Beshear makes move to stop sale of ‘gas station heroin’ in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear signed an emergency regulation today classifying all products containing tianeptine as a schedule one controlled substance.

Tianeptine is an unregulated drug known as “gas station heroin” that produces opioid-like effects. It’s available online, in convenience stores and gas stations but has no known medical use.

There are dangerous claims that the drug treats anxiety, depression and pain, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says these claims are unproven.

Side effects from abusing or misusing tianeptine alone or alongside other drugs, like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, include agitation, drowsiness, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, slowed or stopped breathing, coma and death.

It has also been linked to overdoses, according to the FDA.

After signing the measure, Beshear said, “Today, Kentucky became a safer place. We’re committed to protecting Kentuckians from this kind of harm, and if someone is struggling with abuse, we are here to help.”