Lean also called sizzurp, or purple drank is a drug popular amongst rappers and in hip hop culture. This drug, which originated in the Houston, Texas area, is made up of prescription cough syrup that contains codeine, promethazine, soda, and hard candy. Users usually consume the concoction from a styrofoam cup. The codeine in lean is an opioid, which produces a mild euphoria when consumed. Promethazine is an antihistamine sometimes prescribed with opioid medications for nausea. Promethazine can have a sedative effect, especially when mixed with an opioid. 
Did Lil Wayne Have a Seizure Because of Lean?
Lil Wayne has been hospitalized several times over the years for seizure activity. Wayne suffers from epilepsy, a disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures. Reports from back in 2017 say that the rapper wasn’t taking his seizure medication and that this was the cause of his hospitalization. However, Lil Wayne has notoriously been known for his use of lean or sizzurp. He has professed his love for the drug in numerous songs and even in public venues.
Codeine Cough Syrup is Addictive and Dangerous
Lil Wayne had an instance leading up to one hospitalization for his seizure activity where he was found unconscious in his hotel room. And back in 2013, Wayne at one point was left in critical condition. During this hospital, stay reports say large amounts of codeine were found in his system. Is lean-to blame for Lil Wayne’s seizures? Here is what we know. Ingesting large amounts of sizzurp is dangerous, especially for someone with an underlying health condition like epilepsy. One of the main side effects of recreational drugs is seizures. For someone who suffers from a seizure disorder, chronic use of the substance is only going to make the condition worse, especially if you are not taking your prescribed medication correctly. Emerging Trends: “Syrup”, “Purple Drank”, “Sizzurp”, “Lean” published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse said:
If you drink too much of it, it can cause seizures, which we have seen recently, and you might well end up in treatment. (NIDH)
Lean has been around since the ’90s. Wayne has spoken about the drug as far back as 2005. He even served a sentence at Rikers Island for gun possession but pledged to never give up the drug even though it violated the terms of his probation. Opioids are powerful substances that can take over a person’s life before they know it. If you suspect you may have a problem with opioids, the quicker you get help the better off you will be.
What Are the Side Effects of Lean?
Lean can have some serious adverse side effects, especially in high doses. The codeine and promethazine mixture makes for an effective cough syrup, but when abused it is dangerous. Here are some of the side effects of lean:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Mild to serious confusion
- Dizziness and nausea
- Night terrors
- Wheezing
Lean can also cause fatigue, depression, cloudy thoughts, and poor judgment. Sometimes individuals will mix alcohol with lean to intensify its effects. Codeine, promethazine, and alcohol are all central nervous system depressants. When the three are mixed there is an increased chance the user could experience respiratory depression or a fatal overdose.
Treatment for Codeine Syrup Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to opioids, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness assists men, women, and families throughout the United States that are struggling with substance abuse and are searching for addiction treatment. We can help you get on the road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer, we are here to help you.
