Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Andrew Kuzma from the 39th Legislative District in Pennsylvania has introduced a bill aimed at making tianeptine, also known as "gas station heroin," illegal in the state. The legislation, House Bill 977, seeks to prohibit the sale, possession, and manufacture of tianeptine, which is often marketed under names such as Zaza, Coaxil, Tianna, or Stablon.

Kuzma emphasized the dangers associated with tianeptine: "Tianeptine is a very dangerous antidepressant that has never been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been associated with numerous overdose deaths." He noted that businesses have circumvented safety guidelines by labeling it as not for human consumption or including it in dietary supplements. "Tianeptine creates a euphoria that mimics heroin and other opioids and is highly addictive. We need to take steps now to prevent deaths and addiction from this hazardous product."

Several states including Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee have already enacted similar laws banning tianeptine. Although it is a prescription drug in Europe, in the United States it is frequently found as an ingredient in products sold at gas stations and online.

The legislative district represented by Kuzma includes areas within Allegheny County such as Elizabeth Township and Jefferson Hills Boroughs; and parts of Washington County including Union Township and Monongahela City.