'Gas station heroin' banned in another state amid nationwide crackdowns

A dangerous substance dubbed "gas station heroin" continues to alarm medical professionals, with more states making moves to restrict or ban tianeptine.

Fourteen states have officially classified the tricyclic antidepressant as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Connecticut is the latest state to crack down, officially banning the sale and use of the substance starting on Wednesday.

HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE AVAILABLE IN STORES ACROSS THE NATION

Tianeptine, which can produce euphoria in higher doses, can be more potent than morphine and addictive opioids, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Some countries have taken steps to restrict how tianeptine is prescribed or dispensed, and have even revised the labels to warn people of its potential addictive qualities.

Misuse of tianeptine can cause severe adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, severe sedation and death, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Some companies market the drug as an aid for pain, anxiety and depression, or as a means of improving mental alertness in a pill, powder, salt or liquid form.

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The products are typically sold at convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops and online retailers, and go by names like Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus and TD Red.

Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a press release that the schedule change is a necessary step to combat addiction.

"With false marketing that led consumers to believe these are safe products, and with candy-like flavor options, these substances posed a clear threat to those battling substance-use disorder and our youngest residents," she added.

The Nutmeg State also added Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine, Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes and Phenibut to the schedule classification.

Earlier this month, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary penned a letter sounding the alarm on what he called a "dangerous and growing health trend."

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"I am very concerned," Makary wrote. "I want the public to be especially aware of this dangerous product and the serious and continuing risk it poses to America’s youth."

New York-based Robert Schwaner, M.D., vice chair of system clinical affairs at Stony Brook Emergency Medicine, told Fox News Digital that the FDA has never approved tianeptine as a dietary supplement.

"The euphoria at low doses is primarily due to increased serotonergic activity from its serotonin reuptake effects. With increasing doses, the mu-opioid receptor stimulation may become lethal," said Schwaner. "As with heroin and other opioids, significant mu-opioid receptor stimulation ultimately results in a loss of respiratory drive and subsequent cardiac arrest."

Schwaner said he believes the substance requires national regulation due to its addictive qualities. 

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"Acting at the same receptor as opioids, tianeptine has the potential for an individual to develop tolerance, subsequent dependence and withdrawal from its use," he cautioned.

Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for comment. 

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

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Health alert issued for dengue outbreaks spreading in travel hotspots

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about dengue fever in over 15 countries.

The "Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions" alert was published on Monday.

"Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every two to five years," the agency stated. "Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease."

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The announcement comes as Americans continue their spring break travels. Countries such as the Maldives and Cooks Island in New Zealand are among those listed in the warning.

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito, which typically causes aches, pains, nausea, vomiting and rashes, according to the CDC.

The fever is common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is typically found in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as many Caribbean destinations.

Typical symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten, per the CDC.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

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"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

Severe cases of dengue can lead to bleeding from the nose or gums and vomiting of blood. One in 20 people who contract the fever develop severe dengue, according to the CDC.

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue. Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

Travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas are urged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers are advised to seek medical evaluation.

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Experts also recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Some examples include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside.

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Fischer added, "It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects."

"Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin."

Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said. 

"If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects," Fischer added.

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Chronic back pain may have met its match with hormone treatment, scientists say

A hormone traditionally used to treat bone loss may hold the key to stopping chronic back pain at its source, according to a new study.

Chronic back pain is often linked to the deterioration of spinal discs and vertebral end plates, which are the thin layers of tissue separating the discs from the vertebrae, according to medical sources.

When these break down, they become porous, allowing nerves that aren’t usually impacted to enter the spinal center, leading to frequent discomfort.

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Research led by Dr. Janet L. Crane at Johns Hopkins University found the parathyroid hormone (PTH) could prevent and even reverse the growth of pain-sensing nerves into damaged areas of the spine.

Parathyroid glands naturally produce PTH, which experts say plays a key role in regulating calcium levels and bone remodeling.

These findings could shift the focus of back pain treatment from managing symptoms to modifying the underlying issue, according to scientists.

"During spinal degeneration, pain-sensing nerves grow into regions where they normally do not exist. Our findings show that parathyroid hormone can reverse this process by activating natural signals that push these nerves away," Crane said in a press release.

