The FDA has issued an alert about the increased availability and use of unapproved products containing tianeptine, commonly referred to as 'gas station heroin.' Tianeptine is marketed as a dietary supplement, nootropic, or research chemical in the U.S., despite not being approved for any indication. Its ingestion has led to serious adverse effects, including death, and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid discontinuation. Severe illnesses linked to tianeptine have resulted in consumer warnings, enforcement letters, and import alerts, emphasizing the need for clinicians to advise against its use and consider evidence-based therapies for related disorders.

Source: FDA