Tianeptine Abuse Leading to an Episode of Psychosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

J Psychiatr Pract. 2020 Mar;26(2):146-148. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000448.

Abstract

Tianeptine is an atypical mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is available as an antidepressant outside the United States, but it is also classified as a controlled substance in many other countries. It is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression but it can be obtained online without a prescription. The case described in this article involved a patient who developed symptoms of psychosis on supratherapeutic doses of tianeptine, highlighting the importance of inquiring into all supplements taken by patients when conducting an initial psychiatric evaluation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic* / administration & dosage
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic* / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Delusions / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paliperidone Palmitate / therapeutic use
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / agonists
  • Thiazepines* / administration & dosage
  • Thiazepines* / adverse effects
  • United States

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Thiazepines
  • tianeptine
  • Paliperidone Palmitate