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Synthetic versions of PTH are already used to treat osteoporosis. Earlier research hinted that these treatments might also reduce bone-related pain, but the underlying biological mechanism was not well understood.

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Using animal models, the Johns Hopkins researchers found that one to two months of PTH treatment led to denser, more stable vertebral endplates. 

More significantly, the treatment triggered bone-building cells, known as osteoblasts, to produce a protein called Slit3, the study detailed.

The study found that this protein repels growing nerve fibers, preventing them from infiltrating sensitive regions of the spine.

When the researchers removed Slit3 from mice, the hormone's pain-relieving effects disappeared, confirming the protein's critical role in the process.

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PTH is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat osteoporosis. Some patients receiving the hormone for bone density have reported unexpected relief from back pain, a phenomenon this study could help explain.

"Our study suggests that PTH treatment of [lower back pain] during spinal degeneration may reduce aberrant innervation (abnormal nerve growth)," Crane concluded.

The doctor said this research lays the foundation for future clinical trials that will explore PTH's effectiveness as a disease-modifying and pain-relieving treatment for spinal degeneration.

Researchers noted several limitations, including the possibility that PTH treatment could affect the central nervous system in ways not fully explored in this study.

Because the study focused specifically on the Slit3 protein, further research is needed to determine how other genetic factors and bone-forming processes might influence spinal nerve growth and pain relief.

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The study was published in the journal Bone Research.

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New stronger weight-loss drug gets green light from FDA: 'Major jump'

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday its approval of a new, higher-dose Wegovy (semaglutide) injection.

The 7.2 mg dosage, called Wegovy HD, is intended for weight loss and long-term weight loss maintenance for adult patients. It is triple the previous maximum dose of 2.4 mg.

This marks the fourth approval in the FDA's National Priority Voucher pilot program, which "seeks to expedite approval of applications that address critical national health priorities," according to FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary.

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"The new FDA is moving with unprecedented efficiency on products that advance national priorities," he said in a press release. "Today’s approval is another demonstration of what the FDA can accomplish when we try bold new things."

The higher-dose GLP-1 is indicated to "reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition," per the FDA's statement.

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"The approval of a new higher dose will provide adult patients with an additional therapeutic option, offering the potential for greater weight loss," the agency stated.

The FDA’s approval, granted to drugmaker Novo Nordisk, was supported by clinical data that found higher doses resulted in additional average weight reduction compared to previous dosing. 

Higher-dose patients with both obesity and type 2 diabetes saw similar lowering of blood sugar compared to the lower dose, the agency noted.

The safety profile is consistent with the known side effects of semaglutide, which commonly include gastrointestinal reactions like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Skin sensitivity, pain or burning occurred more frequently with higher doses of Wegovy, but generally resolved on their own or with dose reduction, the FDA reported. The agency is investigating these adverse effects.

The FDA warned that Wegovy should not be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) or who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a rare inherited genetic disorder that causes tumors to develop in certain hormone-producing glands). All patients should see a doctor for guidance on proper use.

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Jamey Millar, executive vice president of U.S. operations for Novo Nordisk, commented on this approval in a press release.

"We are excited to bring Wegovy HD injection to adults with obesity who are looking for powerful weight loss, as no other weight-loss medicine has been studied to show superiority to Wegovy HD," he said. 

Millar also noted that Wegovy has been shown to reduce the risk of events such as stroke, heart attack or cardiovascular death in those who also have known heart disease.

Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight-loss specialist practicing in New York and New Jersey, reflected on results of the STEP UP clinical trial, on which the drug's approval was based.

Patients taking the higher dose experienced an average weight loss of 20.7% compared to about 16% on the standard dose, the doctor noted. About one-third lost 25% or more of their body weight.

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"For patients who start on 2.4 mg and then hit a frustrating plateau, or for those with a very high baseline BMI who may need a stronger metabolic push, this creates a legitimate, evidence-based escalation path rather than forcing an early switch to another drug class," Balazs, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"That said, I think this is an interesting approval, but I do not expect it to dramatically reshape the GLP-1 landscape," he went on. "It gives Novo Nordisk an opportunity to remain competitive on efficacy while it continues developing next-generation therapies."

"Other drugs have already shown greater efficacy in prior studies, and the broader GLP-1 space is likely to see much more significant change as new molecules enter the market."

