Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Infodemiology
Date Submitted: Oct 28, 2025
Date Accepted: May 11, 2026
Self-reported Tianeptine Experiences on Reddit: a Natural Language Processing-Assisted Qualitative Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Tianeptine is an atypical antidepressant with mu opioid receptor agonist activity at high doses. Although it is not FDA-approved, it is widely available for purchase from convenience markets such as gas stations, smoke shops, and the internet, and by prescription in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries. Anonymous online forums such as Reddit provide a space for open discussion of substance use and may offer insight into the use patterns and experiences of this emerging drug.
Objective:
To analyze social media posts about tianeptine to better understand its use patterns and user experiences.
Methods:
We analyzed Reddit posts about tianeptine from 2005-2024. Natural language processing identified relevant posts. Keyword frequency was assessed over time, and a sample of 200 posts was qualitatively reviewed to identify common themes.
Results:
19,508 Reddit posts were identified between 2005-2024. Tianeptine and relevant keyword mentions increased sharply over the last two years (2021: 527 posts; 2022: 1,555 posts; 2023: 2,358 posts; 2024: 721 posts). Among the 200 posts qualitatively evaluated, common themes identified were discussions of withdrawal symptoms and their management (n=68, 34%); tianeptine dependence (n=56, 28%); and tianeptine use in the setting of opioid use disorder (n=16, 8%). 38 posts (19%) mentioned kratom in addition to tianeptine, and 37 (18.5%) mentioned buprenorphine as a treatment strategy. Twelve posts discussed access to tianeptine in the setting of state-level bans, and one post discussed suspected adulteration of a tianeptine product.
Conclusions:
Reddit posts regarding tianeptine and related keywords increased substantially over the past two years. Thematic analysis highlighted the risk of dependence on tianeptine and its use as a treatment strategy for OUD. Mentions of Kratom alongside tianeptine suggest overlap in the populations using both unregulated substances. Overall, this study highlights tianeptine as a drug of public health concern.
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