TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – The state of Florida has banned a substance referred to as ‘gas station heroin.’
On Sept. 21, Attorney General Ashley Moody filed an emergency rule to outlaw ‘tianeptine’ also sold under the names Pegasus, Tianaa or Zaza Red.
The action adds tianeptine to Florida’s Schedule I controlled substances list which makes it a felony to buy, sell or possess it. Moody says the ban is temporary, but she intends to work with lawmakers to outlaw it permanently.
“We are taking immediate action to outlaw this dangerous substance in our state.” said Moody. “No one should buy, sell or use products containing tianeptine.”
What exactly is tianeptine?
The AG’s office says it is a dietary supplement that is mostly sold at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops and online. According to Moody, it is extremely addictive and also deadly.
Nationwide, Moody says the drug has contributed to five deaths and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moody says Florida’s Poison Control Center has received at least 15 exposure calls this year. She says since the calls are voluntary, there are likely more cases than reported.
Although tianeptine is not approved for medical usage in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the drug is prescribed as an anti-depressant in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. According to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), tianeptine mimics the effects of opioids like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone.
What are the effects?
The DEA says the drug can cause serious health effects such as respiratory depression and severe sedation. Tianeptine is also known to cause users to have major withdrawals. The DEA says the drug can cause serious health effects such as respiratory depression and severe sedation. Some other effects of tianeptine include agitation, confusion, slowed or stopped breath, coma, death, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
What other states have banned tianeptine?
Florida joins several other states banning tianeptine including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee.
The road to recovery?
The DEA released an report in May of this year that revealed that abuse of tianeptine has increased, contributing to the opioid crisis.
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On the heels of National Recovery Month which is recognized in September, Moody is urging citizens with addictions to seek treatment.
“As Attorney General, I am doing everything within the power of my position to end the deadly opioid crisis. We’re working with law enforcement to arrest drug traffickers, securing billions of dollars for abatement projects, and banning dangerous substances that fuel addiction like gas station heroin,” said Moody. “While these efforts continue, if those struggling with addiction do not seek help, we will never end this crisis,” she added.
Detox and outpatient medication are common forms of treatment for those withdrawing from tianeptine, according to Recovery Centers of America. For more information about recovery options, visit their website here. In Marion County, Beacon Point is a one-stop resource for residents needing help. If you or someone you love needs help, call 352-255-6985.