TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Doug Steinhardt, R-23, that would classify tianeptine — often referred to as “gas station heroin” — as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance.
The bill would restrict the sale and distribution of tianeptine, a substance currently marketed in some retail locations and online as a dietary supplement, despite its opioid-like effects.
“The unethical marketing tactics used by companies to promote a dangerous substance like tianeptine is giving a false sense of security to those looking for solutions to their mental and physical ailments,” Steinhardt said. “But with this bill, we could remove these dangerous products from our retail shelves and eliminate the concerns before they even start.”
The New Jersey Department of Health said the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System has identified a cluster of poisoning cases involving tianeptine. Officials said the substance is being falsely marketed and sold across the state in gas stations and online.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also reported an increase in adverse reactions linked to tianeptine exposure over the past two decades. According to the FDA, tianeptine can produce opioid-like effects because it binds to and acts as an agonist at mu opioid receptors.
If enacted into law, the bill would add tianeptine to the state’s list of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances, placing it under stricter regulation and enforcement.
