Gas station heroin is a colloquial term for over-the-counter substances that mimic the effects of opioid drugs like heroin and morphine. Tianeptine, an antidepressant drug with opioid-like effects, is often sold at gas stations, smoke or vape shops, and online. The risks associated with gas station heroin, aka tianeptine, can be hazardous, including addiction, overdose, mental health disorders, liver damage, and heart complications.
What is ‘Gas Station Heroin’?
Gas station heroin, also known as ‘gas station dope,’ refers to tianeptine, one of many illegally marketed drugs. Tianeptine is a pharmaceutical antidepressant drug, formerly sold as a dietary supplement, that produces opioid-like effects. While tianeptine is not approved for use in the U.S., it is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries.
Tianeptine has similar properties to opioid drugs, hence its street name, ‘ gas station heroin.’ Other street names for tianeptine include Zaza, Tianna Red, Neptune’s Fix, and Pegasus.
Kratom and phenibut are other unregulated products associated with this term, which are both easily accessible yet incredibly dangerous. Kratom is an herbal substance that acts on opioid receptors in the brain, producing both stimulant and opioid-like effects. Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that has anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Individuals commonly abuse this substance for its desirable effects of euphoria, sedation, and cognitive enhancement.
Side Effects of Tianeptine’ Gas Station Heroin’
Classified as a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer (SSRE), tianeptine increases serotonin reuptake in the brain. As an antidepressant drug, tianeptine can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Tianeptine has a high potential for abuse and dependence, leading to addiction and potential overdose risks.
The side effects of gas station heroin, aka tianeptine, include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Abdominal pain
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dependence and addiction
- Psychosis
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Coma
- Death
While tianeptine does not fall on the list of controlled substances, it is not FDA-approved, making it illegal to market or sell gas station heroin. According to the CDC, tianeptine abuse and withdrawal can mimic the effects of opioid toxicity and withdrawal.
The Dangerous Risks of Gas Station Heroin (Tianeptine)
In recent years, tianeptine has seen a spike in sales in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops. Gas station heroin is being marketed as a nootropic drug or dietary supplement, misleading consumers into believing it’s a safer alternative to opioids. Tianeptine’ss opioid-like effects can produce a similar high to that of the illicit opioid heroin, posing severe health and overdose risks. The use and abuse of gas station heroin can lead to drug dependence and addiction, withdrawal, physical and psychological health risks, as well as legal risks.
Tianeptine Dependence and Addiction
Regular tianeptine misuse can lead to the development of physical dependence and addiction. Gas station heroin’s similarity to opioids can lead to opioid toxicity and withdrawal symptoms when not consuming the drug. Since tianeptine acts on opioid receptors, users may experience severe cravings and a higher tolerance to the drug.
Developing a drug tolerance causes users to increase their dose to achieve the same effects, which can result in a dangerous cycle of abuse, addiction, and potential overdose. Overcoming tianeptine addiction can be similar to treating an opioid use disorder (OUD), requiring medical drug detoxification and rehabilitation.
Opioid-Like Withdrawal Symptoms
When stopping the use of gas station heroin, users may experience severe withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal symptoms often include sweating, agitation, high blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing. The opioid withdrawal process can be intense and difficult to manage alone, heightening the urgency for seeking a professional drug detox facility.
Physical and Mental Health Risks
Purchasing drugs from vape shops or gas stations can create a pretense surrounding the safety and legality of the substance. Many consumers may not be aware of the contents and risks associated with the specific substance, leading to dangerous and potentially fatal reactions.
Gas station heroin can lead users to experience severe anxiety, mood swings, depression, and even psychosis. The long-term health risks of tianeptine abuse may include liver and kidney damage, heart problems, addiction, and life-threatening opioid overdose.
Tianeptine Overdose Potential
Since gas station heroin is not a regulated substance, the drug purity and proper dosage may be inconsistent. This can lead users to unknowingly consume dangerously high doses of tianeptine, increasing the risk of overdose. Tianeptine overdose symptoms are similar to an opioid overdose, including confusion, respiratory depression, pale or clammy skin, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid overdose reversal medication that may be effective in treating a tianeptine overdose. If you are experiencing an overdose from gas station heroin or any drug overdose, call 911 immediately.
Legal Risks
Since gas station heroin (tianeptine) has not been classified as a controlled substance in all regions, its sale has led to increasing legal scrutiny in thU.S.S. The FDA doesn’t strictly regulate or approve dietary supplements like tianeptine before they’re sold online or in gas stations.
Some states, such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, have banned the sale of tianeptine. In these states where gas station heroin is banned, those caught selling or in possession of tianeptine could face legal consequences. Reports of tianeptine addiction, overdose, and deaths are becoming more common, heightening the present danger posed by gas station heroin.
Opioid Detox and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment
With such high drug overdoses and death rates in the United States, it is critical to avoid unregulated supplements like gas station heroin. If you’re struggling with tianeptine abuse or opioid use disorder (OUD), opioid and heroin detox treatment is available. Coastal Detox is a drug detox facility in Stuart, FL, offering 24/7 drug and alcohol detox services in South Florida.
If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), reach out today. Coastal is here for YOU.
References:
- NPR News, 2024. 8 things to know about the drug known as gas station heroin.’
- WebMD. Tianeptine – Uses, Side Effects, and More.
- Drugs.com, 2024. Tianeptine.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022. Kratom.
- CNS Drug Reviews, 2006. Phenibut (β-Phenyl-GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic DrugU.S.S. Food & Drug, 2022. Tianeptine Products Linked to Serious Harm, Overdoses, Death.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2024. Know the Dangers of ‘ Gas Station Heroi’’.