In contrast to other foreign nations where Tianeptine is employed to address depression, the United States does not endorse this drug. The FDA asserts that Tianeptine is both addictive and susceptible to abuse. Despite these concerns, it remains readily accessible in gas stations nationwide.
From NewsNation Now:
Tianeptine’s side effects include irritable bowel syndrome, stomachaches, drowsiness, mental confusion, shallow breathing and a slow heart rate. The FDA has said it has the potential to be abused and can even be addictive.
Because there’s no federal ban on the substance, it’s offered for sale in some gas stations and convenience stores, which concerns some lawmakers.
Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-N.C., said Wednesday on “NewsNation Now” that people don’t understand how dangerous it really is.
“This stuff is very addictive,” Nickel said.
On Tuesday, the FDA announced that Neptune Resources, LLC recalled all lots of Neptune’s Fix Elixir, Neptune’s Fix Extra Strength Elixir and Neptune’s Fix Tablets, which all contain tianeptine. About 12 states have banned tianeptine.
Nickel is part of a group of bipartisan lawmakers calling on the FDA to take action to keep people safe.
“It’s just about educating people about these issues,” Nickel said, adding he thinks more bans will come as people learn about tianeptine. Still, he added, “we have a responsibility to lead at the federal level, too.”
“We need to make sure that folks are aware of the dangers, and that’s the first thing we can do,” Nickel said.
We can simply toss this hazardous, addictive substance onto the ever-expanding roster of drugs that are alarmingly accessible in this country.
Although there's a bit of optimism in the air with lawmakers considering regulation for this drug, it's hard to be overly confident. Especially considering the ongoing opioid epidemic, it doesn't instill in me the utmost faith that this issue will be promptly addressed.
