Pharmacists Play Key Role in Warning Public About Dangers of Tianeptine Misuse

Tianeptine, an atypical tricyclic antidepressant approved in some countries to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety, is not approved by the FDA for any medical purpose in the United States. However, unregulated tianeptine products are sold in the US in gas stations, convenience stores and other kinds of retail shops. Use of these products has led to adverse effects, causing lawmakers and public health officials across the country to begin sounding the alarm.

Drug Topics recently sat down with Savannah Roberts Clary, PharmD, BCPS, CPGx, a clinical pharmacist with Aegis Sciences Corporation, to discuss the potential dangers of tianeptine, how pharmacists can manage a patient who may be misusing tianeptine, how pharmacists can help warn the public about the potential hazards of tianeptine, and where pharmacists can go to learn more about tianeptine.

“[Tianeptine] is sought out for various reasons by individuals online and at various retailers, [such as] smokes shops [and] gas stations for various uses,” Clary said. “Some people seek it out to self-medicate for various things. It is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants, but it also has activity at µ-opioid receptors. That can lead it to be sought out for various treatments and self-medication purposes, perhaps for anxiety, perhaps for withdrawals or other things, of course none of which are approved or recognized for medical use in the United States.”

Clary said that pharmacists can play a key role in helping patients and the public learn about tianeptine, but getting educated on the drug first is crucial. Although tianeptine may not be something that is on most independent pharmacists radars—at least not yet—becoming familiar with the drug will allow pharmacists to help any patients who may have questions about it. Clary added that there are a number of places where pharmacists can go for validated information on tianeptine, including resources from the FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration.

“We just need to be increasingly aware of all the many substances individuals have access to,” Clary said. “[When] counseling individuals, if there is a concern or patients ask questions about these substances, just [understand] that they are not approved for any medical use in the United States, they can carry certain risks. While individuals may not have illicit or harmful intent by seeking out these substances—they may think it’s an accessible way to self-medicate and they may feel comfortable accessing these substances—they may be making an uncalculated risk.”

Make sure to check out part 1 from this series on tianeptine.

Are you ready to elevate your pharamcy practice? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.