The substance use prevention field faces the introduction of two new dangerous products. Tianeptine and injectable liquid fentanyl have gained significant attention for their similarities to opioids. Here’s what you need to know:
Tianeptine
Also known as “gas station heroin,” tianeptine is an unapproved atypical antidepressant with opioid activity at high doses. It has been reported for sale in US gas stations and convenience stores and has the potential to cause adverse opioid-like effects and has been linked to intoxication, overdoses, and death.
Also known as “gas station heroin,” tianeptine is an unapproved atypical antidepressant with opioid activity at high doses. It has been reported for sale in US gas stations and convenience stores and has the potential to cause adverse opioid-like effects and has been linked to intoxication, overdoses, and death.
Poison Control Center cases involving tianeptine exposure have continued to increase nationwide, from 11 total cases between 2000 and 2013 to 151 cases in 2020. As an antidepressant, tianeptine is not approved for medical use in the United States. Tianeptine is marketed as a dietary supplement or as a “smart drug,” that allegedly enhance cognitive function and manage opioid cravings despite the lack of approval for medical use in the U.S. Tianeptine induces euphoria at high doses and has the potential to induce respiratory depression, sedation, and loss of consciousness and even carries a risk of death. Additionally, withdrawal effects from tianeptine vary from nausea, vomiting, and hypertension.
Please see the following link to the tianeptine emerging drug report.
Injectable Liquid Fentanyl
Fentanyl misuse typically involves injection or smoking of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Illicit fentanyl is most commonly sold on the street as counterfeit tablets or as powders in folded glassine papers. However, law enforcement agencies have found bulk quantities of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) in liquid form from Arizona and Kentucky. These liquid solutions pose similar dangers as counterfeit pills and powders as they may contain lethal doses and dealers may mix adulterants such as xylazine, cocaine, and other fentanyl analogs into the solution.
Fentanyl misuse typically involves injection or smoking of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Illicit fentanyl is most commonly sold on the street as counterfeit tablets or as powders in folded glassine papers. However, law enforcement agencies have found bulk quantities of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) in liquid form from Arizona and Kentucky. These liquid solutions pose similar dangers as counterfeit pills and powders as they may contain lethal doses and dealers may mix adulterants such as xylazine, cocaine, and other fentanyl analogs into the solution.
Please see the following links to the health alerts for injectable liquid fentanyl. Counterfeit Fentanyl Tablets | Liquid Fentanyl
