Tianeptine (ZaZa Pills): What Is It, Effects, & Risks

Tianeptine – often called ZaZa or gas station heroin – is a drug that’s causing serious concern across the United States. While it was developed to treat depression, people in the U.S. have been using it for its opioid-like effects. Sold at gas stations and online as a supplement, ZaZa pills can seem harmless, but this drug can lead to addiction, withdrawal, and even overdose.

This page explores what ZaZa is, the risks it carries, and why you should be cautious about its use. You will also discover how to get compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse.

What’s ZaZa Drug?

ZaZa is slang for tianeptine, a drug that’s gaining attention for its opioid-like effects. [1] It’s often sold in gas stations and online under names like ZaZa Red or Tianna. People refer to it as gas station heroin because, even though it’s marketed as a supplement, its effects are similar to those of stronger, illegal drugs. While it might look harmless due to how it’s packaged and sold, ZaZa is far from safe. Many people who use it do so to get high, unaware of the risks it poses.

What Is Tianeptine (ZaZa)?

Tianeptine, the drug behind the nickname ZaZa, was developed as an antidepressant. [2] It is used in some countries to treat depression and anxiety, but it’s not approved for medical use in the United States. Tianeptine works by targeting the brain’s opioid receptors, which is why it can make people feel calm or euphoric, similar to the effects of drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers. Despite being sold as a supplement in the U.S., tianeptine carries a high risk of addiction and overdose, making it a dangerous drug when misused.

ZaZa Pills Uses

ZaZa pills are marketed as supplements for mood enhancement, stress relief, or even pain management – these claims are misleading, though. While tianeptine does have antidepressant properties in certain doses, people often use ZaZa pills to achieve a high similar to opioids. Some take it to escape anxiety, depression, or pain, but what starts as casual use can quickly spiral into dependence and addiction. [3] The appeal of ZaZa often lies in its easy availability, but its dangers are much greater than most people realize.

Side Effects of Tianeptine

Tianeptine may seem like a quick fix for stress or mood problems, but it comes with many unwanted side effects. In small doses, people might feel a slight boost in mood or relaxation. However, as the dose increases, the side effects become more serious. Some common side effects of tianeptine include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Muscle aches

For people who take large amounts of ZaZa drug, the effects can become much more severe. These might include confusion, difficulty breathing, and heart problems like a fast heartbeat or high blood pressure. Some people report extreme drowsiness, making everyday tasks like driving dangerous. Long-term use can worsen anxiety and depression, even though the drug is supposed to help with these issues.

How Long Does ZaZa Last?

ZaZa’s effects can vary depending on the amount taken and how often it’s used. After taking a dose, the effects typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last several hours. The high or euphoric feeling might last between 3 to 6 hours. The calming or sedative effects could last longer, making people feel tired or sluggish for much of the day.

Even though the effects of ZaZa fade after a few hours, the drug itself can stay in the body for longer. With regular use, tianeptine builds up in the system, making withdrawal symptoms more likely if the person stops taking it – this is one reason why people become dependent on ZaZa, as they take it more frequently to avoid feeling sick or anxious once the effects wear off.

Dangers & Risks of ZaZa Pills

The dangers of ZaZa pills are often overlooked because they are sold in places like gas stations or convenience stores. Many people don’t realize that tianeptine, the main ingredient in ZaZa, is highly addictive and dangerous. One of the biggest risks is developing a dependence on the drug – when someone takes more and more to chase the same euphoric feeling, their bodies adapt, making it harder to stop.

Another major risk is overdose. Because ZaZa acts like an opioid, taking too much can slow down the body’s vital functions, especially breathing. In severe cases, this can lead to coma or even death. [4] Additionally, ZaZa pills are unregulated, which means the amount of tianeptine in each pill may vary. This makes it easy for someone to take a much higher dose than intended.

There are also risks beyond physical health. People who become addicted to ZaZa may struggle with relationships, work, and everyday life. Addiction can take over, making it difficult to focus on anything other than getting the next dose. The longer someone abuses ZaZa, the harder it becomes to break free from its grip without professional help.

ZaZa Effects

ZaZa pills can cause a wide range of effects depending on how much tianeptine is taken. People might experience a mild mood boost or feel less anxious when taking small doses. However, the drug’s effects can quickly escalate as the dose increases. Many people take ZaZa to feel euphoria, a sense of extreme happiness or relaxation, similar to the effects of opioids – this is why it’s often called gas station heroin. 

Beyond euphoria, ZaZa can also cause drowsiness and sedation, making people feel sluggish or tired. This might sound harmless, but it can be dangerous if someone tries to drive or operate machinery while under the drug’s influence. Other effects include dizziness, confusion, and blurry vision, making it hard to focus or think.

At higher doses, ZaZa can start to affect the body’s vital systems. It can cause trouble breathing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. These physical effects can lead to serious health problems, especially if someone continues to take large amounts of the drug.

Addiction Risks

ZaZa pills may seem like a simple over-the-counter solution for stress or anxiety, but the risk of addiction is real. Tianeptine, the active ingredient in ZaZa, has powerful effects on the brain’s opioid receptors. This makes it easy for people to develop a habit of using the drug, even if they don’t realize it at first.

One of the biggest dangers of ZaZa is how quickly the body builds up tolerance. Over time, people need to take more of the drug to feel the same effects they initially did. [5] This leads to a cycle of increasing doses, which not only raises the risk of addiction but also the chances of overdose.

