhere, raising ongoing public health concerns. The FDA continues to monitor distribution closely to mitigate this dangerous and increasing health threat.