While some drugs may not be as well known to the general public, that doesn’t mean they do not possess their own unique dangers posed to users. If you’ve never heard of promethazine, then you aren’t the only one. Our Boca rehab centers know that many people aren’t aware of what this drug is and its side effects. That’s why we’re sharing everything we know about promethazine addiction and the dangers that it can pose to a person's physical and mental health.
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 our nearby Stuart rehab center.
Does Promethazine Get You High?
Promethazine is not considered to be a material with notable psychedelic characteristics. Rather, it is mostly used as an antihistamine and antiemetic drug. Promethazine's intended effects are therapeutic in nature, in contrast to medications that are specifically made for recreational usage. It works by preventing histamine receptors from activating, which lessens allergic reactions and eases motion sickness and vomiting.
A promethazine high may cause some people to feel drowsy or relaxed, but this is not the same as the euphoric high that is sometimes associated with recreational drugs. Instead, it's an adverse impact brought on by its CNS depressive qualities. It's crucial to understand that any euphoria experienced after using promethazine is a side effect rather than the desired result.
Can Promethazine Be Used as a Recreational Drug?
Because promethazine can have serious negative effects and serious health risks, recreational use of the drug is strictly prohibited. One of the riskiest side effects of abusing a promethazine street drug is respiratory depression, in which the drug's central nervous system depression causes breathing to slow down and, in severe situations, cause respiratory failure. When promethazine is taken with other drugs, especially ones that similarly depress the central nervous system, like alcohol or opioids, the risk is increased.
It is crucial that you take prescription drugs, such as promethazine, exactly as directed by a licensed healthcare professional in order to protect your health and well-being. It is crucial to be aware of the possible risks connected to this drug's recreational use because overuse or abuse can have disastrous effects. To ensure a safe and successful recovery, it is imperative that you get professional help and support if you believe that you or someone you love may be struggling with promethazine misuse.
Is Promethazine Addictive?
Promethazine is addictive. Not only can it cause dependency on its own, but it’s most commonly abused among opioid 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. 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.
How Does Drug Abuse Affect Mental Health?
Drug misuse has a significant, frequently catastrophic effect on mental health. Misuse of substances can worsen pre-existing diseases, cause a variety of psychological disorders, and affect cognitive function. Drugs' effects on the chemistry of the brain can cause anxiety, depression, mood swings, and, in extreme situations, psychosis. In addition, the addiction cycle itself can be emotionally taxing since it causes people to feel guilty, ashamed, and less worthy of themselves.
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. While we offer addiction services at our nearby Florida rehab facilities, such as those found in Pompano and Stuart, our Boca Raton mental health programs are useful in addressing the emotional consequences of drug abuse.
If you find yourself or someone you know struggling to quit using promethazine or any other substance, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help.
