North Carolina Lawmakers seek to protect citizens from dietary supplement's detrimental side effects
North Carolina lawmakers in a new House Select Committee on Substance Abuse at the General Assembly have been discussing options for protecting people in North Carolina from a dietary supplement's detrimental side effects.
Tianeptine, which is more commonly known as “gas station heroin,” “Zaza Red” and “Neptune’s Fix,” is sold at gas stations, vape shops, convenience stores, bodegas and corner marts.
There are no age restrictions on who can purchase it.
The supplement is promoted as a “cognitive function enhancer".
It has been widely featured across social media. It can produce a high from several pills and has addictive qualities much like other narcotics. Habitual users have described the supplement as extremely addictive and say stopping it can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms.
“When tianeptine is taken at high doses, it produces euphoria,” Penny Shelton, head of the N.C. Association of Pharmacists, told the new committee recently.
“Tianeptine in high doses is like any other substance with the potential for misuse and dependence, in that it does far more than create euphoria — or a high. It actually changes neuronal pathways in the brain,” she added. “This is particularly problematic for teens and young adults.”
Just last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning, cautioning consumers to “avoid all products containing tianeptine, including those claiming to treat an ailment or disorder” and that the supplements have been linked to “serious harm, overdoses, death.”
Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida, have banned the sale of tianeptine, but the substance remains available online.
The North Carolina National Rehab Hotline is available 24/7 for anyone needing help.
The hotline is free and anonymous for any resident to receive assistance with addiction.
Call 866-210-1303 anytime to be connected with a specialist who will listen and help in any way possible.
Their website also offers links to helpful resources and much more https://nationalrehabhotline.org/north-carolina.
For more information from the Food and Drug Administration visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-neptunes-fix-or-any-tianeptine-product-due-serious-risks.
{Photo: Public Use}