Balazs called the higher dosage a "major jump," noting that the incidences of stomach- and skin-related side effects at this higher dose are "meaningful."

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"This approval is for obesity management, not diabetes treatment," the expert emphasized. "For patients with type 2 diabetes, currently approved semaglutide dosing remains lower unless the primary treatment goal is weight loss under the obesity indication."

Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for comment.

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Stomach issues might have nothing to do with eating habits, scientists reveal why

In addition to taking an emotional toll, childhood stress and hardships can also wreak havoc on the digestive system.

New research published in the journal Gastroenterology revealed that early experiences can rewire the body, leading to lifelong stomach issues.

Scientists at New York University focused on communication between the brain and the gut, finding that when a child experiences significant stress, this connection is disrupted.

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That disruption can manifest years later as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic stomach pain or motility issues like constipation and diarrhea.

"Our research shows that these stressors can have a real impact on a child's development and may influence gut issues long-term," study author Kara Margolis, a professor at NYU, said in a press release.

"When the brain is impacted, the gut is likely also impacted — the two systems communicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week," she added.

The study looked at both animal models and long-term data from over 40,000 children in Denmark and 12,000 in the U.S. 

Researchers found that mice subjected to early-life stress showed higher levels of anxiety and gut pain. Mice symptoms varied by gender, as females were more prone to diarrhea and males were more prone to constipation.

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Children whose mothers had depression during or after pregnancy, or those who had more emotionally difficult childhoods, were more likely to develop digestive disorders as early as age 10, the researchers noted.

Unlike the mouse studies, the human data showed no differences between males and females in digestive outcomes, which suggests that early stress may affect gut-brain health for both genders during key stages of development.

The results show how symptoms are controlled by different "pathways" in the body, doctors said. For example, the nerves responsible for gut movement are separate from the pathways that control gut pain.

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This means there is no single cure for gut issues, the team stated. If a patient has pain but no motility issues, they would need a different treatment than someone who has constipation but no pain.

By identifying these specific biological triggers, scientists say they are moving toward more personalized treatments that target the root cause of a patient's symptoms.

"When patients come in with gut problems, we shouldn't just be asking them if they are stressed right now; what happened in your childhood is also a really important question and something we need to consider," said Margolis.

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"This developmental history could ultimately inform how we understand how some disorders of gut-brain interaction develop and treat them based on specific mechanisms."

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Cannabis may backfire for mental health disorders, major study finds

A large body of research found there is little strong evidence that medicinal cannabinoids help with mental disorders and substance-use disorders.

Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, reviewed 54 randomized controlled trials, from 1980 to 2025, when cannabinoids (the active substances found in cannabis) were used as the primary treatment.

Most of the 2,477 participants were male (69%) and averaged 33 years old. The paper was published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

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The researchers noted that depression, anxiety and PTSD are some of the leading reasons that cannabis products are prescribed in the U.S., U.K. and Australia, but that there is "no evidence to suggest they are effective in treating these conditions."

The analysis found that cannabis-based treatments are "rarely justified" for routine use, and that the risk of adverse side effects was about 75% higher.

A few results showed promise for treating cannabis use disorder, insomnia, Tourette’s symptoms and autistic traits, but the evidence was still low quality, the study found.

Cannabinoids did not show a significant benefit for anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, opioid use disorder or anorexia nervosa.

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The researchers did not find enough data to determine cannabis' effect on ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD or tobacco use disorder, and no randomized trials for depression met the review criteria.

In a University of Sydney press release, lead study author Dr. Jack Wilson said these findings call into question the approval of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of depression, anxiety and PTSD.

"Though our paper didn’t specifically look at this, the routine use of medicinal cannabis could be doing more harm than good by worsening mental health outcomes — for example, a greater risk of psychotic symptoms and developing cannabis use disorder, and delaying the use of more effective treatments," he said.

The researchers did note, however, that medicinal cannabis was shown to be beneficial for certain health conditions, such as reducing epileptic seizures, multiple sclerosis symptoms and certain types of pain.

Dr. Thea Gallagher, clinical associate professor in the department of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, compared this new research to prior studies that dealt with smaller sample sizes and shorter follow-up periods.

