What To Know About Tianeptine: The 'Gas Station Heroin'

Have You Heard Of Gas Station Heroin?

You've probably seen it and thought it was an energy shot or caffeine pill. It's under the names: Tianna, Zaza, Neptune's Fix, Pegasus and TD Red

On May 8, 2025, The FDA warned consumers of the dangers of this non-regulated product:

Food and Drug Administration//Canva

In the U.S., tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, is not generally recognized as safe for use in food, and does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient. Nevertheless, tianeptine is being marketed as a “research chemical,” a “nootropic” cognitive enhancer, or a dietary supplement.

Read More: The 7 Best Towns For A Montana Summer Retreat

Tianeptine is frequently available at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers. Product names include, for example, Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red. Tianeptine has also been referred to as “gas station heroin.” --FDA

These illnesses have been reported to the FDA following Tianeptine use:

agitation
coma
confusion
death
drowsiness
hypertension
nausea
respiratory depression
sweating
tachycardia
vomiting

Tianeptine Is Banned In 10 States But Not Montana

You may run across this product from time to time while shopping. Especially in gas stations.

In The 1800's "Snake Oil" Was Everywhere In America

The Food and Drug Administration didn't happen in America until 1906. At that time, the FDA was in it's infancy, so it was the 1906 pure food and drugs act.

Until then, shysters would put things in food and drugs to cover spoilage, or to add a flavor to claim that it helped with some ailment. When it reality, it didn't help anything. Or maybe it made things worse, even up to poisoning the user.

Kind of like Tianeptine. Only we have an FDA now and somehow they're allowed to sell it and kill people before it's pulled from shelves.

Alcohol and Marijuana Are Legal In Montana

Why in the rocky mountain high are you going to a gas station to get FAKE marijuana and risk coma or death? And, at least the fake non-tested drugs cost as much or more to use than the already legal drugs in our state.

Source: FDA, FDA

Here's some dogs 🔻🔻🔻

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh