Promethazine is one of the many drugs that people abuse.
Mixing this particular form of medication with other drugs like codeine has become a popular and dangerous practice. Promethazine users often wonder at some point or another, “how long does promethazine stay in your system?” As a center that offers medically supervised drug and alcohol treatment in Stuart, we know that more people are becoming curious about promethazine and other drugs that are being abused more often in combination with other substances. We have first-hand experience with the effects of substance abuse and want to share these dangers as often as possible.
What Is Promethazine?
Promethazine hydrochloride is a synthetic antihistamine that’s derived from phenothiazine. Promethazine can be used to treat conditions like:
- Allergies
- Motion sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold symptoms
- Nausea in reactions to blood or sickness
- Anxiety or nervousness before a procedure
- Pain following a surgery or procedure
- Sleep aid
It works by blocking a substance called histamine that’s released by the immune system when the person is exposed to something they’re allergic to. When they come in contact with an allergen, it causes an allergic reaction. While histamines are naturally released by the body in response, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms like cough, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and more. An antihistamine like promethazine is used to block it. This medication can also alleviate nausea and work as a relaxant by affecting the levels of substances like acetylcholine in the brain.
While promethazine can help treat certain symptoms and ailments, it’s also addictive. Many individuals nowadays, particularly young adults, are mixing promethazine with other drugs like codeine or alcohol in order to experience an intense high. Polydrug abuse is highly dangerous and can cause a variety of health problems. The effects of these combinations are often unpredictable. When it comes to promethazine, in particular, its side effects can be highly uncomfortable and even life-threatening.
Common promethazine side effects include:
- Fluctuation in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to the sun or heat
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Difficulties concentrating
- Vision problems
- Dry mouth
- Ringing in the ears
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Abnormal breathing
- Organ failure or disease
- Excessive bruising
- Abnormal motor movements or twitching
At Banyan Treatment Centers Stuart, we understand how dangerous promethazine can be when misused or abused. Promethazine can have various adverse short and long-term effects in an individual who uses it inappropriately. Long-term use of promethazine can cause addiction, which usually requires professional addiction treatment. At our rehab center in Stuart, we offer a medically monitored detox that serves as the first step of most patient’s recovery journeys. Our medical staff is equipped to treat withdrawal symptoms and addiction cravings that can make it difficult for patients to complete their rehab programs.
How Long Does Promethazine Last In Your System?
While Promethazine takes 20 minutes to work how long does promethazine stay in your system? Promethazine can last in your system for between two and four days. Every 10 to 19 hours the level of promethazine in the blood drops by 50 percent. It can also be detected in urine for 48 to 72 hours after the person’s last use. Of course, if a person continuously ingests this medication, then it will remain in their system for a longer span of time. The dose the individual took can also affect how long promethazine can be detected in their system. Additionally, promethazine can show up on a drug test and cause a false positive if the person is testing for something else.
Promethazine is one of the many substances people have experimented with. Unfortunately, like many other drugs, promethazine can be dangerous and stay in your system for several days. It’s also an addictive substance that can be difficult to quit without help.
If you or a loved one is battling drug addiction, we can help. Call Banyan Detox Stuart today at 888-280-2360 for more information about our facility and levels of care.
