The New Jersey Department of Health has linked ‘gas station heroin Zaza’ (Tianeptine) to serious harm, poison, risk of overdose, and death.
Several people initially took this herbal supplement for mental health improvement, but unfortunately, it led to developing dependence and addiction. If you have developed Tianeptine addiction, here is a plan of action that can be taken to help recover:
- Opt for a medical detox to reduce cravings
- Look into Suboxone treatment as it is effective for managing withdrawal symptoms
- Address causes of addiction through behavioral therapy
Timely intervention and professional help are the keys to overcoming tianeptine addiction. Call us at 844.445.2565 to learn about ChoicePoint’s custom treatment plans.
Table of Contents
What Class Of Drugs Is Zaza (Gas Station Heroin)?
Zaza or Tianeptine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders in some parts of the world. However, the FDA has not approved this drug in the United States. It is sold at gas stations and convenience stores and mimics the euphoric effects of illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Hence, the name gas station heroin Zaza.
Some other street names of Tianeptine include:
- Gas station Dope
- TD red
- Pegasus
- Tia
- Tiana
It is also sold under the brand name Coaxial and Stablon.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
How Dangerous Is Gas Station Heroin? Doctors Weigh In
Tianeptine is falsely advertised as a brain enhancer. Many unsupported claims are also being made about its potential use in opioid use disorder treatment. The FDA and New Jersey Health Department have issued serious warnings about these claims being baseless and lacking scientific evidence. People with opioid use disorder are at an increased risk of abusing tianeptine.
Julie Kinceley: says people have a false sense of security that tianeptine is safe as it is sold over the counter. This supplement is not regulated, and no one knows what concentration of active ingredient is present in this drug. We have now seen many clients experiencing dangerous side effects and intense withdrawal associated with this supplement’s use.
Julie Kinceley: says people have a false sense of security that tianeptine is safe as it is sold over the counter. This supplement is not regulated, and no one knows what concentration of active ingredient is present in this drug. We have now seen many clients experiencing dangerous side effects and intense withdrawal associated with this supplement’s use.
Some dangerous Zaza-red side effects include:
- High abuse potential
- Withdrawal mimics opioid withdrawal
- Risk of overdose at high doses
- Risk of respiratory depression
- Confusion
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and vomiting
- Agitation
Jessica Plonchack, Executive Clinical Director, says, we have seen many people self-medicating with Tianeptine to ease opioid withdrawal or to manage anxiety. This incorrect use is leading to a rise in tianeptine abuse, toxicity, and poisoning. Immediate measures are needed to combat this abuse for timely aversion to this fatal crisis.
Jessica Plonchack, Executive Clinical Director, says, we have seen many people self-medicating with Tianeptine to ease opioid withdrawal or to manage anxiety. This incorrect use is leading to a rise in tianeptine abuse, toxicity, and poisoning. Immediate measures are needed to combat this abuse for timely aversion to this fatal crisis.
How To Protect Your Family And Yourself From Tianeptine Addiction
With the recent shift towards herbal medication and supplements, there is a growing misconception that pharmaceutical medications have harmful chemicals. The truth is the opposite. Medications doctors are research-backed, safe, regulated, and FDA-approved.
Sudden immediate withdrawal from this drug has been associated with intense opioid-like withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Respiratory depression
- Death in case of overdose
- Suicidal thoughts
Instead, reach out to a medical professional and discuss a personalized plan of action to withdraw safely with minimal discomfort.
The Dangers of Gas Station Heroin
What’s the Solution?
- Medical detox can help with safe withdrawal
- Suboxone and Buprenorphine treatments have shown positive results.
- Immediately talk to an online licensed therapist for mental health issues instead of opting for harmful over-the-counter drugs.
What’s the Solution?
- Medical detox can help with safe withdrawal
- Suboxone and Buprenorphine treatments have shown positive results.
- Immediately talk to an online licensed therapist for mental health issues instead of opting for harmful over-the-counter drugs.
