Sedatives & Hypnotics
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Street names: Phenergan, Prometh, Lean ingredient, Sizzurp component
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedating antihistamine: potentiation of opioids and codeine — the lean engine
- Anti-nausea, anti-motion-sickness
⚠Key risks
- THE LEAN MULTIPLIER: promethazine deepens codeine's respiratory depression — the combination in purple drank is part of why it kills
- IV promethazine: severe tissue necrosis (the famous black-box warning)
- Sedation, confusion in elders (Beers criteria)
- OTC availability drives combo misuse
✚Overdose signs
- Deep sedation
- Slow breathing (with codeine)
- Injection-site necrosis
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promethazine (Phenergan) | Rx US; OTC UK/EU | THE LEAN MULTIPLIER: promethazine deepens codeine's respiratory depression — the combination in purple drank is part of why it kills; IV promethazine: severe tissue necrosis (the famous black-box warning) | ~$0.20–$1 per tablet |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Promethazine (Phenergan) look like?
25 mg tablets, syrup (the purple), injection
What are the signs of a Promethazine (Phenergan) overdose?
Deep sedation; Slow breathing (with codeine); Injection-site necrosis Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
THE LEAN MULTIPLIER: promethazine deepens codeine's respiratory depression — the combination in purple drank is part of why it kills Dependence can develop with regular use.