There are many types of illicit or illegal drugs. Some of these drugs have not been properly classified and have been available to the public. One such drug is tianeptine. North Carolina recently passed legislation making tianeptine illegal to sell in our state. The drug has previously been available in places such as convenience stores and vape shops. Tianeptine was not regulated in the past because it was classified as a supplement and not subject to FDA approval.
What is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is also known on the street as “gas station heroin.” It is a substance that has been widely used by addicts and recovering addicts in place of heroin. Tianeptine is an addictive opioid. It gives users a similar experience to other opioids, such as heroin. However, people need to take more of the substance to get the same type of effects as they get from heroin. Because tianeptine was classified as a dietary supplement, it was not regulated under the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Tianeptine is Addictive
Tianeptine was originally used in low doses as an antidepressant and has been available for more than 60 years. In recent years, tianeptine has been marketed as a way to sharpen focus and also for pain relief. It is highly addictive and can be deadly. It was readily available, making it easy for people to get their hands on it. Unfortunately, the body builds up a tolerance, and people need to increase their dosages to achieve results. This makes it very possible to overdose. Although it was dangerous, it was still being sold because it was legal to do so.
What are the Effects of Tianeptine?
There are a number of serious effects from the use or abuse of tianeptine. It can cause drowsiness, agitation, sweating, confusion, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing, coma, or death. It also may have interactions with other drugs, which can cause problems. People often start out using a small amount of tianeptine. Over time, they need to increase the dose to get the same results. This leads to addiction and possible overdose.
What is the New Classification of Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is now classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Other drugs in this classification include cocaine, opium, oxycodone, and fentanyl, among others. As a Schedule II controlled substance, tianeptine is now illegal per legislation that took effect on December 1, 2024. Tianeptine has been sold under the brand names Za Za Red and Neptune’s Fix. These substances are no longer allowed to be sold, and convenience stores and other retail shops cannot carry these supplements.
Although tianeptine is not approved for medical use in the United States, it is available as a dietary supplement in many countries around the world. Now that tianeptine is a controlled substance, you could be charged with possession. If you are facing criminal drug charges, you will want to seek legal help to defend the charges. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to talk to our experienced legal team today.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/illegal-drug-paraphernalia-2259052
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