Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Abuse of “Gas Station Heroin” Following FDA Warnings

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) to crack down on the unregulated sale and abuse of tianeptine, a dangerous substance often referred to as “gas station heroin.”  The Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act (STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act) would classify tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to sell them without a prescription.

Tianeptine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use in the United States. It produces opioid-like effects by acting on mu-opioid receptors, leading to euphoria, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal overdoses. Despite this, it remains widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online under brand names like Tianaa, Zaza, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red.

In response to a growing number of adverse events, including reports of agitation, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death, the FDA has renewed its warnings about the dangers of tianeptine.  A recent outbreak of illnesses in New Jersey linked to Neptune’s Fix , a product found to contain both tianeptine and synthetic cannabinoids,  underscores the urgent need for federal action.

“Tianeptine is a dangerous, addictive substance being sold on store shelves right next to energy drinks and snacks.  The FDA has been clear about the health risks, but the reality is that tianeptine remains widely accessible and largely unregulated,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would give federal law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the illicit sale of tianeptine, help prevent its abuse, and protect our communities.  This is exactly the kind of proactive step we need to stay ahead of evolving public health threats.”

“The growing availability of tianeptine—a dangerous, opioid-like drug—is deeply concerning and putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Pfluger.   “I am proud to join Congressman Jimmy Panetta on bipartisan legislation to move tianeptine to Schedule III, a necessary step to limit its access and curb misuse.  By backing state-level efforts and putting public health first, we’re taking concrete action to confront the opioid epidemic and ensure safer communities.”

The STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would:

• Schedule tianeptine and its analogues as Schedule III substances under federal law.
• Maintain FDA’s authority to approve legitimate medical uses in the future.
• Help close regulatory loopholes and prevent widespread abuse of unapproved and dangerous substances.

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