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.
