Let’s be real, gas stations are great for late-night snacks, energy drinks, and the occasional emergency pack of gum. But when it comes to anything that claims to enhance your energy, mood, sex drive, or cognitive function? 🚨 Hard pass.
Lately, one item has made headlines for all the wrong reasons: Tianeptine, a substance sold under names like Zaza, Tianaa, Neptune’s Fix, and TD Red. It’s earned the nickname “gas station heroin,” and that alone should tell you everything you need to know. The FDA has issued a strong warning, calling this a “dangerous and growing health trend,” especially among youth.
What is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is an antidepressant in some countries—but NOT approved for use in the U.S. It’s being sold at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online, often disguised as:
- Mood boosters
- Cognitive enhancers (aka “nootropics”)
- Dietary supplements
- “Research chemicals”
But it’s none of those things. In fact, people are taking doses anywhere from 50 mg to 10,000 mg (👀), leading to serious side effects like:
- Coma
- Agitation
- Confusion
- High blood pressure
- Breathing issues
- Irregular heart rate
- Vomiting
- And yes—death
The FDA says these products can cause severe harm or fatal overdose, and most drug screens don’t even detect them. That means someone could be struggling with symptoms and not even know what’s causing them.
BUT It's Not Just 'Gas Station Heroin'
While Tianeptine is one of the most concerning right now, it’s part of a bigger pattern. We’ve seen gas stations and vape shops selling a wild mix of unregulated or dangerous products labeled as:
- “Natural” male enhancement pills
- “Performance” supplements
- “Energy boosters” or “fat burners”
- Kratom
- Synthetic cannabinoids ('Spice' or 'K2')
- Delta-8 THC products
- Unregulated “CBD” with unknown additives
- Pre-workout powders or capsules
- 'Relaxation shots' that mix sketchy ingredients
If it’s not coming from a trusted source, it's not worth the risk.
Our Advice: Protect Yourself
We care about our community—and that means calling out harm when we see it. Our advice?
- Skip anything from a gas station that’s not a snack, a drink, an air freshener, or condoms for that late-night hook-up.
- Avoid self-medicating with unregulated products that promise to fix your mood, enhance your sex life, or give you superhuman focus.
- Talk to a queer-competent medical provider (like us!) if you’re struggling with mental health, sexual wellness, or energy levels. There are safer, evidence-based treatments available.
You Deserve Safe, Judgment-Free Care
At our clinic, we’re not here to shame but to support. If you’ve used a product like Tianeptine or anything from a gas station that made you feel unwell, come talk to us. We can help you figure out what’s going on and what steps to take next.
Your health matters. Your safety matters. You matter. 💛
Questions? Feeling off?
Book an appointment, walk in, or reach out.
We’re here for you—always.
