What is Zaza? Side Effects & Risks

Depression is the most common mental health condition in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 280 million people suffer from depression worldwide.[1] Thankfully, there are many options for treatment, including daily medication.

Most antidepressant medications are safe and non-habit-forming. That said, there is an antidepressant called tianeptine that is common in countries like Europe, Asia, and Latin America and is known for causing dependency and addiction. As a result, it has not been approved for use in the United States.

While tianeptine is not used medicinally in the United States, it has made its way into gas stations and smoke shops, being sold as a dietary supplement. It can produce side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and euphoria.[2] Referred to by the nickname Zaza or “gas station heroin,” this substance can put you at risk of experiencing adverse effects, developing an addiction, or suffering from a life-threatening overdose.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is tianeptine
• What are the side effects of Zaza
• What are the risks of abusing gas station heroin

What is Zaza (Tianeptine)?

Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not approved for medicinal use in the United States. However, you might find it marketed as dietary supplements in gas stations or convenience stores under names like “Zaza Red,” “Tianna Red,” or “Tianna White.”

Tianeptine (Zaza) is a tricyclic antidepressant that works similarly to other depression medications like fluoxetine or sertraline. However, it does affect the mu-opioid receptors in your brain, leading to increased levels of sedation and a rush of euphoria.[3] For this reason, Zaza can be incredibly addictive.

Due to the effects Zaza causes like sedation, drowsiness, and euphoria, many people who abuse it call it “gas station heroin.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned about tianeptine’s dangerous effects. According to their press release, poison control center cases related to Zaza have increased from “1 total cases between 2000 and 2013 to 151 cases in 2020 alone.”[4]

Some states have classified tianeptine as a controlled substance, however, it remains unregulated federally. This is because of a law that prevents the FDA from regulating substances marketed as dietary substances.[5]

What are the Side Effects of Zaza Red?

Zaza is referred to as gas station heroin because of its sedative and euphoric effects, including:

• Sedation
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• A rush of euphoria
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Abdominal pains and cramps
• Body aches
• Abnormal body movements
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares

Small doses of tianeptine might only cause a boost in mood. If you abuse it in a large dose, you will experience similar effects as an opioid drug. Tianeptine abusers should remain cautious when consuming this substance, as it is not regulated and is considered a dangerous drug.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Zaza addiction, it’s time to seek professional addiction treatment. Drug and alcohol rehab centers can offer the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.

What are the Risks of Zaza Abuse?

There are numerous risks associated with abusing gas station heroin. First, it is an unregulated substance, which means no checks and balances keep people accountable for what is included in them. Even further, this substance can lead to adverse side effects, addiction, and life-threatening overdoses.

The dangers of abusing Zaza include:

Negative Side Effects

Gas station heroin is associated with an array of negative side effects including:

• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Mood swings and irritability
• Worsening of anxiety or depression
• Poor decision-making and risky behaviors
• And more

Addiction

Abusing Zaza long-term will cause you to develop an addiction. The main signs of tianeptine addiction include having a hard time controlling how much you use, needing to increase the dose to experience a desired effect, experiencing urges or cravings to abuse it, and developing withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing Zaza.

If you are struggling with an addiction to tianeptine, you should seek professional help. Withdrawal symptoms can become severe, making it vital that you seek medical detox and long-term addiction support.

Overdoses

Lastly, abusing Zaza in large doses can lead to a fatal overdose. The symptoms of a tianeptine overdose may include:[4]

• Agitation and confusion
• Severe drowsiness
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Coma
• Death

If you or someone you love is experiencing an overdose, contact 911 immediately.

Find Help for Zaza Abuse and Addiction

Zaza addiction can be difficult to overcome, especially without professional help. Thankfully, the experts at Archstone Behavioral Health are here to support you through your recovery journey. We offer medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and 24/7 support to our clients.

Contact us today for more information on tianeptine addiction treatment.

References:

1. The World Health Organization (WHO): Depressive Disorder
2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Tianeptine
3. Science Direct: Tianeptine
4. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Tianeptine Products Linked to Serious Harm, Overdoses, Death
5. North Carolina Health News: N.C. lawmakers look into curbing ‘gas station heroin’ and other tianeptine supplements