A bipartisan group of lawmakers is asking federal regulators to take action on an over-the-counter substance known as “gas station heroin.”
Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant used in some parts of Europe, Asia and South America, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use in the United States. Sold at gas stations across the country under names like “ZaZa Red” and “Neptune’s Elixir,” tianeptine use can lead to serious health complications and even death, according to the New Jersey Poison Center.
A recent report from The New York Times detailed the dangers of tianeptine, prompting five members of Congress to write a letter urging action from the FDA. The letter was signed by Reps. Jeff Jackson (R-N.C.), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.)
Tags: Legislation New Drug Trend Tianeptine