State moves to ban antidepressant sold in convenience stores, can mimic opioids [View all]

The Alabama Department of Public Health is moving to ban a widely available antidepressant that can mimic the effects of opioids.

Tianeptine is approved in some other countries to treat depression, but is not approved in the United States, State Pharmacy Director Nancy Bishop told Alabama Daily News.

“The dose for depression is very low, but when taken in high doses, the drug produces a high and euphoric effect similar to opioids and can lead to dependence,” Bishop said. “It is taken as an opioid substitute or to eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms and can be purchased at convenience stores and online as a dietary supplement.”

This week, the State Committee of Public Health, at the recommendation of Alabama Department of Public Health, moved to categorize tianeptine as a Schedule II drug. Other Schedule II drugs include morphine, cocaine, methamphetamine and hydrocodone. Some Schedule II drugs are available legally through prescriptions.

Read more: https://www.wbrc.com/2020/07/17/state-moves-ban-antidepressant-sold-convenience-stores-can-mimic-opioids/