Dangerous drugs are causing a surge in disease new jerseyhealth officials warn — and in many cases, the drug is sold on the shelves of corner convenience stores.
Neptune’s Elixir and Zaza Red — also known asheroin at gas stationThese are just two of the products sold as dietary supplements, according to a health alert from the New Jersey Department of Health. These are sold at gas stations and on the internet.
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.
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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.
Neptune’s Fix Elixir is sold as a dietary supplement and is one of the products sold at gas stations and online, according to a health alert from the New Jersey Department of Health. Fox News Digital has reached out to Neptune Resources and others for comment. (FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs, Health Fraud Division)
Sometimes advertised as “safer” Opioid alternatives — but experts warn that 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. can be imitated,” said Dr. David Campbell, clinical and program director. Let’s recover together in Bend, Oregon, he told FOX News Digital.
“Even children are getting caught in the crossfire because it’s so easy to access.”
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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 experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to opioid withdrawal and often require necessary treatment. Treatment with drug therapy such as buprenorphine. ”
“With such easy access, even children are being caught in the crossfire,” warns an addiction expert. (St. Petersburg)
“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.
“These are dangerous and addictive substances that can have deadly consequences.”
“Also, there is an ongoing misconception that if it is readily available and legal in some states, it is safe, but this is true for some substances, not just products containing tianeptine. 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 quite easily,” he said.
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. (St. Petersburg)
“Tricyclic antidepressants themselves can cause seizures, electrolyte abnormalities, and death in overdose. Symptoms are similar to opioid withdrawal and overdose.”
Significant and severe withdrawal symptoms for tianeptine include nausea, vomiting, confusion, flu-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, and coma, Campbell said. respiratory failure And overdose.
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.
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“FDA considers tianeptine to be a substance that does not meet the statutory definition of a food ingredient and is an unsafe food additive. FDA has received several reports of serious adverse events related to tianeptine. recognizing.”
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.
In 2023, the FDA issued a warning warning of the dangers of Neptune’s Fix or other products containing tianeptine. (Reuters/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)
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.
“Until the time comes when tianeptine is more tightly regulated or preferably banned, prevention and education must remain front and center for parents, schools, and other institutions to reduce the extent of underage use.” ‘ he added.
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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 illness health risks and addiction.
“Even children are getting caught in the crossfire because it’s so easy to access.”
“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.
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“Visit your local gas station and take the initiative to ask why they are selling these addictive drugs. Explain the dangers and stop selling them before more people are negatively affected. “Consult with local law enforcement. Some local authorities have already started selling them.” It is possible to control these hazardous substances without federal involvement. . ”
People who use tianeptine or products containing tianeptine and experience withdrawal symptoms should seek emergency medical help, experts say. (St. Petersburg)
Experts also urged parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks to children and teens.
“You can easily take so many supplements and substances. available for children “It’s essential that parents, guardians and schools educate themselves, both online and in stores, about not only the substances and their effects, but also how to talk to children and teens about them,” Scioli said. Stated.
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“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.”
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.
Experts urged parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks to children and teens and to maintain an open dialogue. (St. Petersburg)
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 call for a medical emergency. medical aidadvised an expert.
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