Promethazine addiction is a growing concern in the United States.
More and more young adults are experimenting with mixing promethazine and codeine, increasing their chances of dependency and overdose. If you’ve never heard of promethazine, then you aren’t the only one. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Boca knows that many people aren’t aware of what promethazine hydrochloride is and its side effects. That’s why we’re sharing everything we know about it.
What Is Promethazine and How Does It Work?
Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine and antiemetic derived from phenothiazine. Some common types of promethazine include Promethegan, Phenadoz, and Phenergan. Promethazine is used to treat conditions like:
- Allergies
- Cold symptoms
- Motion sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Insomnia or inability to sleep
As an antihistamine, promethazine works by blocking histamines, which are chemicals released by the immune system when it senses foreign objects in the body. When the body senses an “attack” from toxins and other allergy-causing invaders, it causes the body to release as much of these toxins as possible. An allergic reaction may consist of vomiting, watery eyes, sweating, and even coughing, all actions the body induces in order to rid itself of the allergy-causing substances. Antihistamines like promethazine control these symptoms so the person isn’t as uncomfortable.
Promethazine Side Effects
Promethazine disrupts the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, concentration, and pain. It also blocks the immune system’s release of histamines, causing drowsiness and sedation.
Additional side effects of promethazine include:
- Fluctuation in blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Bruising
- Inability to sleep
- Dry mouth
- Nightmares
- Ringing in the ears
- Organ damage and failure
- Seizures
The symptoms of promethazine can become more severe when it’s mixed with other substances, like codeine. People who struggle with promethazine abuse can begin their recovery with our medically monitored detox at Banyan Treatment Centers Boca.
Is Promethazine Addictive?
Promethazine is addictive. Not only can it cause dependency on its own, but it’s most commonly abused among opioids users. When taken by itself, promethazine can cause drowsiness and sedation. When mixed with opioids like codeine, promethazine can alleviate pain, induce sedation, and produce feelings of euphoria. Promethazine users become hooked on these side effects and may continue using them as a result. Over time, this can lead to a full-blown addiction.
Because it’s an antihistamine, many people believe that promethazine is harmless; but this is far from the truth. People who engage in any form of substance abuse are at risk of dependency and even overdose. The side effects of promethazine addiction can be detrimental and life-changing in the worst ways possible. Our residential drug treatment in Boca can help patients struggling with promethazine addiction recover with the help of our trained and licensed staff of professionals.
The physical and emotional effects of drug addiction can take a toll on anyone. Promethazine is one of the many dangerous substances that should always be handled with care. If you find yourself or someone you know struggling to quit using promethazine or any other substance, call Banyan Boca today at 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help.
