Health Officials Warn: "Gas Station Heroin" and Other Unregulated Toxins on Shelves

1. Kratom Byproduct 7-OH — A Potent Opioid-Like Threat

Health authorities are sounding alarms over products—especially beverages like the "Feel Free" tonic—containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a semi-synthetic kratom derivative up to 13 times more potent than morphine. These items, sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops, are being marketed as wellness or mood-boosting supplements, though they carry serious risks—including addiction, seizures, coma, and death. Verywell Healthpoisoncenters.orgU.S. Food and Drug Administration

The FDA has labeled 7-OH an “emerging public health threat” and is advocating for its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance—putting it on par with heroin and LSD—while public exposures to 7-OH continue to climb.Verywell HealthU.S. Food and Drug Administrationpoisoncenters.org

Between January and July 2025, Poison Control Centers received nearly 1,700 reports related to kratom exposure and 165 reports specifically involving 7-OH. More than a third of these posed serious health challenges, often including nausea, rapid heart rate, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.poisoncenters.org

2. Tianeptine – The "Gas Station Heroin"

Another disturbing trend involves tianeptine, a substance sold under names like Tianaa, Zaza, and Neptune’s Fix. Despite being an antidepressant in some countries, it lacks FDA approval in the U.S. and has increasingly been linked to opioid-like effects, including respiratory depression, coma, withdrawal symptoms, and fatalities.Houston Chronicle

Reports of tianeptine-related poisonings have surged dramatically—from just 4 in 2013 to approximately 350 in 2024. In response, the FDA has issued consumer warnings, detained imports, and sent compliance letters to sellers.Houston Chronicle

What It Means for the Public—and Providers

For Consumers:

• Beware of products marketed as "natural" or "safe"—especially when they contain unregulated substances like 7-OH or tianeptine.

• Even small doses of these compounds can produce severe physiological and mental effects.

• Avoid liquids, gummies, or heavily concentrated formats sold in convenience outlets.

• If you suspect exposure or adverse effects, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.poisoncenters.org

For Behavioral Health Practices and Clinics:

• Educate patients and staff about the risks associated with unregulated substances sold as wellness products.

• Incorporate screening questions for usage of kratom, tianeptine, or related supplements into patient intake and assessments.

• Stay alert for presentations of seizures, mental status changes, or withdrawal-like symptoms in patients using these products.

• Keep up to date with regulatory shifts—FDA classification of 7-OH as Schedule I may have compliance and sourcing implications.

Bottom Line

Unregulated psychoactive substances like 7-OH and tianeptine have slipped into everyday marketplaces and are increasingly tied to serious health outcomes. These developments underscore a widening gap between retail exposure and regulatory oversight.

For providers, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant, educate your communities, and prepare for evolving legal frameworks surrounding these dangerous substances.