Is Lean Bad For You?
Also Known As: promethazine w/ codeine, purple drank, sizzurp
Short answer
Yes, lean is bad for you. Lean has dangerous short-term and long-term side effects that can lead to hopeless addiction and will accelerate death, due to the risk of overdose.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Lean goes by other street names, such as ‘purple drank’, ‘purp’, or ‘sizzurp’. This deadly concoction gets you high, at the sacrifice of your health (and perhaps your life). It is comprised of the drugs promethazine and liquid codeine (found in prescription cough syrup), which are then mixed with Sprite and a Jolly rancher to cover the medicinal taste and add flavor. It derives its purple color from the cough syrup and provides the user with feelings of euphoria.
For many years ‘gangster rap’ artists have glorified ‘purple drank’ in the lyrics of rap/hip-hop music. This is especially true for rappers from Houston, Texas. Among those performers were Pimp C and DJ Screw, whom both died from hypoventilation, as a result of acute drug toxicity. Other celebrities like Lil Wayne have been hospitalized with overdoses, resulting in seizures. There are many reasons why an overdose of this drink might have the side effect of death. Codeine is an opiate and behaves in the body similarly to heroin and morphine. It is relatively harmless---when taken as directed, under a doctor’s prescription. However, some people experience negative reactions or allergic responses with codeine. You should always monitor your body’s response to any new medication (especially a controlled substance) to ensure the medication is a good fit for your body.
Promethazine is a prescription anti-nausea medication, sold under the brand name Phenergan. Promethazine and codeine are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow breathing and other body functions. Doctors occasionally prescribe these two medications in unison, with extreme caution—in small amounts. It is essential to always keep in mind that street drugs can be laced with additional unknown substances and are often combined with other drugs or alcohol by the user—resulting in an unpredictable response.
Lean can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a neurological condition that can be fatal. Other symptoms of consuming lean include hyperthermia, sweating, increased heart rate, confusion, stiff muscles, seizures, and clouded thinking. The effects are complicated by previous breathing conditions, such as asthma or sleep apnea.
Although the popularity of lean has surged in recent years, it has been in circulation since the 1960s, when it originated in Texas. Withdrawals from the drug are similar to heroin withdrawals, so caution should be taken when helping someone wean off of the drink.
Overall, lean is not only bad for you, it is extremely dangerous. Although the drink is addictive it can be overcome with detox and professional help.
Possible short-term side effects
- hyperthermia
-
increased heart rate
-
itching
-
seizures
-
slowed breathing
-
slumping over
-
stiff muscles
-
sweating
-
blurred vision
-
hallucination
-
death
Possible long-term side effects
- addiction/dependency
-
death
-
neuroleptic malignant syndrome
-
seizures (resulting neurological damage)
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- restless legs
-
anxiety
-
insomnia
-
pain
-
vomiting
-
diarrhea
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 11-28-2023