Senator Doug Steinhardt’s bill to classify tianeptine as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance has passed unanimously in the New Jersey Senate. Tianeptine, sometimes called “gas station heroin,” is sold in gas stations and online, often marketed as a dietary supplement.
“The unethical marketing tactics used by companies to promote a dangerous substance like tianeptine is giving a false sense of security to those looking for solutions to their mental and physical ailments,” said Sen. Steinhardt. “But with this bill, we could remove these dangerous products from our retail shelves and eliminate the concerns before they even start.”
The New Jersey Department of Health reports that the New Jersey Poison Center (NJPIES) has identified several poisoning cases involving tianeptine. The substance is known for its opioid-like effects and is being promoted under misleading claims about its safety.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that poison control centers across the country have recorded more reports of adverse reactions related to tianeptine over the past twenty years. Tianeptine binds to mu opioid receptors in the body, which can result in opioid-like effects.
The full text of bill S-729 can be accessed online.
