Key Points

  • Purple Sprite is a street drug made by combining prescription cough syrup containing codeine with promethazine, an antihistamine.
  • Rappers popularized Purple Sprite in the early 1990s, and it is still featured in hip-hop music today.
  • Purple Sprite also goes by street names such as Lean, Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Dirty Sprite, and Texas Tea.
  • Purple Sprite is often mixed with alcohol, which increases its dangerous side effects, including the risk of a fatal overdose.
  • The drug is also linked to serious long-term effects on the body, leading to chronic illness and death.
  • Certain populations may be at a higher risk of purple sprite consumption, including pregnant women and those with a history of substance abuse.
  • There is no safe use of purple sprite.

What Is Purple Sprite Exactly? Composition Details

Purple Sprite is a street drug made by combining prescription cough syrup containing codeine with promethazine, an antihistamine. These substances are mixed with Sprite or other soft drinks and hard candy, such as Jolly Ranchers, for flavor. Sometimes, other substances such as alcohol are added to the drink, adding to its serious risks and dangers.

Other versions of purple sprite may contain over-the-counter cough syrups such as dextromethorphan (i.e., DXM, Robitussin, etc.) as opposed to codeine cough syrup, but this might not make it any less dangerous.

Other Names for Purple Sprite

There are many other names for purple sprite used on the street, on social media, and in pop culture. Some of these include:

  • Purple Drank
  • Lean
  • Sizzurp
  • Dirty Sprite
  • Texas Tea

History of Purple Sprite

Purple Sprite can be traced back to the early 1990s hip-hop scene, particularly in Houston, Texas. [1] Since then, the drug has been mentioned in many rap songs, adding to its allure as a party drug.

Despite some very public overdoses and other negative consequences of purple sprite, the drink has remained a popular recreational substance at concerts and parties. Some rappers associated with the negative impacts of consuming purple Sprite include Lil Wayne, Bow Wow, Mac Miller, and DJ Screw.

What Are the Risks of Drinking Purple Sprite?

The risks associated with drinking purple Sprite are numerous and potentially dangerous. Even first-time users can experience serious side effects such as seizures and hallucinations. This harmful cocktail, which is often mixed with alcohol, can be highly addictive and carries a significant risk of abuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal. Fatal overdoses have also been linked to Purple Sprite.

Side Effects of Purple Sprite or Lean

Commonly called “Lean,” this nickname for purple sprite references one of its effects: the difficulty users have sitting or standing upright after drinking it. Drinking Lean or Purple Sprite has been linked to several dangerous side effects, though, including: [2]

  • Hallucinations
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Motor skills impairment
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Itchiness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Changes in heart rhythms
  • Loss of consciousness

Potential for Drug Abuse and Dependence

One of the primary components of Purple Sprite is codeine, which is an opioid. Opioid pain relievers have been linked to a high risk of addiction and abuse. The common practice of mixing codeine with other addictive substances, such as alcohol, to create this purple drink only serves to heighten the risk of physical dependence and addiction.

Signs of Purple Sprite Addiction

Purple sprite addiction can be dangerous and even deadly. It could be crucial to be aware of the signs of addiction and respond quickly to prevent the unfortunate consequences of drug addiction and abuse: [3]

  • Drinking purple Sprite every day
  • Building a tolerance to purple sprite, or needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
  • Spending a lot of money or other resources to gain access to the drug
  • Continuing to drink purple sprite, despite it causing problems in your life, such as legal consequences or relationship problems
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking purple sprite

Addiction to purple Sprite can compound the risk for dangerous side effects, including long-term harm to the body.

Signs of Purple Sprite Withdrawal

Once you start using purple sprite, it can be hard to stop. Some people may continue using this substance despite adverse effects to avoid the uncomfortable side effects of purple sprite. Inevitably, this tactic only strengthens the hold of physical dependence. Here are some withdrawal symptoms associated with purple sprite to be aware of: [4]

  • Excessive sweating
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Stomach cramps
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Shakiness

Risks of Mixing Purple Sprite with Other Substances

One of the major dangers of purple sprite is that it’s often mixed with alcohol and various other substances. This can increase the risk of adverse effects, including seizures, respiratory depression, organ failure, and even death. Here are some of the known interactions associated with promethazine: [5]

  • Alcohol
  • Sedatives
  • Anesthetic drugs
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Epinephrine
  • Anticholinergics
  • Barbiturates
  • Narcotics

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, illicit drugs, and even herbal supplements, known to cause dangerous interactions when mixed with purple sprite. This is just one of the reasons it’s best to avoid this cocktail entirely.

People drinking purple sprite

Purple Sprite Overdose Symptoms

Drinking purple Sprite carries the risk of overdose, particularly since users don’t often know how much codeine and promethazine are in the drink or what other substances are mixed in. It could be important to know the signs of a purple sprite overdose, including: [6]

  • Slow breathing
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Small pupils
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heartrate
  • Coma
  • Cardiac arrest

If someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms after drinking purple Sprite, call 911 immediately. You can also contact the Poison Control Helpline.

Long-Term Effects of Purple Sprite on the Body

Purple Sprite is highly addictive and feeds the cycle of addiction. As the body builds a tolerance to the substance, they may begin taking it in high doses. Extended use of this cocktail, especially in high doses, can result in serious long-term consequences for the body, including: [7]

  • Lifelong dependency
  • Organ damage, including liver damage
  • Infertility
  • Sexual dysfunction

Since purple sprite contains significant amounts of codeine, long-term effects of codeine use should also be considered: [8]

  • Pancreatitis
  • Urinary retention
  • Tremor
  • Hypersensitivity to pain

Purple Sprite Isn’t Worth the Risk

Like most recreational substances, purple sprite simply isn’t worth the risk of dangerous side effects and negative outcomes like coma or death. This highly addictive substance can pull you into the cycle of drug abuse and withdrawal quickly, so it’s best to avoid purple sprite altogether. If you or a loved one has already developed a purple sprite habit or addiction, help is available.