What is Zaza?

Most people don’t expect to find dangerous drugs for sale legally at gas stations or convenience stores. However, some designer drugs and over-the-counter substances are sold in neighborhood gas stations all over the country. Zaza (tianeptine) is a dangerous substance for sale throughout the US without warning labels or regulation.. 

Tianeptine is a synthetic drug that binds to mu opioid receptors. It has a high risk of misuse and dependence. 

Manufacturers label doses of tianeptine as a dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. This means children, teens, and others may engage in tianeptine abuse after purchasing it legally. 

It is critical to understand the potential for abuse, dependence, and other health risks related to zaza. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about the dangers of zaza. You may also reach out to explore our treatment programs or ask questions. 

What is Zaza?

Tianeptine (zaza) is a synthetic drug. This drug was first introduced in France in the 1960s to treat depression. It does not work in the same way as other antidepressants. It binds to opioid receptors in parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, pleasure, and pain control. 

Some people refer to tianeptine as “gas station heroin.” This is because the effects of this drug mimic the effects of heroin and other opioids. Common brand names for these supplements include:

• Zaza Red
• Coaxil
• Neptune’s Fix
• Pegasus
• Stablon
• Red dawn
• Tianaa
• Tianna red

Zaza is available in pill and powder form and may be sold legally at gas stations or convenience stores. 

Is Zaza Addictive?

Tianeptine is a highly addictive substance. The FDA does not regulate it. This means that it can be challenging to determine daily doses or potency of these products. Generally, the effects of tianeptine are similar to those of other controlled substances. It has a high risk of physical dependence. Medical and SUD experts advise people to avoid tianeptine products at all costs. 

It is critical to be aware of the risk of tolerance and dependence when using these legal products. Gas station heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, and other “designer drugs” may be marketed as safe. However, these products can be just as risky as illegal substances. 

Designer drug use is rising in the United States. As a result, more people are developing serious issues related to these products. Contact Blue Star Recovery to learn more about Zaza or other designer drug use. Reach out with questions or to explore your treatment options. 

Understanding the Risks of Tianeptine

Tianeptine has gained popularity in recent years. The National Poison Data System and poison control centers have reported more calls about this dangerous, legal drug. People who use tianeptine can experience harmful side effects, including lethal overdose.

In recent years, the FDA issued a public warning about tianeptine. This occurred after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 20 cases of severe medical complications in New Jersey related to zaza use. Of the 20 people who needed medical care, over half required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Manufacturers of tianeptine products market them as dietary supplements. They advertise that this supplement can reduce symptoms of anxiety and major depressive disorder. 

However, zaza (tianeptine) exposure can cause serious, even life-threatening consequences. 

The potential side effects of tianeptine use may include:

• Physical dependence
• Drowsiness
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Slowed or stopped breathing

Zaza acts in the body similarly to an opioid. People may overdose on tianeptine if they take high doses of the drug.

An overdose is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. Some common signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Limp arms and legs
• Vomiting
• Gurgling or choking noises
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale, cool, or clammy skin
• Slowed or stopped breathing

If you or someone near you is experiencing the symptoms of an opioid overdose, call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until EMS arrives. 

If you or someone you love abuses tianeptine or other opioids, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Getting treatment early on can help you avoid long-term harm or death. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake assessment. 

Treatment for Opioid Misuse and Dependence

People who become dependent on tianeptine may require opioid use disorder treatment to stop taking it safely. Opioid dependence treatment may include:

• Assessments and screenings
• Behavioral therapies
• Relapse prevention education
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Holistic therapies like exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture, and nutrition support
• Aftercare planning

Depending on their needs, people may attend partial hospitalization programs or outpatient programs at different stages of their recovery journey. 

Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about Zaza or to explore your treatment options. Reach out to verify your insurance, ask questions, or schedule an appointment. 

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Tianeptine, an Antidepressant with Opioid Agonist Effects: Pharmacology and Abuse Potential, a Narrative Review
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry: Chronic tianeptine induces tolerance in analgesia and hyperlocomotion via mu-opioid receptor activation in mice
3. Science Direct: Tianeptine Abuse and Dependence: Case Report and Literature Review
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Notes from the Field: Cluster of Severe Illness from Neptune’s Fix Tianeptine Linked to Synthetic Cannabinoids — New Jersey, June–November 2023