Overview

Tianeptine is a prescription drug used for depression in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries. It is not approved for use in the US.

Tianeptine affects brain chemicals. It seems to affect mood when used in low doses. In higher doses, it works like an opioid and can cause addiction and other serious side effects. It can also cause withdrawal.

People use tianeptine for depression. It is also used for pain, asthma, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Tianeptine might also be unsafe.

Tianeptine is on the US FDA Advisory List of ingredients that do not qualify for use in dietary supplements.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Depression. Prescription tianeptine, which is not available in the US, seems to reduce symptoms of depression. It might work as well as some other medicines commonly used for depression.

There is interest in using tianeptine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Tianeptine is possibly unsafe. While tianeptine is available by prescription in certain countries, it has a risk of misuse and abuse. Taking high doses of tianeptine can cause drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Long-term use can cause dependence and withdrawal.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Tianeptine is possibly unsafe. While tianeptine is available by prescription in certain countries, it has a risk of misuse and abuse. Taking high doses of tianeptine can cause drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Long-term use can cause dependence and withdrawal.

Pregnancy: Tianeptine is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It can cause the infant to be born addicted to tianeptine.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information about the safety of tianeptine when breast-feeding. But other drugs that are similar to tianeptine are known to enter the breastmilk. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

History of substance use disorder: Using tianeptine for a long time can cause dependence and withdrawal, especially in people that have a history of substance use disorder.

Surgery: High doses of tianeptine might have sedative effects. Anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking tianeptine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with Tianeptine

    Tianeptine contains a chemical that affects the body. This chemical might increase serious side effects of some medications used for depression.
    Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

  • Alcohol interacts with Tianeptine

    Alcohol can decrease how quickly the body breaks down tianeptine. Taking tianeptine along with alcohol might increase the levels of tianeptine in the body and increase the risk for side effects.

  • Aspirin interacts with Tianeptine

    Long-term aspirin use might increase the levels of tianeptine in the body. This can increase the risk of side effects from tianeptine.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Tianeptine

    Tianeptine might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking tianeptine with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

Tianeptine is available as a prescription drug in some countries, but it is not approved for use in drugs or dietary supplements in the US due to safety concerns. Taking tianeptine can lead to dependence and withdrawal.
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