KENTUCKY — Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday took emergency action to classify all products containing tianeptine, an unregulated drug known as “gas station heroin," as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Tianeptine, which is available online and in convenience stores and gas stations in Kentucky, has no known medical use, Beshear said. It produces opioid-like effects and has been linked to serious harm, overdoses and death according to the Federal Drug Administration.

The drug is approved for use in other parts of the world, where it is marketed as Coaxil or Stablon. In the U.S., it's known as ZaZa, Tianna, TD Red and Pegasus.

Side effects from abusing or misusing tianeptine by itself or with other drugs include agitation, drowsiness, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, slowed or stopped breathing, coma and death.

“Today, Kentucky became a safer place,” said Gov. Beshear. “Until now, someone looking for a heroin-like high could walk into certain places or buy this harmful product online. We’re committed to protecting Kentuckians from this kind of harm, and if someone is struggling with abuse, we’re here to help.”

Tianeptine is an unapproved drug in the United States, where reports of bad reactions and unwanted effects are increasing. Cases described in medical journals, calls to poison control centers and reports to the FDA suggest tianeptine has a potential for abuse. People with a history of opioid-use disorder or dependence may be at particular risk of abusing tianeptine, according to the FDA.