Fighting Back Against ‘Gas Station Heroin’

I recently voted in support of legislation that would make tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” illegal in the Commonwealth.

Tianeptine is an antidepressant that can produce feelings of euphoria that mimic the effects of heroin and other opioids, making it highly addictive. Tianeptine is a prescription drug in Europe but often sold as an ingredient in products sold in gas stations and online in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for use, but businesses here are selling it by labeling it as “not for human consumption” or adding it to dietary supplements.

House Bill 377 would prevent the manufacture, delivery or possession of tianeptine, commonly sold by the names Zaza, Coaxil, Tianna or Stablon. Individuals convicted of violating the law could face penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000.

The bill is pending consideration in the Senate.