Kuzma bill to make ‘gas station heroin’ illegal passes House

The proposed legislation passed with a near-unanimous vote in Harrisburg.

A bill introduced by state Rep. Andrew Kuzma, R-Elizabeth Township, to illegalize tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” passed the state House with a near-unanimous vote Monday.

House Bill 377 would prevent the manufacture, delivery or possession of tianeptine, commonly sold by the names Zaza, Coaxil, Tianna or Stablon.

The House passed the bill with a 200-2 vote, receiving bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans.

“Tianeptine, an antidepressant, can produce feelings of euphoria that mimic the effects of heroin and other opioids, making it highly addictive,” Kuzma said. “Unfortunately, since I first introduced this legislation three years ago, the problem has only become more widespread. I have heard from individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth about the devastating impact this drug has had on their lives.” Individuals convicted of violating the law could face penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000.

Kuzma said 15 states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Tennessee, have passed identical laws.

According to Kuzma, tianeptine is a prescription drug in Europe but is frequently sold as an ingredient in products sold in gas stations and online in the U.S. He noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for use.

Kuzma added that U.S. businesses are selling it by labeling it not for human consumption or by adding it to dietary supplements. In April, Fayette County Coroner Bob Baker called for a nationwide ban after his county experienced its first overdose due to the drug.

“We cannot afford to wait for federal action while this dangerous substance continues to harm our communities,” Kuzma said. “Every day that passes is another opportunity for addiction, overdose and tragedy. We have a responsibility to act now to protect our citizens, particularly our young people, from a drug that has no legitimate place in the retail marketplace.”

According to the FDA, reports of negative effects from tianeptine have increased in recent years. Poison control center cases involving tianeptine rose from four nationally in 2013 to around 350 in 2024.

Only Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, voted against the bill. Kinkead told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star she wouldn’t support an earlier version of the legislation because it could end up “penalizing drug users and addicts.”

The bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration.