FDA Issues Urgent Warning on "Gas Station Heroin" Pain Supplements

The FDA issued a new warning about supplements containing tianeptine, known as "gas station heroin," due to serious side effects including seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. Tianeptine, an unapproved antidepressant in the U.S., is illegally marketed as a dietary supplement and has been linked to adverse reactions mimicking opioid toxicity and withdrawal. The FDA urged retailers to stop selling tianeptine-containing products, and Neptune Resources, the maker of Neptune’s Fix, agreed to voluntarily recall its products. At least 12 states have banned the sale of tianeptine, and the FDA's warning follows House lawmakers' call for action on tianeptine use.