Petroplex News

Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at curbing the abuse of tianeptine, also known as "gas station heroin." The Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act (STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act) seeks to add tianeptine and its analogues to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to sell without a prescription.

Tianeptine, though used for depression in certain countries, is not approved by the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It has gained popularity as a "gas station drug," mimicking the effects of illicit substances and being sold without a prescription at convenience stores, smoke shops, and online platforms.

The misuse of tianeptine can lead to opioid-like highs and the development of dependence and tolerance among chronic users. Overdose cases and instances of its use in suicide attempts have also been reported. The bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act aims to prohibit the sale of tianeptine without a prescription, while still allowing the FDA to approve its medical use if deemed necessary.

Rep. Pfluger expressed concerns about the public health risks posed by tianeptine and the ease with which it can be acquired. He stated, "Tianeptine, a potent opioid-like drug, poses alarming risks, and the ease of acquiring it—like candy—is a public health threat." He further emphasized the importance of placing tianeptine under Schedule III to remove it from convenience stores and gas stations, thereby protecting communities and combating the opioid epidemic.

Rep. Panetta echoed these concerns, highlighting the increasing accessibility and danger of tianeptine. He emphasized the need to schedule tianeptine under the Controlled Substances Act to prevent its prevalence and abuse. Panetta emphasized that the federal government must actively monitor emerging drugs like tianeptine as threats to public health and safety within the ongoing opioid crisis.

The FDA issued an advisory in 2023 warning against the consumption of tianeptine products. The number of reported cases of tianeptine exposure has risen significantly, from only four in 2013 to at least 391 in 2023. As a response, nine states have already banned tianeptine, with some enacting the ban just last year.

The introduction of the STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act represents a bipartisan effort to address the dangers of tianeptine and other emerging drugs. By adding tianeptine to Schedule III, the legislation aims to restrict its availability and protect communities from the risks associated with its misuse.