WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) that would help prevent the abuse of tianeptine, commonly known as “gas station heroin,” which is widely available at convenience stores, smoke shops, and across the internet. The Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act (STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act) would add tianeptine and all of its analogues to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act making it illegal to sell without a prescription.

Although tianeptine is used for depression in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries, it is not approved for any use by the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Tianeptine has been distributed online and at small retail locations without a prescription as part of a wider category of “gas station drugs” that mimic the effects of more well-known illicit, controlled substances.

Misuse of tianeptine can lead to euphoric, opioid-like highs with the potential for chronic users to develop dependence and tolerance. Overdose and use in suicide attempts have also been documented. The bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act would make illegal the sale of tianeptine without prescription. The FDA would still have the ability to approve the drug for medical use at its discretion.

“Tianeptine, a potent opioid-like drug, poses alarming risks, and the ease of acquiring it—like candy— is a public health threat,” said Rep. Pfluger. “I am proud to work with Congressman Jimmy Panetta on bipartisan legislation to place tianeptine under Schedule III—a crucial step to getting this addictive drug out of convenience stores and gas stations. Recognizing proactive state measures and prioritizing safety, we underscore our commitment to combat the opioid epidemic and protect our communities.”

“As tianeptine is becoming more accessible at convenience stores and gas stations, it also is becoming more of a danger to our communities,” said Rep. Panetta. “By scheduling tianeptine under the Controlled Substances Act, the bipartisan STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act will help prevent the prevalence and abuse of this unregulated drug. As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, the federal government needs to actively monitor these types of emerging drugs as threats to our public health and safety.”

In 2023, the FDA put out an advisory warning against consuming tianeptine products. In 2013, only four cases of tianeptine exposure were reported nationwide, but that number has risen to at least 391 cases in 2023. Tianeptine has now been banned in nine states, several of which banned the drug just last year.