RALEIGH, N.C. — Lawmakers sent a letter to the FDA Thursday taking the first steps toward banning the dangerous substance tianeptine, known as 'gas station heroin.'
Tianeptine is not regulated by the FDA, but WRAL News discovered it is still winding up on local store shelves. Often times it is being marketed as a dietary supplement or a mood booster.
States across the U.S. have reported a rise in overdoses due to the drug, according to the FDA.
The drug is already banned in nine states, including bordering states Tennessee and Georgia.
Thursday's letter received bipartisan support and was led by Reps. Jeff Jackson (D-NC) and Rick McCormick (R-Ga.). Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-NC) was also among signees.
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