This is one of my drug name pronunciation episodes.  Today, we’re talking about tianeptine.  

How do these pronunciation episodes work?  

1. I break drug names down into syllables.  
2. I explain which syllable has the emphasis.  
3. I reveal the source of the information. 
4. I put the written pronunciation in the show notes so that you see it and use it right away.  

If you’re new to my pronunciation episodes, welcome!  The purpose is to provide the intended pronunciations of drug names from reliable sources so that you feel more confident saying them and less frustrated learning them.  I hope this episode helps you!

Why did I pick tianeptine for this episode?

1. To talk about the pronunciation 
2. To improve awareness about it  

Highlights from this episode

Written pronunciation = Tye uh NEP teen

Tianeptine has 4 syllables.

Tye - like you tie your shoes

Uh - schwa “A” sound 

Nep - like the planet Neptune

Teen - like a teenager

🌟The third syllable NEP gets the emphasis.🌟

There is no official pronunciation for tianeptine in the USP Dictionary Online. How I say it was guided by pronunciation patterns for other nonproprietary (generic) drug names and drug classes (ex:  queTIApine, dilTIAzem, THIAzides/hydrochloroTHIAzide, and benzoDIAzepines/DIAzepam). 

What is tianeptine?  Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant that is not approved by the US FDA.  Its affects are opioid-like.  News outlets have called tianeptine “gas station heroin.” For more information about tianeptine, read this news release:  State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Bans the Sale and Use of Tianeptine (12-22-22).  

Advice for pharmacists and pharmacy students about tianeptine. 

1. Use common sense.  If someone takes tianeptine and needs immediate help, call 9-1-1.
2. If someone comes to you with concerns about tianeptine, and you don’t know enough about it to be helpful, refer them to the Poison Help Line:  1-800-222-1222.  
3. If one of your patients is harmed by a tianeptine product, fill out an FDA MedWatch Form.  

🌟 Special thanks to Kylie at the Poison Help Line (Ohio) on 12-31-22, for the reminder that 1-800-222-1222 can field calls about tianeptine. 

☎️ Program 1-800-222-1222 into your phone, and share it with your patients, family, and friends TODAY!  

Thank you for listening to episode 194 of The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast!  Please subscribe to or follow The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast on your favorite podcast player and YouTube for all future episodes. 

To read the full show notes, visit https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com.  Click on the podcast tab, and search for episode 194.