Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Tianeptine in Schedule I
Key claim: The DEA proposes placing tianeptine in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which would impose full Schedule I regulatory controls and criminal sanctions on those who handle the substance.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Justice Department, Drug Enforcement Administration) The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing the substance tianeptine (7-[(3-chloro-6,11-dihydro-6-methyl-5,5- dioxidodibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepin-11-yl)amino]heptanoic acid), including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. If finalized, this action would impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle tianeptine.
Why this matters
Tianeptine is currently sold in the U.S. as an unregulated dietary supplement or ‘gas station’ product despite documented abuse, dependence, and overdose reports; Schedule I placement would make possession, distribution, and manufacture federal crimes and would sharply restrict research access. For providers and poison control systems, formal scheduling changes the legal and clinical framework for managing tianeptine exposures and use disorder.