What you need to know about "gas station heroin"—the illegal drug hiding in plain sight
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If you’ve strolled into a gas station or convenience store lately, you may have noticed a rainbow of tiny bottles promising everything from "energy" to "focus" to "relief."
But behind the flashy labels and catchy names like Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus, and Neptune’s Fix, there’s a hidden danger that’s raising alarms among health officials: a drug called tianeptine, better known by its street nickname, "gas station heroin."
Despite being technically illegal, tianeptine is widely available across the US, lurking on shelves in places you’d least expect.
So, what’s the real story behind this so-called supplement, and why are experts so concerned?
Let’s break it down— just the facts, a little context, and some practical advice for you and your loved ones.
What is "gas station heroin"—and why is it so dangerous?
Tianeptine is a drug originally developed and approved in several countries as a prescription antidepressant.
In those places, it’s used under strict medical supervision and at low doses.
But in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved tianeptine for any medical use.
That means it’s not legal to sell as a medicine, food additive, or dietary supplement.
Yet, thanks to a regulatory loophole and a lack of pre-market testing for supplements, tianeptine has found its way into a variety of over-the-counter products.
These are often sold as "energy shots" or "cognitive enhancers," but what’s inside can be far more potent—and risky—than a cup of coffee.
Also read: ER doctors warn: Five everyday habits that could land you in the hospital
How does tianeptine work?
Here’s where things get tricky.
Tianeptine isn’t an opioid, but it does bind to some of the same receptors in the brain as drugs like oxycodone and heroin.
That means it can produce similar effects: euphoria, pain relief, and, at higher doses, dangerous side effects like slowed breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even seizures.
Some people turn to tianeptine products hoping to self-treat pain, depression, anxiety, or even opioid withdrawal.
But because these products are unregulated, you never really know what you’re getting.
In one recent case in New Jersey, a product called Neptune’s Fix sent more than a dozen people to intensive care—some bottles even contained synthetic cannabis and other unknown substances.
Also read: FDA gives the green light for revolutionary painkiller that changes everything and curbs addiction risk
Why is tianeptine still on store shelves?
The short answer: it’s complicated.
The FDA has issued multiple warnings to companies selling tianeptine, but the agency doesn’t pre-approve ingredients in supplements the way it does with prescription drugs.
That leaves a gray area where unscrupulous manufacturers can slip tianeptine into products and market them as "natural" or "herbal" remedies.
While tianeptine isn’t listed as a controlled substance at the federal level, about a dozen states—including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee—have passed their own laws banning or restricting it.
In states where it’s been banned, calls to poison control centers about tianeptine have started to drop, but in other areas, the problem is still growing.
Also read: Neurologists urge: Quit this harmful habit for better brain health
The alarming rise in tianeptine emergencies
If you’re thinking this is just a fringe issue, think again.
Calls to US poison control centers about tianeptine have skyrocketed—up 525% between 2018 and 2023.
In about 40% of those cases, people needed medical care, and more than half required critical care.
That’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call.
Experts believe the spike is due to both increased use and the fact that these products are getting more potent—and more unpredictable.
As Dr. Diane Calello of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System puts it, "You never quite know what’s in that bottle. Even if you’ve used a product before, the next one could be very different."
Also read: Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
Why do people use it?
Many tianeptine products make bold claims—relief from pain, depression, anxiety, or even opioid cravings.
But there’s no solid evidence to back up these promises, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
In fact, the FDA has specifically warned against using tianeptine for opioid withdrawal, noting that it can be addictive and lead to life-threatening side effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain, depression, or addiction, the best course of action is to talk to a healthcare professional.
There are safe, FDA-approved treatments available, and your doctor can help you find the right one.
What’s being done to stop it?
While the FDA and state governments are working to crack down on tianeptine, the reality is that these products are still easy to find in many parts of the country.
The best defense is awareness—knowing what to look for and steering clear of anything that seems too good to be true.
If you see products with names like Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus, TD Red, or Neptune’s Fix, think twice before buying.
And if you’re ever in doubt about a supplement or energy shot, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Also read: Is a deadly substance lurking in your blood pressure medication? Urgent recall announced!
What should you do if you suspect tianeptine use or overdose?
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, or seizures after taking a supplement, seek medical help immediately.
Poison control centers are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222, and they can provide guidance in an emergency.
At The GrayVine, we know our readers are savvy, but even the sharpest among us can be caught off guard by slick marketing and misleading labels.
The world of supplements is a Wild West, and "gas station heroin" is just the latest outlaw on the scene.
Read next: Accidentally took expired medication? Learn which pills could be most harmful to you
Have you seen these products in your local stores? Do you have questions about supplements or over-the-counter remedies? Have you or someone you know had an experience with tianeptine or a similar product? We want to hear from you!
Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below. Let’s keep each other informed and safe—because when it comes to our health, knowledge really is the best medicine.
