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Dangerous drugs are causing a surge in illnesses in New Jersey, health officials warn, and in many cases they’re being sold on the shelves of corner convenience stores.
Neptune’s Elixir and Zaza Red, also known as “gas station heroin,” are just two of the products sold as dietary supplements.
They are sold at gas stations and on the Internet, according to a health alert from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Cases of tianeptine causing “serious clinical effects” in New Jersey between June and November 2023, as stated in a Feb. 1 warning from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 20 cases were reported.
This is a significant increase from the fact that poison centers typically receive less than two calls per year.
What is tianeptine?
Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Some companies market this drug as an aid for pain, anxiety, depression, or as a means to improve mental alertness.
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It is also sometimes touted as a “safer” alternative to opioids, but experts warn it has highly addictive and dangerous properties.
“Tianeptine interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, and in large doses can mimic the effects of traditional heroin, such as euphoria, but also results frequently associated with tolerance, withdrawal, and toxicity. imitate,” said Dr. David Campbell, clinical and program director. He told FOX News Digital that he would be recovering with him in Bend, Oregon.
“Even children are getting caught in the crossfire because it’s so easy to access.”
Tianeptine is sold in liquid form as tablets, powder, salt, or as a supplement or as the active ingredient in a supplement, and is widely available in many states, said Adam, corporate medical director and head of psychiatry. Dr. Scioli said. Caron Treatment Center in Philadelphia.
“I’ve seen patients come in who got tianeptine on the internet or at a gas station,” Scioli told Fox News Digital. “They often suffer from withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal and often require medication such as buprenorphine.”
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“I don’t understand why it is sold commercially as an active ingredient in supplements in everyday settings.”
Widely available and accessible at gas stations, mini-marts and smoking areas is one of the main reasons people seek it out, Scioli said.
“There is also an ongoing misconception that if it is easily available and legal in some states, it is safe. This is not the case,” Scioli warned.
“These are dangerous and addictive substances that can have deadly consequences.”
Tianeptine dangers
Scioli called tianeptine a “substance of abuse” that is addictive and potentially deadly.
“Tricyclic antidepressants have a so-called narrow therapeutic index, which means they can tip into the non-therapeutic/toxic range fairly easily,” he said.
“Tricyclic antidepressants themselves can cause seizures, electrolyte abnormalities, and death in overdose. Symptoms are similar to opioid withdrawal or overdose.”
Significant and severe withdrawal symptoms from tianeptine include nausea, vomiting, confusion, flu-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, coma, and even respiratory failure and overdose, Campbell said.
Call for regulation and awareness
In 2023, the FDA issued a warning warning of the dangers of Neptune’s Fix or other products containing tianeptine.
“FDA has received reports of serious adverse events, including seizures and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalization, after using Neptune’s Fix products,” the agency said.
“FDA believes that tianeptine is a substance that does not meet the legal definition of a food ingredient and is therefore an unsafe food additive. FDA is aware of several reports of serious adverse events associated with tianeptine. I am.”
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Scioli noted that several states have made it illegal to sell tianeptine, including Florida, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.
“Yet companies are marketing and selling products containing tianeptine to consumers,” he warned.
Campbell, from Recover Together Bend in Oregon, argued for stronger regulation of tianeptine.
“The FDA should be asked to act now before the increased use of this substance and other ‘gas station drugs’ causes another drug epidemic in this country,” he said.
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“Until the time comes when tianeptine is more tightly regulated or, ideally, banned, prevention and education will play a central role in helping parents, schools, and other institutions reduce the scope of its use among minors.” “There is a need,” he added.
Mark Stovall, regional executive director of the American Addiction Center of Mississippi, noted that the FDA is urging convenience stores, gas stations and other entities to stop selling tianeptine products, but the FDA has not yet. He said there is a need to raise awareness about approved medicines and supplements. Prevent serious health risks and poisoning.
“If you have any idea that drugs will be sold at gas stations in the future, give us the power to put pressure on the community,” Stovall advised in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“Please take the initiative to visit your local gas station and ask why they are selling these addictive drugs. Explain the dangers and encourage them to stop selling them before more individuals are negatively affected. Please ask. Talk to your local law enforcement. Some local authorities have already begun managing these hazardous materials without federal involvement.”
Experts also urged parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks to children and teens.
“With so many supplements and substances readily available to children on the Internet and in stores, parents, guardians, and schools should not only educate their children and teens about substances and their effects, but how they should be taught to children and teens about them. It is also essential to educate people about what to talk about,” Scioli said.
“An open dialogue is essential, especially given the prevalence of adulterated drugs sold online. There is no safe experiment because of the risk of overdose.”
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On January 28, 2024, Neptune Resources, LLC, the maker of Neptune’s Fix, announced a voluntary recall of its products due to the presence of tianeptine, but experts say other products may also contain the drug. Warning that there is sex.
Fox News Digital also contacted Kansas City, Missouri-based Neptune Resources, LLC, as well as MRSS Inc. (maker of ZaZa Red) and New York-based Super Chill Products, according to the FDA recall announcement. I took it. Distributors of Neptune products have since issued a recall.
The FDA and New Jersey Department of Health were also contacted for comment.
People who are using tianeptine or products containing tianeptine and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical help, experts say. is advising.
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