In the quest for mental wellness and pain relief, many individuals turn to unregulated substances such as tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut. Anecdotally hailed for their therapeutic potential, these compounds have also raised significant safety concerns due to the risks associated with their misuse. This blog explores the dangers tied to the use of these substances and underscores the importance of informed decision-making in personal health care. All three substances are marketed as dietary supplements and have no oversight from the FDA as to product standards or content of active ingredients. They can often be purchased at gas stations, smoke shops, and online.
Tianeptine: The Double-Edged Sword
Tianeptine is a non-FDA approved atypical antidepressant known for its mood-enhancing properties. Unlike traditional antidepressants, tianeptine acts on the opioid receptors, which explains its potential for abuse. Regular use can lead to severe dependency and withdrawal symptoms earning it the nickname “gas station heroin”. Users seeking the euphoric effects consume increasing doses, risking not only addiction but also liver damage, respiratory depression, and fatal overdoses. Tianeptine is often used by polysubstance drug abusers who may be unaware of the drug’s dangers. Few clinicians are aware of tianeptine, and most urine assays do not screen for it. Greater awareness is needed for this drug and steps must be taken as tianeptine is emerging as a new public health threat. Tianeptine is illegal in a growing number of states.
Kratom: Natural Remedy or Health Hazard?
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is celebrated for its pain-relieving and opioid-withdrawal mitigating effects. Yet, kratom is not without its pitfalls. The FDA has expressed concerns over its opioid-like effects, potential for abuse, and lack of safety studies. High doses of kratom can lead to adverse effects, including nausea, seizures, and psychosis. Furthermore, the variability in a kratom product’s composition can make it difficult for users to predict its effects, increasing the risk of accidental overdosing, especially when used with other therapies. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and multiple other institutes are supporting and conducting research to evaluate potential medicinal uses for kratom and kratom compounds. While kratom has not yet been proven safe or effective for any medical purpose, kratom has been used as traditional medicine in some countries, and many people who use kratom report doing so to self-medicate for pain, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and substance withdrawal.
Phenibut: The Anxiety Reliever with a Dark Side
Phenibut is a psychoactive substance developed in Russia for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders that has never been evaluated or approved by the FDA for any use.. Phenibut use and misuse can result in sedation, respiratory depression, and reduced levels of consciousness, as well as withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, agitation, and acute psychosis The serious risk of phenibut withdrawal necessitates awareness by the clinician of phenibut use.
Navigating the Thin Line
The use of tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut highlights a broader issue in self-medication practices. While the search for relief from mental health issues and physical pain is valid, it is crucial to approach these substances with caution. The allure of immediate relief should not overshadow the potential long-term consequences of their use. Individuals considering these options should consult healthcare professionals, and together, weigh the benefits against the risks.
The Way Forward
Education and regulation are paramount in mitigating the risks associated with tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut. Potential users must be informed about the risks, potential side effects, and signs of dependency. Regulatory bodies should ensure these substances are appropriately controlled to prevent abuse while researching their therapeutic potential more thoroughly. Only through informed, cautious use and comprehensive study can the benefits of these substances be harnessed safely. Patients should alert their healthcare providers about their use since many supplements can interact with prescribed medications and therapies.
While tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut offer potential relief for some individuals, their use can carry significant risk. The journey toward wellness should be navigated with care and with patient safety as the top priority.
To learn more about drug toxicology laboratory services provided by Genesis Reference Labs for medication monitoring and detection of substance use, including tianeptine, kratom, phenibut, and many other substances, please call (844) 510-0194.