Loading page
Loading page
Loading substance route
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Tianeptine has moderate abuse potential, particularly at doses exceeding the therapeutic range. Its short duration of action may compel frequent redosing, and the opioid-like euphoria at high doses (above 100mg) can drive compulsive use patterns. Between 1989 and 2004, France identified 141 cases of recreational use, representing 1 to 3 cases per 1000 treated patients.
Physical dependence develops with chronic use at high doses. Withdrawal symptoms resemble those of typical opioids including agitation, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hypertension, diarrhea, tremor, and diaphoresis, along with emotional instability. Withdrawal severity correlates with daily dosage and duration of use, with high doses described as extremely difficult to quit.
The LD50 has not been officially established, though tianeptine appears to have a large therapeutic index and margin of safety. Deaths have been reported, primarily in combination with other substances. A 2018 literature review identified 9 deaths involving tianeptine among 65 documented cases of abuse or dependence; of 15 overdose cases, 8 involved co-ingestion with at least one other substance.
Unlike other tricyclic antidepressants, tianeptine produces significantly fewer cardiovascular effects and does not appear to affect heart function at therapeutic doses.
Intravenous injection of crushed tablets can cause thrombosis and severe necrosis due to silica and other undissolved particles blocking capillaries; this harm is associated with improper administration of oral formulations rather than inherent compound toxicity.
Research indicates possible anticonvulsant activity via downstream modulation of adenosine A1 receptors, suggesting tianeptine may have seizure-protective rather than seizure-promoting properties.
Tianeptine was developed and patented by the French Society of Medical Research during the 1960s. Following clinical development, it was introduced for therapeutic use in France in 1983, becoming available through Laboratories Servier SA. The drug subsequently gained approval across numerous
Legal to possess without any license or prescription. Not scheduled under federal controlled substances legislation.
Classified as a Schedule III controlled substance since 2010. Possession, distribution, and production without authorization is prohibited.
Not listed under controlled substance categories Buchstabe A, B, C, or D. Generally considered legal to possess.
Illegal to produce, supply, or import under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which came into effect on May 26, 2016. The Act does not criminalize personal possession but prohibits all commercial activity.
Classified as a prescription-only medicine under Anlage 1 of the Arzneimittelverschreibungsverordnung (AMVV). Not a controlled narcotic under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz, but requires a valid prescription for legal possession.
Not approved as a prescription medicine in Sweden, and is therefore classified as a controlled substance. Possession without authorization is illegal.
Designated as a 'green prescription' substance, indicating controlled distribution through pharmacies. Illegal when sold or possessed without a valid prescription.
Not scheduled at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act. However, individual states have begun implementing controls. Michigan became the first state to classify tianeptine sodium salt as a Schedule II controlled substance in March 2018. Many nootropics vendors have voluntarily ceased distribution due to documented abuse potential.
28 sources cited
