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FDA Warns: Tianeptine's Alarming Rise as 'Gas Station Heroin'

7/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The FDA has issued a stark warning about tianeptine, a dangerous substance marketed as a dietary supplement. Dubbed "gas station heroin," it triggers opioid receptors, leading to dangerous euphoria and addiction. Alarmingly, calls to poison control regarding tianeptine skyrocketed over 500% from 2018 to 2023, highlighting its growing threat despite being unapproved in the US.

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Story summary

The FDA has issued a stark warning about tianeptine, a dangerous substance marketed as a dietary supplement. Dubbed "gas station heroin," it triggers opioid receptors, leading to dangerous euphoria and addiction. Alarmingly, calls to poison control regarding tianeptine skyrocketed over 500% from 2018 to 2023, highlighting its growing threat despite being unapproved in the US.