The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning Americans not to use Neptune’s Fix products, which have been linked to seizures, loss of consciousness, and two deaths. When surveyed last week, only 5% of St. Louis adults said they’d heard that Neptune’s Fix was illegal and dangerous.
Neptune’s Fix products contain tianeptine (pronounced: tai·uh·nep·teen), which has been called “gas station heroin.” Tianeptine is an anti-depressant that is NOT approved by the FDA. It is illegally marketed as a dietary supplement, and found in products with names like “Neptune’s Elixir,” “ZaZa,” “Tianna,” and “Tiara.” Pictures of these products are included in the social media assets below: share them to increase community awareness of this dangerous drug.
In the survey, 379 adults in CO, MD, MO and NE were asked if they’d heard in the last 7 days that “Products containing tianeptine, like Neptune’s Fix, are illegal and dangerous.” Across all states, only 9% had heard the claim. Awareness was highest in Omaha (16%) and lowest in St. Louis and Baltimore (both 5%). Rates were higher among those ages 60 and older vs. under 60 (19% vs. 7%).
The FDA warns that tianeptine can be addictive, dangerous and may negatively interact with certain medications. Although Neptune’s Fix agreed to voluntarily recall its products, community organizations in St. Louis can help consumers check drug labels and caution against using other products with tianeptine, which may be marketed to treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain and opioid addiction.
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of adult residents of Baltimore, MD (n=41); St. Louis, MO (n=154); Omaha, NE (n=87); and Colorado (n=97), surveyed from Saturday, February 3, to Monday, February 5, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeard STL.
Download the graphics below to share about this topic.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against the use of Neptune’s Fix and any other products with tianeptine due to potential danger to consumers. It is not FDA-approved for any medical use but is illegally marketed to improve brain function and treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, and opioid use disorder.
#iHeardSTL #Tianeptine
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If you or someone you know needs help with mental health and/or substance use disorders, the SAMHSA National Helpline—1-800-662-HELP (4357)—provides 24/7, free, confidential treatment referral and information services in English and Spanish.
#iHeardSTL #SAMHSA