How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Tianeptine?

The Addictive Potential of Gas Station Heroin and How to Get Help

For years, gas stations and corner stores in nearly every city in America have offered questionable alternatives to nearly every illicit narcotic on the market.

And among these versions of ‘gas station dope,’ a drug called tianeptine has been garnering attention lately.

But what is tianpetine and why have products like Neptune’s Fix gotten such negative headlines recently?

The latest craze in the cheap “legal high” industry is tianeptine, or “ZaZa pills.” In this blog from Purpose Healing Center, we break down the dangers of tianeptine abuse, including negative mental health implications, and potentially serious withdrawal symptoms triggered by physical dependence and tianeptine addiction.

We also address the core question: how long does it take to get addicted to tianeptine?

Keep reading to get the details, and remember Purpose is only a confidential call away for further support and medical detox options if this drug is posing problems for you or a loved one.

How Long Does It Really Take to Get Addicted to Tianeptine?

So, what is the timeline regarding tianeptine withdrawal? Because of its relatively new presence on the market, there isn’t a lot of research or concrete evidence to give a definitive answer.

In addition, addiction timelines to any drug, regardless of the type, are relative to the user. One person may be hooked in a couple of days, while another ”dabbles’ for a year. However, based on user reports, there seems to be a fast-acting addiction timeline associated with tianeptine.

Many regular users reported dependence in as little as two or three weeks. Others noted that it took several months before they considered themselves fully dependent.

Once the user experiences a similar high, tianeptine abuse becomes a perpetual issue. Sooner or later, sometimes within a week or two, the individual is addicted to tianeptine, combatting an old foe in the form of withdrawal symptoms.

Regardless of the timeline, it’s important that if you or someone you love is using tianeptine habitually, you have resources for recovery.

Is Tianeptine Abuse Common in the United States?

Tianeptine abuse is becoming a serious concern thanks to the potential for withdrawal symptoms. Many users are turning to long-term use to avoid the negative side effects of tianeptine withdrawal symptoms, unleashing a slew of potentially dangerous collateral damage.

In increased doses, tianeptine actually impacts dopamine, playing on the same receptors as deadly opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone. Because of its potential to cause similar effects as opioids, this makes it especially dangerous for those who suffer from substance abuse.

Many prior heroin and opioid users actively seek substances they can take as replacements to mimic their past drug abuse—without technically relapsing.

Back to Basics: What Is Tianeptine Anyway?

If you’ve never heard of tianeptine, don’t worry—it’s highly likely that at some point in the near future, this dietary supplement will show up on the radar in your town if it hasn’t already.

Over the last several years, this crude “gas station heroin” has quietly circulated on retail shelves under the cloud of the fentanyl epidemic.

The self-proclaimed dietary supplement has recently come under more substantial scrutiny, presumably over the growing number of tianeptine addiction cases. So what exactly is this mysterious supplement, and what makes it so dangerous?

Classifying Tianeptine

Tianeptine belongs to a class of antidepressants, with the official designation being atypical tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Nailing down the exact form of the drug is tricky, as it comes in several variations, making it hard to identify.

It comes in the form of a liquid, a salt, a powder, in everything from a pressed pill to a gel capsule.

Where is Tianeptine Purchased?

Despite its legality, you won’t find this supplement on the shelves of your local Walgreens. Even though it’s found at gas stations nationwide, it still falls into a grey area as far as legality. Technically, it’s not considered a controlled or banned substance.

However, it’s far from being approved for use by any other regulatory board, either.

In other countries, tianeptine is considered a controlled substance and is only available via prescription. It might be labeled as an antidepressant, but it doesn’t treat depression or major disorders and other ailments the same as other tricyclic antidepressants.   

How Does Tianeptine Work?

Tianeptine works by impacting chemicals in the brain like serotonin. When ingested in small amounts, its intended effect is a boost in mood. Oddly enough, aside from treating depression, it’s often marketed as a “jack of all trades” medication of sorts.

There are claims it treats asthma, dementia, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. Irritable bowel syndrome? Dementia? From the looks of it, tianeptine has all the makings of a miracle drug.

But, if it sounds too good to be true—it probably is.

Self-Medicating with Tianeptine

Aside from those who suffered opioid withdrawal in the past, those diagnosed with major depressive disorder are also in harm’s way. Deciding to self-medicate not only increases their chances of experiencing opioid withdrawal-like symptoms but risks further mental health damage.

Relaxation, euphoria, and other side effects increase in strength with higher doses, and toxicity can lead to conditions similar to opioid overdose. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant dangers of tianeptine abuse:

The Known Dangers of Tianeptine

The dangers of frequent use include tianeptine withdrawal. However, withdrawal symptoms are just a fraction of the potentially harmful side effects. Dangers include:

• Nightmares
• Loss of sleep
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Increased mental illness

What Does the FDA Say About Tianeptine?

It’s already been stated the FDA in no way backs the use or sale of tianeptine. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Statements have actually been released that speak out against the drug and its widespread use and distribution. The FDA has made the following claims regarding tianeptine:

• It has the potential to rival opioids in its mechanisms and dangers
• It has not and never will meet the criteria for FDA approval
• It does not qualify as a dietary supplement
• Widespread circulation began as early as 2015

According to public records from the National Poison Data System, between 2000 and 2013 only 11 cases were referred to poison control centers related to the drug. Since 2020, however, that number has skyrocketed to over 150.

In 2018, 15 cases of overdose were reported, with 3 resulting in death. Tianeptine withdrawal isn’t the only danger associated with this “natural product.”

With increasing usage nationwide, it’s important that you know the signs and symptoms of tianeptine use and tianeptine withdrawal.

What Does Tianeptine Abuse Look Like?

Tianeptine abuse has several accompanying effects, including withdrawal symptoms and signs of overdose. Be aware of the following:

Tianeptine Withdrawal

Withdrawal is one of the most tell-tale signs of someone who is a long-time user of the drug. During detox, users may exhibit the following signs:

• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Shakiness
• Aches and pains
• Nausea
• Flu-like symptoms
• And more

Overdose Effects

Overdose symptoms are strikingly similar to other opioid-like controlled substances:

• Shallow breathing
• Loss on consciousness
• Heart palpitations
• Seizures

It’s worth noting that Narcan does not reverse the effects of a tianeptine overdose. If you notice the signs of someone overdosing, you should call 911 immediately.

Cardiovascular Implications of Tianeptine Use

Cardiovascular effects are another dangerous side effect of tianeptine. Habitual users report altered heart rate and blood pressure issues. Eventually, the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other dangerous cardio events increases significantly.

Purpose Healing Center Offers Proven Recovery Support

Unfortunately, many people view substances like tianeptine as a non-harmful drug with hardly any downside. The legality of drugs like these greatly overshadows the dangerous implications that come with them.

Much like substances like Kratom, K2, and Bath Salts, these “herbal” alternatives are equally as dangerous as black-market narcotics.

At Purpose Healing Center, we know all too well the dangers of these underrated all-naturals.

In the past, we’ve helped clients recover from products just like tianeptine—things you’re more likely to find behind the counter at your local convenience store as opposed to a street corner or pharmacy. It’s the assumed innocence that makes these products so dangerous.

If you or someone you know has been caught off-guard by tianeptine or a similar product, don’t take the issue lightly.

Contact a member of our admissions team today and get confidential help now!