But behind the flashy labels and catchy names like Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus, and Neptune’s Fix, there’s a hidden danger that’s raising alarms among health officials: a drug called tianeptine, better known by its street nickname, "gas station heroin."
Despite being technically illegal, tianeptine is widely available across the US, lurking on shelves in places you’d least expect.
So, what’s the real story behind this so-called supplement, and why are experts so concerned?
Let’s break it down— just the facts, a little context, and some practical advice for you and your loved ones.
Products containing tianeptine, often sold under names like Zaza or Neptune’s Fix, are still found on store shelves despite growing safety concerns. Image Source: YouTube / ABC News.
What is "gas station heroin"—and why is it so dangerous?
Tianeptine is a drug originally developed and approved in several countries as a prescription antidepressant.
In those places, it’s used under strict medical supervision and at low doses.
But in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved tianeptine for any medical use.
That means it’s not legal to sell as a medicine, food additive, or dietary supplement.
Yet, thanks to a regulatory loophole and a lack of pre-market testing for supplements, tianeptine has found its way into a variety of over-the-counter products.
These are often sold as "energy shots" or "cognitive enhancers," but what’s inside can be far more potent—and risky—than a cup of coffee.
Also read: ER doctors warn: Five everyday habits that could land you in the hospital
How does tianeptine work?
Here’s where things get tricky.
Tianeptine isn’t an opioid, but it does bind to some of the same receptors in the brain as drugs like oxycodone and heroin.
That means it can produce similar effects: euphoria, pain relief, and, at higher doses, dangerous side effects like slowed breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even seizures.
Some people turn to tianeptine products hoping to self-treat pain, depression, anxiety, or even opioid withdrawal.
But because these products are unregulated, you never really know what you’re getting.
In one recent case in New Jersey, a product called Neptune’s Fix sent more than a dozen people to intensive care—some bottles even contained synthetic cannabis and other unknown substances.
Also read: FDA gives the green light for revolutionary painkiller that changes everything and curbs addiction risk
Why is tianeptine still on store shelves?
The short answer: it’s complicated.
The FDA has issued multiple warnings to companies selling tianeptine, but the agency doesn’t pre-approve ingredients in supplements the way it does with prescription drugs.
That leaves a gray area where unscrupulous manufacturers can slip tianeptine into products and market them as "natural" or "herbal" remedies.
While tianeptine isn’t listed as a controlled substance at the federal level, about a dozen states—including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee—have passed their own laws banning or restricting it.
In states where it’s been banned, calls to poison control centers about tianeptine have started to drop, but in other areas, the problem is still growing.
Bottles of tianeptine-laced pills like Elixir continue to be sold as over-the-counter supplements, despite warnings from health officials. Image Source: YouTube / ABC News.
Also read: Neurologists urge: Quit this harmful habit for better brain health
The alarming rise in tianeptine emergencies
If you’re thinking this is just a fringe issue, think again.
Calls to US poison control centers about tianeptine have skyrocketed—up 525% between 2018 and 2023.
In about 40% of those cases, people needed medical care, and more than half required critical care.
That’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call.
Experts believe the spike is due to both increased use and the fact that these products are getting more potent—and more unpredictable.
As Dr. Diane Calello of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System puts it, "You never quite know what’s in that bottle. Even if you’ve used a product before, the next one could be very different."
Also read: Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
Why do people use it?
Many tianeptine products make bold claims—relief from pain, depression, anxiety, or even opioid cravings.
But there’s no solid evidence to back up these promises, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
In fact, the FDA has specifically warned against using tianeptine for opioid withdrawal, noting that it can be addictive and lead to life-threatening side effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain, depression, or addiction, the best course of action is to talk to a healthcare professional.
There are safe, FDA-approved treatments available, and your doctor can help you find the right one.
What’s being done to stop it?
While the FDA and state governments are working to crack down on tianeptine, the reality is that these products are still easy to find in many parts of the country.
The best defense is awareness—knowing what to look for and steering clear of anything that seems too good to be true.
If you see products with names like Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus, TD Red, or Neptune’s Fix, think twice before buying.
And if you’re ever in doubt about a supplement or energy shot, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Also read: Is a deadly substance lurking in your blood pressure medication? Urgent recall announced!
What should you do if you suspect tianeptine use or overdose?
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, or seizures after taking a supplement, seek medical help immediately.
Poison control centers are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222, and they can provide guidance in an emergency.
At The GrayVine, we know our readers are savvy, but even the sharpest among us can be caught off guard by slick marketing and misleading labels.
The world of supplements is a Wild West, and "gas station heroin" is just the latest outlaw on the scene.
Read next: Accidentally took expired medication? Learn which pills could be most harmful to you
Have you seen these products in your local stores? Do you have questions about supplements or over-the-counter remedies? Have you or someone you know had an experience with tianeptine or a similar product? We want to hear from you!
Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below. Let’s keep each other informed and safe—because when it comes to our health, knowledge really is the best medicine.
