Deadly Drug Tianeptine 'Significant Risk' in US

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized a shipment of a "deadly, addictive and illegal substance" in Cincinnati that was worth over $246,000, sparking warnings from U.S. health officials.

According to official reports, 12 pounds of the dangerous substance were confiscated on January 26 for violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The intercepted shipment had originated in Hong Kong and was heading towards Houston, Texas, CBP officers reported.

The substance in question is tianeptine, an unapproved drug with dangerous side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some companies in the U.S. are illegally marketing and selling tianeptine products to consumers with claims that it improves brain function and treats anxiety and depression, among other conditions.

Poison control centers have reported a dramatic rise in tianeptine side effects: while only 11 cases were reported nationwide between 2000 and 2013, 151 cases were reported across the county in 2020 alone, the FDA reported in 2022.

According to CBP officers, the FDA is aware of an online tianeptine trade in the U.S. where the drug is usually sold in tablet or powder form.

"The FDA is especially concerned about the illegal importation of unsafe drugs like tianeptine which has been shown to pose a significant risk to patients and consumers," Dan Solis, assistant commissioner for import operations, said in a statement. "FDA supports CBP's efforts in protecting the nation's border through our cooperative partnerships and enforcement actions."

While the drug has been approved in other countries to treat anxiety and depression, it is usually accompanied by restricted prescriptions and a warning of possible addiction. The prescribed doses are also very small. "Medical journals and reports to the FDA suggest that adverse events may occur when tianeptine is taken at doses higher than the doses prescribed in the countries where the drug has been approved," the FDA states on its website.

Newsweek reached out to the FDA via email for comment.

People with a history of opioid use disorder or dependence may be at particular risk of abusing tianeptine, the FDA also warned.

Among the side effects reported from using this medication—either on its own or in combination with other drugs like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication—are a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, slowed or stopped breathing, coma and even death.

"CBP is responsible for ensuring that all goods entering and exiting the United States do so in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations. Our officers and specialists in Cincinnati consistently showcase their quality training and commitment to the CBP mission. They are exceptional at what they do and are part of the best frontline defense in the world," LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations for CBP's Chicago Field Office, said in a statement.

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