How Long Does Lean Stay in Your System?

What Is Lean?

Lean is a dangerous drug cocktail of codeine mixed with promethazine cough syrup. It’s often added to soda and hard candy for color and flavor. Its purple hue has given it the nickname “purple drank.” Lean might also be known by the street names “sizzurp,” “Texas tea,” or “dirty Sprite.” Lean is considered a party drug and is often much more dangerous than people realize.

How Long Does Lean Stay in Your System?

Codeine, the primary ingredient of Lean, remains in the human body for approximately 15 hours, based on its estimated half-life of three hours. An individual may stop feeling the effects of codeine within four to six hours, but this depends on dosage and other factors. Some drug tests can detect opiates like codeine for up to 90 days after the last dose.

Aside from failing a drug test, there are other adverse effects of drinking Lean, and some of them can be life-threatening. This drug cocktail is often served at parties and in social settings. Since it’s mixed with soda and candy and has a purple hue, it could appeal to children and teens, making it even more dangerous. Mixing Lean with alcohol or other drugs, or using it in high doses, may lead to addiction and/or a fatal overdose.

If you or someone you know drinks Lean, it’s vital to seek professional support right away. Substance abuse typically gets worse if left untreated. It could also be a good idea to have naltrexone or naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.

Primary Ingredient: Codeine

There is no one recipe for Lean, but this concoction almost always contains codeine as the primary ingredient. Codeine is a potent opioid agonist sometimes prescribed to treat chronic, acute, severe, or moderate pain.

Codeine often comes in formulations that have other drugs added, including promethazine, acetaminophen, and pseudoephedrine. The formulation used to make Lean is typically promethazine cough syrup. Codeine is often abused, and for this reason, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified it as a Schedule II controlled substance.

Codeine is only available by prescription. Any other use of the drug is considered illegal substance abuse. Never take this prescription medication unless specifically prescribed for you by a healthcare professional. People with a history of substance abuse or addiction should tell their doctors and perhaps consider an alternate form of pain relief.

 

Dangers of Codeine

As a Schedule II controlled substance, codeine carries a high risk of substance abuse and dependence. [1] This risk increases when codeine is taken recreationally or without a prescription. Mixing codeine with other substances to make Lean or other drug cocktails can also increase the risk of addiction and abuse.

Combining codeine with other drugs can also worsen the side effects of both substances. Mixing it with other drugs like benzodiazepines or other opioids increases the risk of a fatal overdose.

Side Effects of Codeine

Some people who take codeine experience unwanted side effects such as: [2]

• Constipation
• Skin rash
• Sweating
• Itchy skin
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Mixing codeine with other substances, or drinking Lean, can increase the risk of severe side effects.

Codeine Overdose Symptoms

Since codeine is a central nervous system depressant, it can slow or stop your breathing in high doses or when mixed with similar drugs. This makes it a risky substance to use with or without a prescription. Abusing codeine by drinking Lean or taking codeine without a prescription can increase your risk of a fatal overdose. Signs of an overdose from codeine include: [3]

• Cold, clammy skin
• Pinpoint pupils
• Chest pain
• Pale or bluish lips, skin, or fingernails
• Decreased heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Losing consciousness
• Extreme drowsiness
• Frothing at the mouth

Signs of a codeine overdose should be treated as a life-threatening emergency. Administer naltrexone if you have it and call 911. You can also call the poison control center helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?

The effects of codeine may begin to wear off after about four to six hours, but this can depend on a number of factors, including the dosage as well as your individual metabolism. However, the drug will remain in your system for much longer. Even after most of the drug leaves the body, codeine can be detected by certain types of drug tests.

Half-Life of Codeine

Codeine has a half life of about three hours. [4] On average, it remains in the body for roughly 15 hours. The detection times for drug tests vary depending on the test:

• Codeine urine test: up to 2 days
• Codeine saliva test: 1 day
• Codeine hair follicle test: up to 90 days

Signs of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid drugs like codeine carry a high risk of physical dependence. Addiction to opioid drugs is considered a type of substance use disorder known as opioid use disorder, or OUD. If you or a loved one is experiencing the following signs of OUD, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible: [5]

• Unsuccessful attempts to stop using codeine or cut back on codeine use
• Using codeine in higher doses or for a longer period of time than intended
• Using codeine in dangerous or risky situations
• Spending an excessive amount of time acquiring, using, or recovering from codeine
• Continuing to use codeine even though it’s causing problems in your life
• Continuing to use codeine despite it exacerbating a physical or mental health condition
• Giving up activities due to opioid use
• Intense cravings for codeine
• Needing higher doses of codeine to achieve the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking codeine

Two or more of the symptoms above indicate a substance use disorder that requires treatment. Seeking treatment as soon as you notice signs can result in a quicker and more comfortable recovery.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Like other opioids, codeine can result in severe withdrawal effects after prolonged use. Some of the withdrawal symptoms you can expect if you stop taking codeine abruptly include: [6]

• Dilated pupils
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Stomach problems

Codeine Addiction Treatment

An opioid use disorder, such as an addiction to codeine, is a serious condition that may require medical detox. It’s best to detox in a treatment center to avoid uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. After detox, a reliable treatment program can provide evidence-based treatment options designed to support long-term recovery. These may include inpatient services, outpatient treatment, and aftercare or relapse prevention services. Don’t give up hope; a brighter tomorrow is just a call away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lean Duration