Tianeptine is an illicit drug that is being used by individuals to self-medicate for symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Street names for tianeptine include tianna, tianna green, tianna red, ZaZa, and tianeptine sodium powder. It received the alias ‘gas station heroin’, due to the fact that it was being sold at gas stations and convenience stores across the country. It’s ease of access and legality made it easy and accessible for individuals to abuse and subsequently experience tianeptine withdrawal.
It wasn’t until recently that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) added tianeptine to its list of illicit drugs in the United States. In a January 2023 press release, the DEA states that currently tianeptine is being abused for its euphoric properties that are similar to opioids, such as heroin.
But what is tianeptine exactly? And what should you know about it? Let’s dive into the basics of tianeptine, its effects, and tianeptine withdrawal in those that who abuse it.
What is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine, also known by its brand names Coaxil and Stablon, is an atypical antidepressant drug that was originally created to treat individuals suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. It works by increasing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate an individual’s mood and emotion. However, it has been increasingly misused due to its effects on an individual’s central nervous system (CNS). When misused, tianeptine can produce psychoactive effects such as euphoria, which are similar to the effects of heroin and other opioids.
While tianeptine is a substance that is still being prescribed in a handful of other countries, it is illegal to sell and consume tianeptine in the United States. There are still countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America that permit the use of tianeptine as a prescription medication that is typically used to treat depression and anxiety.
Tianeptine has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its availability online and at local gas stations in some states, which has caused an increase in its potential for abuse. Despite it being illegal in many countries, it can still be found on the internet and purchased without a prescription. This makes it quite dangerous as its misuse can lead to serious health problems. For individuals that may be suffering from a tianeptine addiction, it’s important to seek the help of qualified professionals, like those at Encore Outpatient Services.
How Does Tianeptine Work?
Tianeptine is an atypical antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating an individual’s mood, emotions, and experience of stress. By increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, tianeptine was initially used by individuals to help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety while improving overall mood. Something that can ease depressive symptoms and anxiety can also be easily abused when not prescribed and guided under medical care. Thus, many users during its period of legality experienced from tianeptine withdrawal.
Tianeptine is also said to have the ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can be used to help reduce inflammation in the body that may be caused by chronic stress or illness. Due to its potential anti-inflammatory capabilities it can have effects on an individual’s bodily functions such as their digestive system, immune response, and cognitive function.
Tianeptine Withdrawal and Potential Side Effects
Tianeptine can have side effects even when taken as prescribed under medical supervision. Common side effects can then also be amplified when it is abused. Some of the more common side effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, tianeptine may also cause agitation or aggression.
Long-term use may also lead to addiction and tianeptine withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly such as
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Body aches
- Depression that rebounds
- Cold or flu like symptoms
- Chills or hot flashes
- Body aches
- Other symptoms that are similar in nature to those involving opiate withdrawal
If you believe that you or your loved one is experiencing an addiction to or becoming dependent on tianeptine it’s important to speak with substance abuse professionals who can help you find treatment options for a tianeptine addiction as well as guidance on potential tianeptine withdrawal.
Trust The Experienced Professionals at Encore Outpatient Services When Searching For Help For A Tianeptine Addiction
Tianeptine is a powerful antidepressant drug that has become increasingly popular due to its availability online without a prescription. This makes it quite dangerous as tianeptine is known to be easily misused while also having the potential to be extremely addictive. This can lead to serious health problems if it is abused long-term or if it is combined with other drugs like alcohol or opioids.
At Encore Outpatient Services, our outpatient substance abuse treatment specialists are available to assist individuals that are seeking help for their addiction issues related to tianeptine misuse, abuse, and dependence.
Our experts are ready to help and willing to answer any questions you may have about our outpatient treatment programs- give us a call today.
Call now (703) 436-8158