“Dirty Sprite,” often referred to as “lean,” “sizzurp,” or “purple drank,” is a recreational drug mixture that consists of prescription-strength cough syrup with codeine and promethazine combined with a soft drink like Sprite. Candy may be added for additional flavor.
Misuse of Dirty Sprite originated in Texas in the 1960s but didn’t gain widespread attention until the 1990s. [1] Despite its popularity as a trendy drug, Dirty Sprite can have serious dangers.
Dirty Sprite is a beverage that contains prescription cough syrup with codeine and promethazine combined with a carbonated soft drink like Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Fanta.[2] Once the ingredients are mixed, the clear beverage turns purple.
The ingredients in Dirty Sprite can vary depending on the individual mixture and availability. However, the primary ingredients are prescription cough syrup with codeine and promethazine and a carbonated soft drink. These ingredients create a distinctive look and taste for the beverage and serious risks.
Origin of Dirty Sprite
Dirty Sprite can be traced back to the 1960s in Houston, Texas, and other major cities.[3] It was created as a way to experience a euphoric high from the codeine. Dirty Sprite grew in popularity in certain subcultures, eventually gaining an association with hip-hop culture because of references to the drink in lyrics and music videos.
Though Dirty Sprite is rooted in creativity, self-expression, and rebellion, its attention in recent decades has brought criticism and controversy for its potential danger.
Effects of Dirty Sprite
Dirty Sprite can cause short-term effects like:[4]
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Impaired motor skills
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing
- Poor judgment
Some side effects include:[5]
- Pregnancy complications like birth defects
- Confusion and changes in consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Overdose
- Difficulty with tasks that require alertness
- Shaking
- Blurred vision
- Pancreatitis
- Inability to urinate
If Dirty Sprite is mixed with other drugs, the side effects may be worse. Mixing alcohol with Dirty Sprite, for example, can increase the risk of severe respiratory depression, poor judgment, and possible overdose. Using any drug with Dirty Sprite can increase the risk of liver or kidney damage.
Risks of Dirty Sprite
Using Dirty Sprite can have serious health consequences due to the prescription codeine and promethazine.
Codeine is an opioid analgesic that’s often prescribed to relieve pain or suppress cough.[6] It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and suppressing the cough reflex. Used in large quantities, which often happens with Dirty Sprite, codeine can cause euphoria and sedative effects by depressing the central nervous system. Codeine taken in excess can also lead to addiction.
Promethazine is an antihistamine that has sedative effects.[7] It’s used in prescription cough medication to relieve allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. When combined with codeine, promethazine intensifies the sedative effect and makes the mixture more potent.
Both codeine and promethazine are respiratory depressants, leading to sedation. On their own, each drug carries the risk of severely slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and possible overdose, which are compounded when used together or at high doses.
In addition to the health risks of codeine and promethazine, Dirty Sprite can have other risks. Consuming these drugs without prescription subjects you to unknown quality, purity, and quantities, which can have unpredictable results.
Is Dirty Sprite Addictive?
Yes, Dirty Sprite can be addictive because of the codeine, which is a highly addictive opioid. The sweet flavor of other ingredients, such as candy and soda, can entice people to try the drink and expose themselves to opioid addiction.
Promethazine intensifies the effects of codeine. It’s also a drug that may be misused on its own because of its sedative effects, which can trigger an addiction to both drugs.
Some signs of an addiction to Dirty Sprite or its ingredients may include:[8]
- Trying to stop using Dirty Sprite without success
- Needing to use Dirty Sprite to feel normal
- Spending a lot of time or money trying to get Dirty Sprite or its ingredients
- Continuing to use Dirty Sprite despite negative consequences
Dirty Sprite Overdose
Consuming Dirty Sprite can lead to an overdose on its main ingredients. Some of the symptoms of a codeine overdose include:[9]
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Slow or labored breathing, shallow breathing
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Cold, clammy skin
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Flushing of the skin
- Itching
- Muscle twitching
- Low blood pressure
- Tiny pupils
- Spasms of the stomach and intestines
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with them until help arrives. If you have naloxone, you can administer it to help reverse the opioid overdose, but medical attention is still necessary.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and Dirty Sprite
There’s evidence that Dirty Sprite can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs and other dopamine-blocking medications.[10] This is a neurological emergency that can cause symptoms like a high fever, confusion or altered mental status, rigid muscles, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and rapid breathing.
Dirty Sprite Withdrawal
The codeine in Dirty Sprite causes dependence, which is when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a drug and needs it to function. If you stop using it suddenly, withdrawal occurs.
The withdrawal symptoms for Dirty Sprite may be similar to other opioids, including:[11]
- Agitation
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Running nose
- Sweating
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Though withdrawal from opioids isn’t usually life-threatening, there is a possibility of complications due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances so detoxing with the help of a medical team can be wise.
Treating Dirty Sprite Abuse and Addiction
Abusing Dirty Sprite increases the risk of addiction to opioids like codeine, as well as risks like overdose and other adverse health effects. The first step in getting help is often medical detox to manage the symptoms of withdrawal with medical supervision and care.
Once detox is complete, it’s important to transition into an addiction treatment program on an inpatient or outpatient basis to address the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of Dirty Sprite use. Treatment programs are individualized according to your unique history and goals. However, you may undergo a range of therapies like behavioral therapies, group counseling, and support groups to understand the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your drug abuse.
Take Caution with Dirty Sprite
Dirty Sprite has become popular in some circles for its connection to music, creativity, and self-expression. It’s viewed as a harmless recreational drink, but it’s a potent and potentially dangerous drug. If you or a loved one is struggling with Dirty Sprite abuse or addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help to get on a healthier path.
