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Neptune’s Fix, a well-known brand, has recently made headlines with their announcement of a recall for their tianeptine products. This news has quickly circulated, catching the attention of many individuals. The recall stems from concerns regarding the ingredients present in these products.
In this blog, we’ll go over what led to the recall of Neptune’s Fix tianeptine, what it means for customers, what you should do if you have these products, and what you should do if you are affected.
What Causes the Neptune’s Fix Recall?
Neptune’s Fix recalled its products due to the presence of tianeptine. Tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for any medical use in the United States, and its inclusion of tianeptine makes these products unapproved drugs.
The recall, necessitated by serious safety issues with the Neptune’s Fix ingredients, has far-reaching implications for consumers. Neptune’s Fix may contain various synthetic marijuana compounds that have been linked to fatal consequences.
How to take tianeptine? Tianeptine is not classified as a prescription drug in the United States. In other countries, the typical prescribed dosage for anxiety and depression is often 12.5 mg, taken three times daily.
Reports of tianeptine poisoning have been on the rise in recent years, with hundreds of cases documented across the United States. The negative side effects associated with tianeptine use are numerous and severe. Following continued reports of severe side effects, Neptune Resources, LLC, agreed to a voluntary recall of all lots of these products in January 2024.
Neptune’s Fix recalled products, including
- Neptune’s Fix Elixir
- Neptune’s Fix Extra Strength Elixir
- Neptune’s Fix Tablets
Neptune’s Fix was initially withdrawn in November due to potential contamination with hazardous substances like tianeptine. Customers, wholesalers, or retailers possessing these products should return them or dispose of them immediately.
What is Tianeptine?
Sold as a dietary supplement under the brand name Neptune’s Fix, tianeptine is available in gas stations and retail stores. It’s often dubbed “gas station heroin” due to its opioid-like effects. Despite being marketed as a natural supplement, its exact composition remains uncertain.
Originally developed in the 1960s as an antidepressant, tianeptine is available in some countries but not FDA-approved in the U.S. It’s often sold in physical retail locations and online as a mood booster or cognitive enhancer, targeting conditions like anxiety and depression. At higher doses, it exhibits opioid-like effects, leading to euphoria and addiction.
How does tianeptine work? Tianeptine works by increasing serotonin uptake in the brain, leading to elevated serotonin levels and an improved mood. It also helps protect against stress-induced neuronal damage.
The company has advertised Neptune’s Fix tianeptine as “happiness in a bottle” with benefits “superior to Kratom.” The FDA has not approved the use of tianeptine as a prescription medication for anxiety or depression, despite the fact that some other nations have approved it.
The FDA’s advisory highlights the dangers of these unregulated and potentially hazardous tianeptine products. In 2023 alone, the U.S. documented 391 cases of tianeptine poisoning, a thorough indication of its risks. Incidents of tianeptine exposure at poison control centers have surged nationally; from 11 incidents in total from 2000 to 2013, there were 151 cases in 2020 alone.
Adverse effects of tianeptine include:
- Dizziness
- Addiction
- Seizures
- Brain swelling
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Hallucination
- Insomnia
In case of adverse reactions, immediate medical attention is crucial. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, resembling opiate withdrawal, and include sweating, fever, muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and depression.
The CDC warns of health risks associated with unapproved tianeptine products like Neptune’s Fix, which may contain undisclosed ingredients and lead to serious side effects or drug dependency.
Neptune’s Fix: A Deadly Antidepressant
The Lorain County Drug Task Force is investigating the death of a 37-year-old Ohio man, Christopher Haggerty, who was found dead at home. Tianeptine, found in the product Neptune’s Fix, was confirmed to have caused his death. Haggerty’s mother, Karen Haggerty, emphasizes her son’s kind nature and struggles with sobriety.
Christopher purchased Neptune’s Fix tianeptine hoping it would help him, but it led to him falling into a coma and eventually suffering a fatal heart attack. Agents seized over 100 bottles of Neptune’s Fix tianeptine from the gas station where Christopher purchased it.
Karen Haggerty hopes her son’s story will raise awareness and prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.
FDA warnings on Neptune’s Fix Tianeptine
Due to tianeptine, the FDA has taken action to recall Neptune’s Fix products from the market. However, consumers may still be at risk if they have already purchased and consumed these products.
On January 23, 2024, the FDA issued a warning advising against the purchase or use of any tianeptine products. This decision was driven by the risk of potentially fatal interactions with other medications and detailed the agency’s investigation into reports of severe side effects.
This warning also detailed the agency’s investigation, conducted in cooperation with local and state health agencies, into adverse event reports.
The FDA has continuously received reports of severe adverse events, including seizures, loss of consciousness, and death, associated with the use of Neptune’s Fix supplements. The FDA has highlighted that there is a reasonable probability that the use of products containing tianeptine could lead to life-threatening events.
According to a warning from the FDA to customers, tianeptine use can result in “agitation, confusion, slowed or stopped breathing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, high blood pressure, nausea, sweating, vomiting, coma, and death.” These risks may be increased when combined with alcohol or other antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
It is crucial for individuals who have experienced adverse reactions to seek medical attention immediately and report their symptoms to the FDA.
Ingredients in Neptune’s Fix
Researchers, in a recent publication (February 1, 2024) in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), announced the discovery of synthetic cannabinoids and other potentially harmful additives in recalled Neptune’s Fix products.
The CDC investigated Neptune’s Fix, a product containing tianeptine and kavain, after an increase in exposure calls. The study reviewed 20 exposure calls related to tianeptine use in New Jersey from June 17 to November 6, 2023. Thirteen patients were admitted to the ICU, and seven underwent intubation, but there were no deaths. According to the study, “all patients have been defined as having changed mental health upon evaluation.”
Nine individuals claimed prior usage of tianeptine; among them, six consumed tianeptine alongside other substances such as alprazolam, kratom, tramadol, trazodone, and gabapentin.
Fourteen patients stated they had consumed Neptune’s Fix, a product containing tianeptine and kavain, a compound found in the kava plant known for its relaxation properties.
Researchers started the investigation by taking six samples from people who had adverse reactions to the product. Analysis of Neptune’s Fix tianeptine samples revealed many additional components in the samples that weren’t listed on the labels of the product.
Synthetic CBD and THC were found in the product, along with potentially harmful synthetic marijuana cannabinoids. The study highlights the risks of unregulated tianeptine use, potentially adulterated products, and the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids.
Are You Affected by Neptune’s Fix Tianeptine?
If someone has been injured by tianeptine products, they may be able to pursue a product liability lawsuit. A skilled attorney can assist victims at every step, ensuring their legal rights are protected and their case is effectively presented.
Compensation in these tianeptine lawsuits may cover various losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Steps for consumers to follow:
Identify and return products: If you own any recalled Neptune’s Fix products, identify them and follow the instructions for return or disposal.
Seek medical attention: If you’ve experienced any adverse effects, consult a medical professional immediately.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with FDA announcements and additional information regarding tianeptine.
File a claim: If you’ve suffered harm due to these products, consulting with an attorney to explore your options for compensation can be a prudent step.
To wrap up,
The Neptune’s Fix recall highlights the serious risks associated with consuming unapproved substances. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the tianeptine side effects.
While some may believe these products hold the key to their well-being, the reality can be quite the opposite. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the labels of any medications or supplements one consume.
Additionally, staying informed about recalls and FDA announcements is essential for ensuring the safety of oneself and loved ones. By remaining vigilant and informed, we can better protect ourselves and make more informed choices about the products we use.