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"Prior work frequently relied on self-reported symptoms or observational data, which can’t establish causation," Gallagher, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Earlier studies often used synthetic cannabinoids or low-THC formulations that don’t reflect today’s real-world products."

"This new review is the most comprehensive attempt to date to evaluate cannabis specifically for anxiety, depression and PTSD."

Gallagher reiterated that cannabis does have legitimate medical uses, but that mental health conditions "are not necessarily among them at this time."

"Using cannabis to manage emotional distress may delay access to proven treatments," she cautioned. "People with a personal or family history of psychosis should be especially cautious."

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The mental health expert encouraged cannabis users to monitor changes in mood, motivation, sleep, anxiety, concentration and social engagement over time.

"Watch for red flags, such as needing higher doses, using cannabis to cope with stress, increased paranoia or feeling mentally ‘foggy,’" Gallagher advised, adding that people should "check in with trusted friends or family … and take periodic tolerance breaks to see whether cannabis is helping or masking underlying issues."

People should seek professional support if their mood or functioning begin to decline, she added.

Dr. Jessica Watrous, clinical psychologist and chief clinical officer at Modern Health in California, who was also not involved in the study, said it's important for people to recognize why they are turning to cannabis to manage mental health symptoms.

"Mental health care in our country can be expensive, hard to navigate and difficult to access … so it’s not necessarily surprising that people are looking for more immediate, easier-to-access ways to manage how they’re feeling," she told Fox News Digital.

"But what the authors of the paper call out is that by using a more immediately available, but less evidence-backed intervention, it may delay getting support that does have strong evidence of effectiveness."

Watrous urges people to prioritize their mental health just as they do their physical health. "You can do this by actively engaging in clinically proven mental health support, whether that’s therapy, coaching, meditation, or just working in small moments of self-care every day."

Almost half (44%) of the studies were considered high risk for bias, meaning flaws in how they were designed or reported may make their findings less reliable, the researchers noted.

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The studies also included a mix of product types, doses, durations and patient groups, making the results more difficult to interpret.

"Clinical trial conditions differ from real‑world use, where people often consume higher doses, with more frequency, and sometimes alongside alcohol or nicotine," Gallagher noted.

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March Madness sparks surprising surge in sexual procedure for men

For some men, March Madness isn’t just about brackets — it’s also prime time for a vasectomy.

Previous research has shown that demand for the procedure tends to spike during the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments, which are held every spring.

Some surgeons have agreed that this is a real phenomenon, largely because the steady stream of games offers the perfect activity for men recovering on the couch.

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A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure for men that blocks the vas deferens, the tube that transports sperm, serving as a permanent form of contraception.

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week, with doctors recommending rest for 48 hours and light activity soon after.

David Gentile, MD, chief of the department of urology at Highland Hospital, recently spoke to the University of Rochester Medical Center about the uptick in vasectomies during March Madness.

"We tell patients they should plan on going home and putting their feet up after a vasectomy, so timing the procedure to watch some games while you recover works well," he said. 

"And it’s a great excuse to watch without interruption, as you won’t be able to do physical labor around the house while you’re recovering."

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Jim Dupree, MD, associate professor of urology at Michigan Medicine, has also spoken about the trend.

"Major sporting events are a popular time for men to schedule a vasectomy because we advise them to take it easy for two to three days after the procedure," he said in a press release for Michigan Medicine.

"For most men, this means sitting on the couch in front of their television, and sporting events offer them something to watch while resting."

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Yet another surgeon, Dr. Ali Dabaja, director of male reproductive and sexual medicine at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, weighed in on the topic in 2024.

"After a vasectomy, we ask men to rest, not to lift anything heavy, and to go back to light duties during that week. So, timing the procedure for watching some games while you recover works well, and it’s a great excuse to watch March Madness without interruption," he told the Urology Care Foundation.

"Historically, we have usually seen a rise in vasectomy consultations and vasectomies during March Madness," he went on. "Other urology offices have reported a rise in vasectomies between 20% to 40%."

A 2018 study published in the journal Urology found that March was one of the higher-volume months for vasectomy procedures, but the highest peaks were actually later in the year, particularly November and December.

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There were some limitations to that study, primarily that the monthly variation was observational, and the data lacked context of patients’ behaviors and scheduling.

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