Addiction to ZaZa can take over a person’s life. As they become dependent on the drug, they might start to lose interest in things that once mattered to them, like family, friends, or work. Their body and mind crave the drug, making it difficult to stop. People addicted to ZaZa may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, pushing them to continue using it just to feel normal. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Zaza?

The time it takes to become addicted to ZaZa can vary from person to person. Some people may develop dependence after just a few weeks of regular use, while others might take longer. Factors like how often someone uses the drug, how much they take, and their overall health all play a role in how quickly addiction sets in.

ZaZa affects the brain’s opioid receptors, so its addictive potential is similar to that of prescription painkillers or even heroin. Because it’s often sold as a supplement, many people underestimate how powerful the drug is and how fast they can become hooked. For some, addiction can start with just a few high doses, as their body begins to rely on the drug to function.

Once addiction takes hold, it becomes hard to stop using ZaZa without professional help. Withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, anxiety, sweating, and insomnia, can be overwhelming and make quitting seem impossible. That’s why getting support from a rehab center is highly beneficial for those trying to break free from ZaZa addiction.

Zaza Withdrawal

When someone stops using ZaZa after becoming dependent, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can start just a few hours after the last dose, making it difficult for people to quit without help. ZaZa withdrawal is similar to opioid withdrawal, with both physical and mental effects.

Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and shaking. People might also feel restless or have trouble sleeping. Additionally, they may experience intense cravings for the drug, making it hard to stay away from ZaZa. Emotionally, withdrawal can bring anxiety, depression, and irritability, which only adds to the struggle of quitting.

For many, the symptoms of withdrawal are so uncomfortable that they continue using ZaZa just to avoid feeling sick. This is why medical detox, where professionals can manage the symptoms, is often recommended for those trying to stop using the drug.

Overdose

One of the most dangerous risks of using ZaZa is the possibility of an overdose. Since ZaZa works on the brain’s opioid receptors, taking too much can slow down the body’s vital functions, particularly breathing. In severe cases, a person’s breathing may stop altogether, leading to coma or death.

Symptoms of a ZaZa overdose include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. A person might also have a very fast or irregular heartbeat, and their blood pressure can spike dangerously high. Without immediate medical attention, an overdose can be fatal. 

Because ZaZa pills are often unregulated, it’s hard to know exactly how much tianeptine is in each dose, making it easy to take too much accidentally. For those who mix ZaZa with other substances, like alcohol or drugs, the risk of overdose becomes even higher. If someone shows signs of an overdose, call 911 right away to get emergency help.

Is ZaZa Illegal?

ZaZa is not approved for medical use in the United States. While it is used as a prescription antidepressant in some other countries, it is banned in some U.S. states due to its high risk of abuse and addiction. However, because ZaZa is often sold as a dietary supplement, it can still be found in gas stations, smoke shops, and online.

Federal law makes it difficult for the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to regulate substances labeled as supplements, so ZaZa remains available in some places. However, more states are taking steps to classify tianeptine as a controlled substance, meaning it would be illegal to sell or possess without a prescription.

The lack of clear regulations means people can buy ZaZa in many areas. This creates a dangerous situation where individuals may not fully understand the risks of the drug or realize it’s illegal in some places.

Tianeptine vs. Kratom

Tianeptine and kratom are both substances that people often use for their mood-altering effects, but they are quite different in terms of how they work and the risks they carry. Both are marketed as supplements and can be found in places like gas stations or online, but they come with serious dangers. 

Tianeptine, also known as ZaZa, was developed as an antidepressant but is abused for its opioid-like effects. It binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, creating euphoria and relaxation. This makes it highly addictive, and individuals are at risk of developing dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose.

Kratom, on the other hand, is a plant-based substance often used to relieve pain or boost energy. [6] Like tianeptine, kratom can also affect opioid receptors, but its effects vary depending on the dose. In small doses, kratom may act as a stimulant, giving people a boost in energy and mood. In larger doses, it can act as a sedative, similar to opioids, making people feel relaxed or sleepy. Kratom is also addictive, and people can develop a dependence on it after regular use.

Both tianeptine and kratom are unregulated in many parts of the U.S., which means they can be sold without clear safety guidelines. However, tianeptine is banned in some states because of its high risk of addiction and overdose, while kratom remains legal in most places, although it is also facing increasing regulation.

 While both substances may seem harmless because they are sold over the counter, their effects can be dangerous. People using either tianeptine or kratom without understanding the risks can find themselves facing serious health problems, including addiction, withdrawal, and even death. It’s essential for anyone considering using these substances to be aware of their dangers and to seek help if they become dependent.

Get Addiction Treatment at a World-Class Rehab Facility, Renaissance Recovery

If you need help for yourself or someone you love dealing with drug or alcohol addiction, contact Renaissance Recovery right away.

We treat addictions and mental health issues in an outpatient setting at our luxury rehabs in California and Florida. This means you can continue living at home and meeting your commitments at work while getting compassionate treatment for substance abuse at the same time.

The unique nature of every addiction means you can expect a personalized treatment plan at Renaissance. Therapies may include:

• Talk therapies (CBT and DBT)
• Motivational therapies
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Counseling
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

 Begin your recovery from substance abuse by calling 866-330-9449. 

Sources

[1]  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10444703/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11463130/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/

[4] https://academic.oup.com/jat/article-abstract/42/7/503/4939213

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[6] https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf