In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding the highly addictive and hazardous supplement known as Neptune's Fix, also dubbed as "gas station heroin." The supplement, which has been linked to severe reactions such as seizures, brain swelling, and hallucinations, may be tainted with various types of synthetic pot, the CDC disclosed on Thursday.

The CDC's findings were based on an investigation conducted in 2023, focusing on 17 adults from New Jersey who had experienced severe adverse effects after consuming Neptune's Fix or other products containing tianeptine, an antidepressant that mimics the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. Out of the 17 individuals, 13 were hospitalized in intensive care.

Sold as a dietary supplement at gas stations and convenience stores across the United States, tianeptine is often marketed for pain relief, depression, or anxiety. Although approved in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries, this substance is not authorized for use in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements, meaning they are not reviewed for safety or efficacy. In January, lawmakers urged FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf to take action against the use of tianeptine. The FDA warning issued on January 24 linked Neptune's Fix to serious side effects, including seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. However, the alert did not mention the presence of synthetic pot, despite tianeptine itself having the potential to cause severe symptoms such as rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.

The investigation in New Jersey involved testing six samples of Neptune's Fix consumed by two patients, and the results revealed the presence of tianeptine as well as kavain, a substance used for anxiety, and two different types of synthetic pot. Dr. Diane Calello, the medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center and senior author of the study, noted that the inclusion of these compounds surprised the researchers, as it was not what the consumers of the product were seeking.

Although it is yet to be determined whether all 17 patients were exposed to synthetic pot, it is well-known that the substance can produce unpredictable and severe side effects, including seizures and coma. Among the reported symptoms observed in multiple patients were high blood pressure, seizures, irregular or rapid heartbeats, and at least one heart attack. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities, but of the 13 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, seven required intubation.

The dangerous effects of Neptune's Fix have been a cause of concern for some time. Dr. William Rushton, a medical toxicologist and director of the Alabama Poison Information Center, raised alarms about the supplement in his state as early as 2019. Some patients experienced withdrawal symptoms and had to be admitted to ICUs.

Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who specializes in supplement regulation, expressed strong concern over the reported symptoms, labeling them "dramatic and alarming." He emphasized the need for stricter regulations regarding dietary supplements in the U.S., highlighting the limited power of the FDA in this area.

In response to the growing concerns, Neptune Resources, the manufacturer of Neptune's Fix, voluntarily recalled its products in January which include Neptune's Fix Elixir, Neptune's Fix Extra Strength Elixir, and Neptune's Fix Tablets.

The findings of the CDC investigation, coupled with the reported adverse reactions and the FDA's warning, serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with unregulated dietary supplements. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and consult with healthcare professionals before using such products.