The number of calls to poison control centers about tianeptine, the drug known as Zaza Red 24 Count or Tianna, has skyrocketed. This week, Mississippi joined Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia in banning the product.
Tianeptine is used as an antidepressant in Europe and Latin America but hasn’t been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. It’s illegally marketed as a dietary supplement under brand names like TD Red, Pegasus, and Tianna.
Tianeptine
Tianeptine is used as an antidepressant in some countries, but it’s not approved for medical use in the United States. But it’s illegally sold as a “dietary supplement” in gas stations and online, often under the name Tianna, TD Red, or ZaZa, to bypass strict food safety regulations. Its effects are similar to opioids and can be fatal when taken in high doses.
Tianeptin doesn’t increase serotonin like most antidepressants, but it acts directly on the brain to boost mood and improve mental function. It increases BDNF production in the brain, helps regulate glutamate, and inhibits NMDA receptors. It also enhances mesolimbic dopamine production through CREB activation, which promotes neuroplasticity and resilience to stress.
It also blocks inflammatory cytokines from the brain, preventing them from having negative influences on mood and mental health. It also activates mu-opioid and delta-opioid receptors, which have antidepressant effects. It also reduces anxiety and depression by blocking NMDA receptor activity in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, according to Rushton.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popular treatments for acne. It’s available over-the-counter in a wide range of concentrations and is often combined with other treatments such as antibiotics or retinoids. It works by unclogging pores, killing bacteria and helping your skin to shed dead cells.
It can also make your skin dry, so be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer. You can get it in gels, foams, lotions or washes, and a small amount is all you need. Use it 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
This medication may cause very severe allergic reactions (including skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth, face or throat, and difficulty breathing). Get medical help right away if you notice these symptoms. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose or mouth and do not let it come into contact with any clothing or fabrics that you may be washing.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water in your body. It also plays a role in transmitting nerve impulses and relaxing muscles. It is a major factor in maintaining acid-base equilibrium, and is required for the absorption of glucose and the transport of many other nutrients across cell membranes. Inhaling sodium chloride in combination with medicine to dilate airway passages reduces respiratory symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis and improves quality of life long-term.
Typically, sodium chloride is given by injection (e.g., a shot of saline) or through slow fluid infusion into your veins (e.g., an intravenous or IV drip). The dose and how often it is given depends on your condition and other factors, such as the severity of your disease, your weight, blood tests, and whether you are taking other medicines.
Sodium chloride is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in doses less than 2.3 grams per day. Larger doses increase the risk of high blood pressure, stomach pain, and swelling of the lining of the stomach or lungs.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is a mineral that supports the normal functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, bones and heart. It is a common ingredient in magnesium supplements. It is also used to treat low levels of magnesium in the body due to certain conditions (such as stomach/intestinal absorption problems, severe diarrhea and vomiting, alcoholism).
Magnesium Chloride can be administered by mouth or transdermally by spraying it on the skin. Sprays are convenient because they avoid the digestive system issues that can be associated with oral magnesium supplements.
In addition to helping with muscle relaxation, magnesium helps promote a good night’s sleep and may even help boost energy levels. It also works with calcium to ensure a healthy heart and bones.
