Sizzurp (Purple Drank, Lean) is a colloquial term for a drink concoction primarily made using cough syrup. Despite its hazardous nature, this beverage has gained fame through Hip Hop music, originating in Houston, Texas, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing across the United States.
Sizzurp is often consumed as a recreational drug among adolescents and young adults. The concoction involves mixing prescription-strength cough syrup, containing Codeine and Promethazine, with a sugary drink like Sprite or iced tea lemonade. The resulting mixture often exhibits a purplish hue, a characteristic attributed to the dyes present in the medication. This drink poses significant risks as individuals frequently consume doses far exceeding the recommended amount to achieve the desired euphoric effects.
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) Recipe
The recipe for purple drank is straightforward, contributing to its popularity among youth. To prepare purple drank, one requires prescription-grade 2-4 oz of cough syrup (promethazine-codeine), 12-20 oz of a sweet drink (such as fruit-flavored soda or original Sprite), and a flavor additive (like Jolly Rancher). Once all components are gathered, they are mixed in a Styrofoam cup. The proportions of each ingredient may vary depending on the user's drug tolerance.
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) Ingredients
The primary ingredient in purple drank is cough syrup, with Promethazine Codeine being the preferred choice. However, other cough syrups containing high amounts of dextromethorphan (DXM) can serve as substitutes. Promethazine acts as an antihistamine, causing motor skill impairment, lethargy, and extreme drowsiness, whereas codeine induces the euphoria associated with purple drank. The drink (Sprite) in the mixture is non-active, while Jolly Ranchers enhance the flavor. Despite Sprite and Jolly Ranchers being traditional ingredients, they can be replaced with similar alternatives.
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) Effects and Side Effects
Upon consumption, the effects of purple drank manifest soon after. Users primarily seek the euphoria from codeine and the intoxication-like impairment from Promethazine. Effects can vary among individuals, with some experiencing side effects and others not. The most severe risk is the potential depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems, which could lead to cardiac or respiratory failure and potentially result in death. Erowid, a website cataloging user experiences with various drugs, lists the following side effects for sizzurp:
- Waves of nausea
- Constricted pupils
- Intense drowsiness
- Droopy eyes
- Slurred speech
- Mild euphoria
- Occasional, though rare, visual hallucinations, often involving flashing lights or colors
- Inner numbness
Other Names
- Purple Drank – Named for the mixture's purplish tint from the syrup dye.
- Lean – Refers to the tendency of users to lean due to its effects.
- Sizzurp
- Barre
- Purple Jelly – A nod to its color and the original inclusion of Jolly Ranchers.
- Texas Tea – Originating from Houston, Texas.
- Tsikuni
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) Mixed with Alcohol and Other Drugs
Combining sizzurp with alcohol significantly amplifies its effects, posing extreme danger as both substances are hazardous independently, and their combination heightens the risk of adverse effects. Marijuana is another common accompaniment, perceived as safer than alcohol, yet mixing any drugs increases the potential for harmful consequences. Some users reportedly dip their marijuana blunts in the sizzurp mixture or consume marijuana before, during, or after drinking sizzurp.
Lil Wayne and Sizzurp (Purple Drank)
In 2013, rapper Lil Wayne experienced a seizure, attributed by many to his sizzurp use. He acknowledged his abuse of the drug, revealing in an interview that his doctor attributed the seizure to his abrupt cessation of sizzurp. Lil Wayne stated he had been using pain pills containing codeine, the same narcotic in sizzurp, and experienced withdrawals when he stopped.
Justin Bieber and Sizzurp (Purple Drank)
Celebrity news outlets, including TMZ, reported that Justin Bieber was using sizzurp and other substances. In early 2014, as his behavior became increasingly erratic, speculation grew regarding a potential sizzurp addiction.
Trayvon Martin and Sizzurp (Purple Drank)
On the night Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, he was returning home with Skittles and Arizona Watermelon Fruit Juice Cocktail. Given these items are common ingredients for sizzurp, speculation arose that Martin intended to use them for making the drink.
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) Deaths
Sizzurp has been linked to numerous fatalities in the United States. Notable cases include:
- DJ Screw – Creator of the 'Chopped and Screwed' rap style, influenced by Sizzurp, died from a codeine-promethazine-alcohol overdose.
- Big Moe – Released albums titled ‘City of Syrup’ and ‘Purple City,’ promoting Sizzurp, died in 2007 from a heart attack, with sizzurp believed to be a contributing factor.
- Pimp C – Part of the rap duo UGK, was found deceased in his hotel room, with the cause of death reported as codeine-promethazine and other effects.
Sizzurp (Purple Drank) and Hip Hop
Hip Hop heavily promotes sizzurp, with many rappers referencing it in their lyrics. Big Moe, a southern rapper, released an album titled ‘City of Syrup’ in 2000, featuring cover art depicting him pouring Purple Drank over a city. Yung Simmie, a Miami-based rapper, released a track titled ‘Lean With The Sprite.’