Opioids
Purple Drank (Lean / Codeine Syrup)
Street names: Lean, Sizzurp, Dirty Sprite, Purple stuff
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedating euphoria, slowed perception, 'lean' body posture
- Rappers' culture drug
⚠Key risks
- RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION — the mix slows breathing; deaths (DJ Screw, Pimp C, many others)
- Promethazine potentiates codeine's respiratory danger
- Driving on lean = deadly
- Seizures from promethazine at high doses
- Youth culture glamour — sizzurp's musical marketing
✚Overdose signs
- Slow/shallow breathing
- Blue lips, unresponsive
- Pinpoint pupils
- Seizures
📋Quick facts
Also known asLean, Sizzurp, Dirty Sprite, Purple stuff
CategoryOpioids
Schedule / classSchedule V (codeine syrup Rx-only); controlled mixtures
AppearancePurple/pink cough syrup (codeine + promethazine) mixed with soda and candy; double-stacked cups
Street priceRx bottle $50–$300 diverted; per-cup $30–$100
Legal statusRx-only; illegal to possess without prescription; celebrity deaths publicized
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: NIDA, DEA
Category comparison — Opioids
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Drank (Lean / Codeine Syrup) | Schedule V | RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION — the mix slows breathing; deaths (DJ Screw, Pimp C, many others); Promethazine potentiates codeine's respiratory danger | Rx bottle $50–$300 diverted |
| Codeine 30/500 mg (co-codamol) | Schedule V / Rx | Paracetamol component destroys the liver at high doses; Lean + alcohol risks fatal respiratory depression | ~$2–$10 per tablet |
| Heroin | Schedule I | Extremely addictive — physical dependence in weeks; Overdose: breathing slows or stops | ~$10–$40 per bag |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Purple Drank (Lean / Codeine Syrup) look like?
Purple/pink cough syrup (codeine + promethazine) mixed with soda and candy; double-stacked cups
What are the signs of a Purple Drank (Lean / Codeine Syrup) overdose?
Slow/shallow breathing; Blue lips, unresponsive; Pinpoint pupils Call emergency services immediately and give naloxone if available — it reverses opioid overdoses.
How addictive is it?
RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION — the mix slows breathing; deaths (DJ Screw, Pimp C, many others) Dependence can develop with regular use.