What Is Zaza Red? Tianeptine Abuse, Addiction, & Withdrawal

What Is Zaza Red?

Zaza Red is a common name for a drug called tianeptine, which is a tricyclic antidepressant. It’s often referred to as “gas station heroin” and is sold over the counter at local gas stations or online under various names. It’s marketed as a dietary supplement or nootropic, a designer drug that claims to enhance brain function.

Many people turn to Zaza Red in an attempt to self-medicate their opioid addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms but instead find something equally addictive and dangerous. Unlike other antidepressants, tianeptine binds to the MU opioid receptors in the brain, the same places that opioids like heroin and fentanyl bind.

On March 15th, 2021, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADHP) officially banned Zaza Red and declared all tianeptine-based products as Schedule II controlled substances illegal to sell or possess. Other states took notice and saw trends similar to Alabama and have made moves to enact Zaza Red bans.

Zaza Red comes in capsule, pill, liquid, or bulk powder forms that people will swallow and dissolve into a liquid to drink, smoke, or inject.

What Are The Other Names For Zaza Red?

Other common names for Zaza Red (tianeptine) in the United States include:

What Type Of Drug Is Zaza Red (Tianeptine)?

Tianeptine is a medication used primarily as an antidepressant. It is not typically classified as a drug of abuse or a recreational substance. However, it’s important to note that misuse or abuse of any medication can have serious consequences.

Tianeptine’s primary therapeutic use is for treating depression. It is believed to work by modulating the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Tianeptine is not a typical first-line treatment for depression, and its use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Is Zaza Red (Tianeptine) Legal In The US?

As of January 2023, tianeptine, commonly known as Zaza Red, is legal in 43 U.S. states. It is illegal in Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, and Tennessee. Ohio also banned it recently. Despite being marked as extremely dangerous by several federal health organizations, tianeptine is being sold under a sort of legal loophole. It can avoid FDA regulation because it is sold as a dietary supplement.

However, the FDA has sent warning letters to manufacturers informing them that supplements containing tianeptine are illegal. The legality of substances can change, so stay informed about the current laws in your area.

How Is Zaza Red Used?

Tianeptine is a prescription medication primarily used for treating depression. A healthcare professional should determine the recommended usage and dosage of tianeptine, and patients should strictly follow their doctor’s instructions. Here are some general guidelines for the use of tianeptine:

• Dosage: The typical tianeptine dosage can vary depending on the individual’s condition, response to treatment, and the prescribing doctor’s recommendations. It is usually taken orally.
• Frequency: Tianeptine is often taken two to three times a day, with or without food. Again, the prescribing healthcare professional will determine the specific dosing schedule.
• Formulations: Tianeptine is available in different formulations, including tablets and powders. The choice of formulation may depend on the patient’s preference and the prescribing doctor’s recommendations.
• Duration of Treatment: The duration of tianeptine treatment can vary. Individuals need to continue taking the medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start feeling better. Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with the prescribing doctor are crucial during tianeptine treatment. This allows the healthcare provider to monitor the individual’s response to the medication, adjust the dosage if necessary, and address any side effects.

Tianeptine should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The use of tianeptine for recreational or non-prescribed purposes can lead to serious health risks, including addiction, dependence, and adverse effects.

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How Long Does It Take Tianeptine To Work?

The onset of action for tianeptine, like many antidepressant medications, can vary among individuals. In general, it may take several weeks before noticeable improvements in mood or symptoms of depression occur. Some individuals may start to feel better within a few weeks, while for others, it may take up to six weeks or longer.

Individuals taking tianeptine should be patient and consistent with their medication regimen. Abruptly stopping the medication or changing the dosage without consulting a healthcare professional can lead to complications, including withdrawal symptoms.

If you are prescribed tianeptine and are concerned about the time it takes to see improvements or if you experience any side effects, it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider. They can adjust the dosage or explore alternative treatment options if necessary.

Additionally, individual responses to antidepressant medications can vary, and what works for one person may not work as effectively for another. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress, discuss any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

How Is Tianeptine Misused?

Tianeptine misuse typically involves using the medication in ways not prescribed by a healthcare professional or using it for non-medical purposes. Here are some common ways in which tianeptine may be misused:

• Taking Higher Doses: Some individuals may misuse tianeptine by taking higher doses than prescribed in an attempt to intensify its effects or to achieve a euphoric sensation. This can be dangerous and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
• Recreational Use: Tianeptine, when misused, can produce mood-altering effects. Some individuals may misuse it for recreational purposes, seeking a feeling of relaxation or euphoria.
• Combining with Other Substances: Misuse may involve combining tianeptine with other substances, such as alcohol or illicit drugs. This can lead to unpredictable interactions and heightened risks of adverse effects.
• Obtaining Without Prescription: Acquiring tianeptine without a valid prescription, whether through illegal means or from unauthorized sources, is a form of misuse.
• Injection or Snorting: In some cases, individuals may misuse tianeptine by altering its intended route of administration. This can include injecting it intravenously or snorting it to bypass the normal digestive processes, potentially increasing the risk of harm.

Misuse of tianeptine can lead to a range of health risks, including addiction, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse reactions. Use prescription medications only as directed by a healthcare professional and communicate openly with the prescribing doctor about any concerns or issues related to the drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, seeking help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist is recommended.

How Addictive Is Tianeptine?

Tianeptine has the potential for addiction and misuse, particularly when misused or at higher-than-prescribed doses. While tianeptine is primarily prescribed for treating depression and is not classified as a typical opioid, it has opioid-like effects at high doses. Some individuals may misuse tianeptine seeking euphoria or relaxation, leading to the development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Can You Get Tianeptine Withdrawals?

Individuals who misuse tianeptine or at higher-than-prescribed doses can experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop or significantly reduce their intake. Tianeptine withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety: Increased feelings of worry or unease.
• Depression: Intense feelings of sadness or low mood.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Irritability: Heightened sensitivity and a tendency to become easily annoyed.
• Flu-like Symptoms: Physical discomfort, such as muscle aches, fatigue, and sweating.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual’s dosage, duration of use, and overall health. Tapering off tianeptine under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Abruptly stopping tianeptine without medical supervision is not recommended, as it can lead to more severe withdrawal effects.