Gas Station Heroin in California: The Dangerous Rise of Tianeptine and 7-OH
Updated October 11, 2025 • Written by the team at Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, California.
A new and alarming drug trend is spreading across parts of California: products nicknamed “gas station heroin.” These items often contain tianeptine or a potent kratom-derived compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). They’re sometimes sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and novelty stores in bright, candy-like packaging—creating a false sense of safety. Because these compounds act on the brain’s opioid receptors, they carry serious risks including addiction and overdose.
Authoritative sources have warned the public about severe harms and deaths linked to tianeptine and 7-OH products (see FDA and recent California reporting).
Tianeptine is an atypical antidepressant in some countries, but it’s not approved for any medical use in the U.S. The FDA has repeatedly warned that companies are illegally marketing tianeptine products and making dangerous, unproven health claims. Consumers have experienced severe side effects, overdoses, and deaths, sometimes from products sold as “supplements” or “nootropics.” (FDA Consumer Update, FDA Safety Warning).
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a highly potent compound associated with kratom. Recent California coverage has tied 7-OH products to serious poisonings and fatalities and described statewide crackdowns, seizures, and enforcement actions involving retailers and distributors. (SFGate report, SFGate crackdown coverage, Los Angeles Times).
Gas-station and smoke-shop products appear under many names (capsules, liquids, powders). Packaging may mimic candy or energy supplements, with euphemistic claims like “mood enhancer” or “focus booster.” But potency can vary dramatically, and some items may contain undisclosed ingredients or much higher doses than consumers expect—raising the risk of overdose.
California agencies and media have reported enforcement actions, raids, and product seizures tied to 7-OH and related items in cities including Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose, alongside increasing public health warnings after multiple deaths were confirmed in Los Angeles County. (SFGate,
SFGate crackdown, LA Times).
On the harm-reduction side, California’s CalRx program now allows residents to buy naloxone (opioid overdose reversal sprays) directly from the state at a reduced price—helpful when facing opioid-like products such as 7-OH/tianeptine. Learn more via SF Chronicle, AP News, and the Governor’s Office.
Suspect overdose if someone has very slow or stopped breathing, cannot be awakened, or has blue/gray lips or fingertips. Call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Because these are opioid-like effects, multiple naloxone doses may be needed. Continue rescue breathing if you’re trained. (General overdose guidance: CDC.)
Although often marketed as “supplements,” tianeptine/7-OH can act like potent opioids. Many signs mirror those seen with heroin, prescription opiates, and fentanyl. When combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol, the risk of respiratory depression and death rises sharply.
Withdrawal from opioid-like substances can be intense. A supervised medical detox improves safety and comfort. Many clients benefit from a continuum of care:
Tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for any medical use in the U.S. The agency has warned consumers not to purchase or use any tianeptine product due to serious risks. See the FDA update.
7-OH is a potent compound associated with kratom. California media and officials have reported recent crackdowns, seizures, and warnings, with multiple deaths linked to 7-OH products. See SFGate.
Because these substances act on opioid receptors, naloxone can help reverse respiratory depression. Multiple doses may be needed in severe cases. In California, residents can purchase naloxone via the CalRx program.
Look for sedation, pinpoint pupils, withdrawal symptoms between doses, secrecy, escalating use, and mood changes. These overlap with signs of heroin and opiate addiction.
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