Plan Of Action For Gas Station Heroin Zaza Drug Addiction Treatment
The good news is that addiction of any kind is treatable. You just have to gather up the courage to ask for help. The treatments for tianeptine addiction include:
a. Medical Detox
You may be recommended an outpatient or inpatient detox. Since tianeptine produces opiate-like withdrawal, opioid antagonists are effective in tianeptine addiction management.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination (Suboxone) is an excellent suggested treatment. The Naloxone component in Suboxone prevents overdose, while Buprenorphine works to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Some other medications that might be recommended include:
- Subutex: A full opioid antagonist to help you manage drug cravings
- Buprenorphine: Synthetic opioid used for withdrawal management
- Naloxone (Narcan): May be administered in case of tianeptine overdose.
b. Get Immediate Help For Tianeptine Addiction Treatment Through Telehealth
Concerned about judgment from friends, family, or colleagues regarding your struggles with addiction? Do not worry! Telehealth programs allow you to set up confidential virtual appointments and consultations with a certified doctor.
Here is how Tianeptine online treatment may work for you:
– Set up a virtual appointment by calling 844.445.2565.
– The doctor will evaluate your condition.
– You may be prescribed medications such as Suboxone.
– The prescription will be emailed to you.
– Take the prescription to your nearest pharmacist to get your medicine.
– Attend follow-up appointments to assess your recovery.
Did you know? FDA recently recalled Neptune’s Fix, a popular tianeptine brand, because of the risk of life-threatening consequences, including suicidal behavior in young people.
Did you know? FDA recently recalled Neptune’s Fix, a popular tianeptine brand, because of the risk of life-threatening consequences, including suicidal behavior in young people.
c. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy programs are a better, more effective, and safer alternative to managing anxiety compared to Zaza supplements. If you are using Zaza supplements for mental health improvement, we recommend you give solution-focused behavioral therapy programs a chance.
Our holistic, compassionate, and confidential approach helps clients adopt a more positive perspective towards life. Some of our programs include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
For online or in-person consultation, call us today at 844.445.2565.
Concluding The Discussion On Gas Station Heroin Zaza
Gas station heroin Zaza addiction can be life-threatening for you. The claims that it helps with opioid withdrawal and brain function improvement are not science-backed. If you are using tianeptine to ease opioid withdrawal or to improve mental health conditions, please know there are other more effective treatment options, such as MAT and behavioral therapy.
If you or a loved one has developed an addiction to tianeptine, please call us at 844.445.2565 to learn about our comprehensive addiction recovery programs.
Further Questions About Gas Station Heroin Zaza Addiction
More of your queries related to Zaza addiction are answered below:
What Is The Use Of Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is used as an antidepressant in such countries. However, it is not approved for medicinal use in the United States.
How Long Does Tianeptine Stay In The Urine?
About 50% of tianeptine dose is eliminated from the urine in the first 24 hours. However, it can stay in the body for 3 – 7 days, depending on an individual’s metabolism and health condition.
Does Tianeptine Cause Euphoria?
Yes, tianeptine can cause false euphoria and has high abuse potential.
How Does Tianeptine Affect The Brain?
The medicinal use of tianeptine is stress management. It calms your nerves and improves the production of serotonin (associated with a happy mood). However, tianeptine content in supplements is not regulated and has been associated with harmful outcomes such as risk of poisoning and addiction.
Sources
- Health alert: Tianeptine or “gas station heroin” – nj.gov. Available at: https://www.nj.gov/health/populationhealth/documents/healthalerttianeptine.pdf
- Tianeptine, an antidepressant with opioid agonist effects: Pharmacology and abuse potential, a narrative review, Pain and therapy. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10444703/
- Tianeptine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/tianeptine.
- Characteristics of Tianeptine exposures reported to the National Poison Data System – United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6730a2.htm.
- Affairs, O. of R. (no date a) Neptune Resources, LLC issues voluntary nationwide recall of Neptune’s fix, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/neptune-resources-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-neptunes-fix.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.