FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use Neptune’s Fix or any tianeptine product due to serious risks (photo: FDA)

Tianeptine Poses Serious Risks as NC Cities Report it on Local Store Shelves

Lawmakers sent a letter to the FDA Thursday taking the first steps toward banning the dangerous substance tianeptine, known as ‘gas station heroin.’

Tianeptine is not regulated by the FDA, but WRAL News discovered it is still winding up on local store shelves. Often times it is being marketed as a dietary supplement or a mood booster and is sold as Neptune’s Fix Elixer.

States across the U.S. have reported a rise in overdoses due to the drug, according to the FDA.  The drug is already banned in nine states, including bordering states Tennessee and Georgia.

Thursday’s letter received bipartisan support and was led by Reps. Jeff Jackson (D-NC) and Rick McCormick (R-Ga.). Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-NC) was also among signees.

The FDA is warning consumers to not purchase or use any Neptune’s Fix products, or any other product with tianeptine — a potentially dangerous substance that is not FDA-approved for any medical use but is illegally sold with claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions.

FDA has received severe adverse event reports after use of Neptune‘s Fix products, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization. Consumers who experience a bad reaction to any tianeptine product should seek immediate medical help.

Neptune Fix’s labels state the product contains tianeptine, but may contain other harmful ingredients not listed on the label. These products, like other tianeptine products, can be purchased online and at gas stations, vape or smoke shops, or other locations. FDA is testing these products and will provide more information as it becomes available. FDA also continues to warn consumers about risks of using tianeptine.

Health care professionals and consumers should report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: