Summary

Tianeptine sulfate is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer (SSRE) used to treat depression [2]. Tianeptine was developed in France in the 1960s and has been used throughout the last part of the 2000s.

Tianeptine Sulfate Effects and Benefits

Depression, stress, and Neuroplasticity

Tianeptine sulfate improves brain neuroplasticity and decreases depression [7]. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change when learning; contributing to better cognitive performance and improved learning ability [3] [6].

Parkinson’s disease

Animal and human studies have been conducted on the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with tianeptine sulfate, showing promising results in improving mental health scores [16].

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Panic disorders

A study of 90 patients with PTSD showed positive results with the use of tianeptine sulfate [4]. Studies have also shown that with treatment with tianeptine sulfate and significant reduction in panic disorder [5]. Tianeptine sulfate given to elderly patients has shown to improve anxiety neurocognitive function [15].

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment (ADHD)

A preliminary study of 68 outpatients with ADHD concluded that the mean scores improved significantly and that tianeptine is beneficial in enabling better attention abilities and decreased hyperactive behaviors [13].

Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment (IBS) 

228 patients had relief from IBS at 4 weeks into a study with less pain, stool frequency, a better quality of life, and overall satisfaction with Tianeptine treatment [10].

Asthma treatment

The Institute of Experimental Medicine in Caracas conducted a 52-week randomized trial of children with asthma. Patients administered tianeptine showed a major increase in lung function [11].

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Although more research is required, a study of 237 men with ED determined that tianeptine could be an effective therapy [19].

How Does Tianeptine Work?

Animal and human studies have shown that tianeptine sulfate is effective for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, severe depression, and for many other illnesses (8).

 Tianeptine Sulfate Dosage

Tianeptine sulfate dosage is typically 25 mg once, or twice a day. Even when starting with a low dosage, it’s best to limit it to 2 or 3 days a week with at least 3 – 4 days in between [18].

Tianeptine sulfate comes in capsule or powder form. It is recommended to start with a low dosage and increase by small amounts until the correct dosage is attained. Additionally, smaller doses reduces the potential for addiction, severe withdrawals, and tolerance.

Doses of 50 – 75 mg can be stimulating [18]. A tianeptine sulfate recreational dose of > 100 mg may cause a tianeptine sulfate high sensation.

Side Effects of Tianeptine Sulfate

Side effects include, dizziness, Insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, low blood pressure and addiction. Pregnant and nursing women should not take tianeptine until more studies have been conducted.

Furthermore, Tianeptine is thought to have fewer side-effects than other anti-depressants and could be safer [2].