How To Make Lean & What You Need To Know Before (DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS)6 min read

Over the years, drug abusers have attempted to discover new ways to abuse over-the-counter medications.

Some have even started producing their concoction, frequently known as Lean.

By utilizing Nyquil and a handful of other substances, it is possible to produce a highly potent alcohol-like substance, which hip-hop videos have popularized.

Unfortunately

More and more youths are attempting to learn how to make lean with Nyquil!

It’s a mistake, and these individuals are likely unaware of the dangers of combining these substances.

Below, you will learn why you should not make or drink lean like these “purple drank” or “dirty Sprite”!

What Is Lean?

Before going any further, learning the basics of lean is a good idea. This specific mixture refers to purple drank and dirty Sprite.

Of course

These slang terms for the mixture, which generally contains cough syrup. It has become popular due to the growth of rap music within the United States.

When attempting to learn how to make lean, you will find that the mixture is made with different recipes.

The only commonality among them all is the addition of prescription-strength cough syrup.

This medication is mixed with soft drinks like Sprite, Mountain Dew, Tea, and even energy drinks.

A Jolly Rancher or other hard candy can be added to add sweetness to the mixture.

Due to the drink’s purplish tone, it is often referred to as a purple drink. It is also possible to make lean with Nyquil.

Potentially Dangerous Side Effects

Before consuming any medication, you should take the time to look at the potential side effects!

Purple drank or lean is a mixture of various medications, which can cause euphoric effects.

The combination can be incredibly potential and exceptionally dangerous! 

One of the most startling side effects of lean is a seizure.

Consuming large quantities of lean will increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects and should be avoided!

Other Side Effects

Below is a list of other potential side effects associated with lean.

• Raspy voice and drowsiness
• Slurred speech and loss of coordination
• Decreased heart rate

Although these effects aren’t dangerous, they can put you at risk when driving a vehicle or operating machinery.

Therefore, you should never drink lean if you intend to drive or venture out into society.

Why Is It Dangerous?

Many teenagers and young adults fall for this mixture due to rap’s popularity with this specific age group.

Also

These individuals fail to acknowledge the enormous risks associated with the abuse of cough syrups. The mixture can contain twenty-five times the recommended dosage or more depending on how the drink is made.

This makes lean incredibly dangerous. Also, cough syrup consumption over a long time can lead to irreparable damage to the body. The very individuals responsible for making Lean a household name have experienced near-death experiences due to the mixture’s consumption.

The abuse of cough medication was believed to be linked to the death of Pimp C. It was also thought that using this mixture could’ve resulted in a heart attack, which eventually killed Big Moe.

And finally

DJ Screw died of an overdose of codeine, alcohol, and promethazine in November 2000. The results can be deadly, and history has proven this to be real-time and again.

Commercial Purple Drank

As lean has grown in popularity and has managed to attract substantial attention from the media, various companies have attempted to capitalize on this. The Innovative Beverage Group manufactured and released a product called Drank, specifically designed to emulate the drug. 

Although Drank does not contain any promethazine or codeine, it includes a mixture of herbs and natural ingredients, advertised as having a relaxing effect. Other manufacturers have followed suit and have released their version of Drank.

Although these drinks are considered to be safe, they have received a great deal of criticism. Critics of the mixture believe such products will only act as a gateway and encourage children and teenagers to abuse real things.

In 2010

These drinks were referred to as the worst thing to emerge since the release of candy cigarettes. Such commercial products are unknown, but the side effects of lean are enormous, dangerous, and best avoided.

Addictive

Another thing that will give you concern is that this specific drug is considered incredibly addictive. First and foremost, the majority of ingredients are readily available. Since it is possible to make lean with over-the-counter medications, it is open to almost everyone, ultimately increasing its addictive nature. Codeine is a narcotic and is known to be addictive.

Therefore

You will get physically and mentally addicted to lean if you abuse it for a short or long period. At the same time, those who have become addicted to codeine will be forced to withdraw to get clean.

Going cold turkey and stopping the medication without any side effects is impossible. Putting an end to the consumption of lean will result in dramatic side effects. Once you’ve stopped using the drug, you will begin experiencing terrible withdrawal symptoms shortly afterward. So, poor is a dangerous medication that can impact you in the short and long term.

Promethazine With Codeine

Promethazine with codeine is a prescription medication that has been approved for the treatment of rhinitis (common cold). This antihistamine has become a hot topic because it is one of the main ingredients to create lean.

Antihistamines, whether prescription or over-the-counter form can have a lot of side effects. Some people find these side effects desirable, and when used in combination with codeine, these effects are heightened drastically.

Codeine is an analgesic capable of blocking the pain receptors in the brain. While this prescription narcotic is not the most popular, it can offer someone interested in making lean a favorable base ingredient.

With this being said, there will be a time when promethazine with codeine is unattainable. Of course, this will not stop the individual from making lean because other forms of cough syrup will be utilized instead.

Intense Sweetness

When mixing promethazine with codeine and Sprite, the results will not offer a desirable flavor. Of course, many people will drink the concoction anyway, while others will attempt to alter the taste by adding sugar, Jolly Rancher, or Skittles.

It is important to note that consuming lean can pose many health risks. The dangerous side effects will include any of the following:

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Difficulty urinating
• Syncope (fainting)
• Moderate to severe headaches
• Seizure activity
• Itching and overheating sensation
• Decreased appetite
• Rectal bleeding
• Muscle cramps and stiffness
• Loss of consciousness and respiratory failure are signs of overdose.

Potential Drug Interactions

If lean is manufactured using codeine and promethazine, the mixture can interact with an array of other drugs. Lean made with these two substances will interact severely with Advair, Weed, Adderall, Norco, Lexapro, Mucinex, and Vicodin.

This specific mixture also possible increases the risks associated with specific medical ailments, including liver disease, renal dysfunction, hypotension, and even infectious diarrhea.

If you are using any of these medications or have any of these ailments, it is essential to stay away from codeine and promethazine.

Overall

All in all, lean is incredibly dangerous. Mixing cough syrup with promethazine can enhance the potency of both. The combination will also increase the adverse side effects and dangers. Suffice it to say, you should never do it!

Bill Lloyd MD