Gov. Beshear Takes Step To Stop Sale of ‘Gas Station Heroin’

Friday, March 24, 2023 at 9:39 AM

An emergency resolution signed Thursday classifies Tianeptine as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear has signed an emergency resolution to stop the sale of a product labeled as ‘gas station heroin’.

The resolution signed Thursday classifies all products containing tianeptine as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

Tianeptine, which is available online and in convenience stores and gas stations, has no known medical use. It has also been linked to serious harm, overdoses and death, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Side effects from abusing or misusing tianeptine by itself or with 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.

“Today, Kentucky became a safer place,” said Gov. Beshear. “Until now, someone looking for a heroin-like high could walk into certain places or buy this harmful product online. We’re committed to protecting Kentuckians from this kind of harm, and if someone is struggling with abuse, we’re here to help.”

Resources for addiction and recovery include FindHelpNowKY, the KY Help Call Center (833-8KY-HELP) and the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort, or KORE.

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