What Is Dirty Sprite and Why Is It Dangerous?

There are many dangers of Dirty Sprite, including adverse side effects, substance abuse, addiction, and the risk of a life-threatening overdose. People who become dependent on this recreational drug cocktail may be at risk of a fatal overdose. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent negative outcomes.

What Is Dirty Sprite?

Dirty Sprite is a dangerous drug cocktail consisting of soda (usually Sprite) mixed with other substances such as codeine, an addictive opioid drug, and promethazine cough syrup, which contains an antihistamine that has sedative effects. Alcohol is often mixed with this concoction to form a potentially deadly recreational drug. Hard candy such as Jolly Rancher candy is sometimes added to give the cocktail extra flavor and color.

Dirty Sprite goes by other names on the street as well. Some people call it Lean because it makes people lean over almost to the point of falling as a result of its intoxicating effects. It also goes by other names such as:

• Sizzurp
• Purple Sprite
• Purple Drank
• Texas Tea

Where Did Dirty Sprite Come From?

Dirty Sprite has been around since the 1960s and reached a peak of popularity during the ‘90s. [1] It’s thought to originate from Houston, Texas, particularly the area’s hip-hop culture and community.

Side Effects of Dirty Sprite

Codeine and promethazine, the two main ingredients in Dirty Sprite, are both central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressants. They can be associated with similar side effects, which may become more pronounced when taken together. Some of these side effects include: [2]

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Light-headedness or faintness
• Trouble breathing
• Catatonic state
• Insomnia
• Tremors

Dangers of Dirty Sprite

There is a long list of dangers associated with drinking Dirty Sprite, including the risk of injury during intoxication and vulnerability to date rape drugs. Below, we’ll discuss the primary risks of addiction, adverse drug interactions, negative health outcomes, and life-threatening overdose.

Addiction

Codeine, one of the primary ingredients of Dirty Sprite, is known to be an addictive opiate drug that can produce euphoric effects. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified it as a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its addictive properties and risk of drug abuse.

Drinking Dirty Sprite frequently or in high doses can lead to a serious substance use disorder. Signs a loved one may have developed a substance use disorder as a result of Dirty Sprite consumption include:

• Experiencing cravings for Dirty Sprite
• Drinking Dirty Sprite even though it’s worsening a physical or mental health condition
• Continuing to drink Dirty Sprite even though it’s causing issues at work, home, or school
• Drinking Dirty Sprite in dangerous or risky situations
• Giving up other enjoyable or productive activities to drink Dirty Sprite
• Being unable to control how much Dirty Sprite you consume
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit drinking Dirty Sprite or limit use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining Dirty Sprite, drinking it, or recovering from it
• Needing to drink more Dirty Sprite in order to experience the same effects (also known as tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from Dirty Sprite for any length of time

If you or a loved one is demonstrating two or more of these symptoms, it could indicate a mild to severe substance use disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Even mild cases can benefit from treatment, and left untreated, substance use disorder will typically progress. There is no legitimate reason to ever consume Dirty Sprite.

Dirty Sprite Withdrawal Symptoms

Individuals who have developed a physical dependence on Dirty Sprite may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking it. Some of these withdrawal symptoms may include: [5]

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sweating excessively
• Rapid breathing
• Stomach cramps
• Insomnia
• Dilated pupils
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain

Some of these Dirty Sprite withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or severe. A substance use treatment program can provide evidence-based treatments to make withdrawal more tolerable and help you maintain your sobriety after detoxing from Dirty Sprite.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Drinking Dirty Sprite alone can be dangerous enough, but there may be additional risks for people who take certain medications. The following drugs have known adverse effects when combined with Dirty Sprite:

• Cisapride
• Methylene Blue
• Rasagiline
• Linezolid
• Bromopride
• Procarbazine
• Dronedarone
• Piperaquine
• Mavorixafor
• Potassium chloride
• Phenelzine
• Potassium chloride
• Ziprasidone
• Sodium oxybate
• Saquinavir

This is not a complete list. If you’re drinking Dirty Sprite, tell your doctor. You need medical care to stop dangerous drug use before you experience more adverse consequences and potentially death.

Long-Term Health Effects

Drinking Dirty Sprite can lead to long-term effects on your health, even after you stop drinking it. Some of these health risks include: [7]

• Lifelong addiction or dependence
• Hypersensitivity to pain
• Tremor
• Pancreatitis
• Urinary retention

Overdose

Perhaps the greatest danger posed by Dirty Sprite is the risk of a fatal overdose. If a loved one is drinking Dirty Sprite, it’s crucial to be aware of the following signs of a Dirty Sprite overdose so you can intervene if necessary:

• Slow breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Cold, clammy skin
• Low blood pressure
• Limp limbs
• Pinpoint pupils
• Coma

In the case of an overdose, call 911 for emergency medical attention. This is a life-threatening emergency. Administer naloxone if available to counteract the effects of codeine.

Dirty Sprite Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one has developed a dangerous addiction to Dirty Sprite, it could be important to act now. This drug has been linked to deadly overdoses, and this risk is higher for people who have developed a dependence on Dirty Sprite.

Fortunately, you’re not alone in this battle. Substance use and rehabilitation counselors around the globe are committed to helping others recover from the powerful effects of substance abuse and addiction. Speak to one of these compassionate counselors to begin exploring your treatment options. You should also speak to your primary care provider.