'Gas Station Heroin' Kills PA Woman; State Ban Sought On Legal Drug

PENNSYLVANIA — Tianeptine is perfectly legal to purchase.

It also can be a perfectly deadly substance , according to a Western Pennsylvania coroner and a state legislator, both of whom are calling for a ban on the product.

Fayette County Coroner Robert Baker on Tuesday called for a nationwide ban on Tianeptine, an opiod-like ingredient, after the county experienced its first overdose death due to the product colloquially known as "gas station heroin."

The product, commonly available in service stations and convenience stores, is sold under names that include TD Plus, Neptune's Fix and Pegasus.

Some countries have approved Tianeptine to treat anxiety and depression; other countries have restricted how Tianeptine is dispensed and warned of possible addiction.

According to the federal Food & Drug Administration, Tianeptine is not approved for any medical use.

"Despite that, some companies are illegally marketing and selling products containing Tianeptine to consumers, the FDA website states.

"They are also making dangerous and unproven claims that Tianeptine can improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder, and other conditions."

The clinical effects of Tianeptine abuse and withdrawal can mimic opioid toxicity and withdrawal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State Rep. Andrew Kuzma, whose district includes parts of Washington and Allegheny counties, has introduced legislation that would ban Tianeptin in the state.

“Tianeptine is a very dangerous antidepressant that has never been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been associated with numerous overdose deaths,” Kuzma said.

“Businesses have gone around safety guidelines and been able to sell it in the U.S. by labeling it not for human consumption or adding it to dietary supplements. Tianeptine creates a euphoria that mimics heroin and other opioids and is highly addictive.

"We need to take steps now to prevent deaths and addiction from this hazardous product.”