Tianeptine (“Gas-Station Heroin”): What Parents Should Know

Acts on the same brain targets as opioids. Research shows tianeptine activates the same receptors in the brain that drugs like oxycodone do. That helps explain why people can quickly develop cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Sold like an energy shot. The bottles and blister packs are small, colorful, and marketed as “mood boosters” or “focus enhancers” — often stocked near energy drinks and vapes, not behind a pharmacy counter.

Linked to ER visits and poisonings. States across the U.S. have reported people arriving in the emergency room with severe drowsiness, confusion, seizures, and breathing problems after using tianeptine products.

Not approved as a medicine in the U.S. The FDA warns that tianeptine is being sold illegally as a supplement. It is not an approved antidepressant here, and it has no recognized safe use in over-the-counter products.

What it looks like. Small bottles, blister cards, or capsules labeled ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, Tianna Red/White, or “tianeptine.” Branding may say “mood,” “relax,” “boost,” or “nootropic.”

Where it’s sold. Gas stations, smoke shops, head shops, some mini-marts, and online “wellness” or “brain booster” sites. It’s often shelved near vapes, CBD, and energy shots — not in the pharmacy aisle.

Warning signs at home. Sudden sleepiness or “nodding off,” very small pupils, slurred speech, sweating, shaking, stomach cramps, or irritability when the product wears off. Some teens describe feeling “normal” only after taking another dose.

If someone is in trouble. If you have trouble waking them up, notice slowed or shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, or they seem confused and hard to rouse, call 911 immediately. Tianeptine overdoses often respond to Naloxone (Narcan) because it acts on the same brain receptors as other opioids. For non-emergency questions, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

How to talk about it. “I know this is sold in gas stations like it’s no big deal, but it can affect your brain like really strong pain medicine. I’m not mad — I just want you safe. If you ever see this or feel tempted to try it, I want you to feel safe telling me.”

Short-term effects. Euphoria, feeling “high,” confusion, slowed reaction time, dizziness, nausea, and heavy drowsiness. Some people appear drunk or “out of it” after taking tianeptine.

Long-term effects. Cravings, needing more to get the same effect, mood swings, anxiety, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping without it. Many people struggle to stop on their own once they’ve been using regularly.

Withdrawal symptoms. Sweating, shaking, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, restlessness, and panic — often indistinguishable from withdrawal from other opioid drugs. Some teens report feeling “dope sick” when they try to stop.

High-risk situations. Teens and young adults looking for a “legal high,” extra energy, mood boosts, or help sleeping; kids already struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance use; and anyone mixing tianeptine with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedating drugs.

Myth: “It’s an antidepressant, so it must be safe.”
Fact: In the U.S., tianeptine is not an approved antidepressant. Research shows it acts on the same brain receptors as opioid pain medicines, explaining why people can become dependent and experience withdrawal.^1–2

Myth: “If it’s sold in a store, it can’t be that dangerous.”
Fact: Cigarettes, alcohol, and many risky products are also sold in stores. Tianeptine is marketed as a “mood booster” or “supplement,” but the FDA warns these products are being sold illegally and have been linked to overdoses and deaths.⁸

Myth: “It’s just a legal way to relax.”
Fact: Many people who start tianeptine to “take the edge off” end up chasing withdrawal relief, not relaxation. Some require medical detox or medications like buprenorphine to safely stop using it.^6–7

Myth: “My kid would tell me if they were using something this strong.”
Fact: Shame, fear, and confusion often keep teens quiet. Most parents of teens who used tianeptine say they were shocked when they learned what was hidden in a backpack, car, or bedroom drawer.

1. Look around your community.
The next time you stop for gas, take 30 seconds to scan the counter area. Do you see ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, or other “mood” or “focus” shots? Snap a photo so you’ll recognize them later.

2. Check at home and in the car.
Quietly look through backpacks, glove compartments, center consoles, bathroom drawers, and trash bins. You’re looking for small bottles, blister packs, or capsules with names like ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, or “tianeptine.”

3. Share what you’ve learned.
Send the parent pamphlet to one other adult — a coach, school nurse, counselor, or another parent. Most have no idea these products are being sold in local stores.

4. Keep the door open.
Let your child know: “If you ever see this stuff or get curious about it, I want you to feel safe telling me. We’ll figure it out together. You will never be in trouble for asking questions.”