Apr. 19, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny/Washington) today announced he has introduced legislation to make tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” illegal in the Commonwealth.
“Tianeptine is a very dangerous antidepressant that has never been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been associated with numerous overdose deaths,” Kuzma said. “Businesses have gone around safety guidelines and been able to sell it in the U.S. by labeling it not for human consumption or adding it to dietary supplements. Tianeptine creates a euphoria that mimics heroin and other opioids and is highly addictive. We need to take steps now to prevent deaths and addiction from this hazardous product.”
House Bill 977, the first bill Kuzma has introduced, would prevent the sale, possession and manufacture of tianeptine, commonly sold by the names Zaza, Coaxil, Tianna or Stablon. A number of states, including Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Tennessee, have passed identical laws.
Tianeptine is a prescription drug in Europe, but often sold as an ingredient in products sold in gas stations and online in the United States.
The 39th Legislative District includes Elizabeth, Forward and South Park townships and Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills and West Elizabeth boroughs in Allegheny County; and Union and part of Carroll townships, Finleyville and New Eagle boroughs, and the city of Monongahela in Washington County.
Representative Andrew Kuzma
39th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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