For the past 12 years of my life, I've had chronic pain issues. I've been to many, many doctors. Only 2 of those doctors ever actually tried to help me, but unfortunately I moved out of state and can no longer see them. All the other doctors I've been to have either brushed my pain off or told me it was all in my head (even though I already have formal diagnoses).

I've been searching and searching trying to find an OTC solution. About 3 months ago, I was told about Zazas... And of course, I rushed to buy some. What I was not told, was that within these capsules is a chemical called tianeptine. 

After about 30 days, I started to realize that I was taking more and more, and more often. I had been going through a 24 ct. bottle a day, and I knew I couldn't keep doing that, so I decided to wean myself. I tried only taking half of what I had been taking previously. That DID NOT work. I started going through withdrawals that make any sort of prescription drug withdrawals, look like a cake walk. I was panicking, my arms and legs would be jerking to the point where I almost threw myself off of my bed. Sweating, fever, chills, migraine, those are just a few physical symptoms. Mentally, I was angry, mean, crying, hating myself, feeling like a failure, yelling at everyone. 

I finally actually researched tianeptine and what did I find? I found out that tianeptine is referred to as "gas station heroin or dope" and that it's extremely addictive (I already have the addictive gene, so it's even worse). I also found out that it is illegal in a few states. I went to Reddit and whatdya know, so many people warning to stay away from anything with tianeptine in it.

As I'm writing this, I'm still trying to get off of it. I have successfully cut my daily intake from 24 to 15 a day, which is still too much but if I try to go any lower, withdrawal kicks in. I can't cold turkey because that can cause seizures and is very dangerous. I'm still trying to formulate plans, and search for help that I can afford... My insurance is useless.

To sum it up, tianeptine is extremely dangerous and addictive and I pray that we can get the DEA to make it illegal. The link below is a little bit about tianeptine by the DEA. THEY KNOW that it is dangerous, yet won't make it illegal. If they know it is opioid-like and believe that there is an opioid crisis, then why is it legal most places????? https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/tianeptine.pdf

Whether we win or lose this petition, I will be contacting the DEA and other government authorities that can help make this garbage illegal. I just want to have a petition to show them how important this is. Thank you so much for your support!