Tianeptine, commonly known as “gas station heroin,” has become one of the most dangerous emerging drug threats in the United States. Sold legally at gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores under brand names like Zaza, Tianna Red, and Neptune’s Fix, this unregulated substance produces opioid-like effects and has caused thousands of emergency room visits, poison control calls, and deaths across the country.
At Nova Transformations in Matthews, NC, we’ve seen a significant increase in patients seeking help for tianeptine addiction. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provide the medical supervision and evidence-based treatment needed to overcome this dangerous addiction.
⚠️ FDA Warning
The FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use any tianeptine product due to serious risks including seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. Tianeptine is NOT approved for any medical use in the United States.
What Is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant that was originally developed in France and is prescribed in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries under brand names like Stablon and Coaxil. However, it has never been approved by the FDA for medical use in the United States.
At therapeutic doses used in other countries (typically 12.5mg three times daily), tianeptine acts primarily as an antidepressant. But at the much higher doses found in gas station products—sometimes 10 to 250 times the therapeutic dose—tianeptine acts on opioid receptors, producing effects similar to heroin, oxycodone, or fentanyl.
Common Brand Names & Street Names
Why Is It Sold at Gas Stations?
Despite its dangers, tianeptine is marketed as a “dietary supplement,” “nootropic,” or “brain booster”—misleading consumers into thinking it’s safe and legal. This regulatory loophole allows it to be sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers in states where it hasn’t been banned.
Dangers of Tianeptine Abuse
Tianeptine poses serious health risks that many users don’t understand until it’s too late. Because it’s sold over-the-counter, many people assume it’s safe. The reality is far different.
🧠Neurological Effects
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion and agitation
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Respiratory depression
❤️Cardiovascular Effects
- Dangerously slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Hypertension (in some cases)
- Tachycardia
- Cardiac arrest (rare)
⚡Addiction & Dependence
- Rapid tolerance development
- Physical dependence within days
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Compulsive redosing
- Financial devastation
☠️Overdose Signs
- Unresponsiveness
- Slow/stopped breathing
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Pinpoint pupils
- Coma
Tianeptine Withdrawal Symptoms
Because tianeptine acts on opioid receptors, withdrawal symptoms closely mirror opioid withdrawal—and can be just as severe. According to VCU Health, about one-third of tianeptine cases reported to poison control centers required ICU-level monitoring.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose due to tianeptine’s short half-life (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Severe muscle aches and bone pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Excessive sweating and chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Tremors and shaking
- Flu-like symptoms
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and hopelessness
- Intense cravings
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Irritability and agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts (in severe cases)
⚠️ Medical Supervision Required
Due to the severity of tianeptine withdrawal, medical detox is strongly recommended. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” can be dangerous and significantly increases the risk of relapse. Call us to discuss safe withdrawal management options.
Legal Status in North Carolina
Tianeptine is banned in North Carolina. The state has classified it as a controlled substance, making its sale, purchase, and possession illegal. Despite this, products may still be found online or in retail locations that haven’t been properly informed of the ban.
States Where Tianeptine Is Banned (As of 2025)
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The FDA has also issued multiple warnings about tianeptine products and continues to take enforcement action against companies selling these dangerous products.
Tianeptine Addiction Treatment at Nova Transformations
At Nova Transformations, we understand that tianeptine addiction is a serious medical condition requiring professional treatment. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive care designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
5 days per week • 6+ hours daily
- Medically-supervised detox support
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy and peer support
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Family therapy sessions
- Holistic wellness activities
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
3 days per week • 3+ hours per session
- Flexible scheduling for work/school
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Relapse prevention planning
- Life skills development
- Continued psychiatric support
- Alumni support network
Our Evidence-Based Approach
Our treatment for tianeptine addiction incorporates multiple evidence-based modalities:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and changing thought patterns that lead to substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Building emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
- Motivational Interviewing – Strengthening motivation for change
- Trauma-Informed Care – Addressing underlying trauma that may contribute to addiction
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – When appropriate for managing withdrawal and cravings
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment – Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions
Ready to Break Free from Tianeptine?
You don’t have to face addiction alone. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward recovery.
Call Now: (704) 997-3500Frequently Asked Questions
Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. It’s called “gas station heroin” because it’s sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores under brand names like Zaza, Tianna Red, and Neptune’s Fix. At high doses, it produces opioid-like effects including euphoria and can cause severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms similar to heroin.
Tianeptine withdrawal symptoms mirror opioid withdrawal and can include severe anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and intense cravings. About a third of tianeptine cases reported to poison control required ICU-level monitoring. Medical supervision is strongly recommended.
No, tianeptine is banned in North Carolina. It’s also banned in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. Despite state bans, products may still be found online or in some retail locations.
Yes, naloxone may help reverse some dangerous effects of tianeptine overdose, especially respiratory depression, because tianeptine acts on opioid receptors. However, standard urine drug screens do not detect tianeptine, making diagnosis challenging. If overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.
Tianeptine has a short half-life of about 2.5-3 hours, meaning it leaves the body relatively quickly. However, this short duration contributes to frequent dosing and rapid development of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose, which is why medically-supervised detox is important.
Yes, most health insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment, including treatment for tianeptine addiction. Nova Transformations works with most major insurance providers. Verify your insurance or call us to discuss your coverage options.
Related Resources
References & Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Any Tianeptine Product Due to Serious Risks. FDA.gov
- VCU Health. (2025). What You Need to Know About ‘Gas Station Heroin’. VCU Health News
- Psychology Today. (2025). The Concerning Emergence of “Gas Station Heroin”. Psychology Today
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tianeptine Exposures Reported to United States Poison Centers. MMWR Report.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025). Drugs A to Z: Tianeptine. NIDA.gov
- Georgia Office of the Attorney General. (2025). Consumer Alert: Dangerous Synthetic Opioids Flooding Gas Stations
