Have you ever heard of lean, “purple drank”, “drank”, “syrup” or “dirty sprite”? This cocktail composed of several psychoactive substances is considered a drug with risks of addiction.
Definition: what is lean (or purple drank)?
The lean or purple drank is a psychotropic mixture which can take many forms and be composed of different substances. It is generally carried out from cough syrup based on codeine and an antihistamine (promethazine) associated with soda sometimes even with alcohol. Dextromethorphan, an antitussive drug, can also be used to replace one or the other of the substances of this mixture.
What are the effects of lean?
The effects sought by the consumer are a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, slight dizziness, disorientation and even hallucinations : “a feeling of floating out of one’s body“, notes Dr. Louise Carton, psychiatrist and addictologist. The consumption of this combination of drugs will cause the undesirable effects of each of them: sedative effect, cognitive disorders (altered consciousness, delusional elements) and/or motor disorders (hustle).
What are the dangers of lean?
In case of overdose, there is a risk of anticholinergic toxidromethat is to say a poisoning general linked to the properties of the molecules used in this mixture. “In particular, one can observe fever, an increase or decrease in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, dry mucous membranes, dilated pupils, urinary retention, constipation… All associated with restlessness, speech problems, delusional elements and seizures“, she describes. In addition, the mixture presents a risk of respiratory depression, and the latter can be even more devastating if combined with alcohol or other drug abuse.
Can we die from it?
Lean, due to its multiple effects and an overdose, can lead to the death of its consumers.
Is it available and legal in France?
Today, the over-the-counter sale of the drugs that make up lean is no longer authorized in France. “Several regulatory measures taken by the health authorities have reduced the extent of this phenomenon: codeine and dextromethorphan drugs have been available by prescription only since 2017 ; identical condition for promethazine-based drugs since 2020. Lean consumption is still present with serious cases still reportedperhaps due to falsification of prescriptions…“, emphasizes L. Carton.
It is important not to trivialize this consumption: you have to talk about it and do not hesitate to approach your general practitioner or an addictologist to assess the situation (frequency and reason for use, situation of vulnerability, presence of other types of use) and to be offered individualized support.
Thanks to Dr. Louise Carton from the Addictovigilance Center of Lille University Hospital.