In response to growing concerns about the unchecked use of tianeptine, sometimes known as Gas Station Heroin, Democrat Representative Jimmy Panetta of California and Republican August Pfluger of Texas introduced bipartisan legislation to address these issues.
It would be unlawful to sell tianeptine without a prescription under the proposed law, the STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act, which would place the drug to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Codeine lower than 90 mg, anabolic steroids, testosterone, and ketamine are among the other Schedule III substances.
According to Panetta, a more hands-on approach to drug monitoring would be possible thanks to the law. To remove this addictive substance from gas stations and convenience shops, Pfluger said it is critical to place the medication under Schedule III.
Reports indicate that worries over the drug’s broad availability prompted the law. There have been recent moves to prohibit the supplement outright in some jurisdictions. The FDA has said that tianeptine is commonly promoted illegally and sold in certain dietary supplements at convenience shops and gas stations since it is not considered medicine. While the FDA has not yet authorized tianeptine for usage in the United States, doctors in Europe, Asia, and Latin America often prescribe it to their patients for a variety of medical issues, including depression.
This bill would provide the Food and Drug Administration discretion over whether or not to approve the medicine for medicinal use.
The FDA recently issued a warning to customers to cease taking pain supplements called Neptune’s Fix, which contains tianeptine, since it may lead to serious adverse effects. According to the FDA, Neptune’s Fix Tablets, Neptune’s Fix Extra Strength Elixir, and Neptune’s Fix Elixir have all been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer.
There is no evidence to support the use of tianeptine for improving brain function, treating opioid addiction, or helping with anxiety, according to DC medical toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor. Some sellers claim otherwise. Its potential to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic pain in healthcare settings is intriguing, but the risks of addiction seem to surpass any possible benefits.
