Promethazine Drug Abuse: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

Promethazine drug abuse is common in young adults, especially when the antihistamine is mixed with codeine and alcohol (lean).

Read on to learn why do people abuse promethazine and find out how to connect with addiction treatment near you.

For immediate help with issues related to the abuse of promethazine, call 855-701-0479.

What Is Promethazine Abuse?

Promethazine is a medication commonly used to treat allergies, nausea, and motion sickness. It can also cause drowsiness and relaxation, which is why some people misuse it.

Promethazine abuse is when someone uses promethazine in a way that is not safe or prescribed by a doctor. People might take higher doses than prescribed or mix it with other substances to enhance its effects. This can be dangerous and lead to serious health problems. Promethazine abuse can lead to dependence, where the person requires the drug to function normally. Understanding promethazine abuse can help you recognize the problem and seek the right help.

Signs Someone Is Abusing Promethazine

Spotting the signs of promethazine abuse can help you identify if a person needs help. Here are some common markers:

• Taking more than prescribed: If someone is using higher doses of promethazine than their doctor recommended, it could be a sign of abuse.
• Frequent refills: They may refill their prescription more often than expected, which suggests they are using more promethazine than they should.
• Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to get more promethazine prescriptions is a common tactic to obtain more of the drug.
• Secrecy: Hiding their promethazine use or lying about how much they are taking can indicate a problem.
• Mixing with other substances: Using promethazine with alcohol or other drugs to enhance its effects is dangerous and a sign of abuse.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family duties because of promethazine use can show that the drug is becoming a problem in their life.
• Changes in social circles: They might start hanging out with a different group of friends who also misuse drugs.
• Financial problems: Spending lots on promethazine or other drugs can lead to money problems.

Symptoms of Promethazine Abuse

People who abuse promethazine might show certain physical and mental symptoms. Here are some to look out for:

• Drowsiness: Feeling extremely sleepy or lethargic, even during the day.
• Confusion: Having trouble thinking clearly or making decisions can affect daily activities.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady can increase the risk of falls.
• Blurred vision: Having difficulty seeing clearly can be dangerous, especially when driving or operating machinery.
• Dry mouth: Constantly feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth can be uncomfortable and might lead to other health issues.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or throwing up can be a side effect of promethazine abuse.
• Slurred speech: Speaking slowly or unclearly, making it hard for others to understand them.
• Mood swings: Having sudden mood changes, such as being happy one moment and angry the next, can affect relationships with others.
• Poor coordination: Difficulty with movement or coordination can make everyday tasks challenging.
• Memory problems: Trouble remembering things can impact school or work performance.

If you notice these signs and symptoms in someone, it might indicate promethazine abuse. Seek help from a healthcare professional to address the issue and provide the necessary support and treatment.

Treatment for Promethazine Abuse

Treating promethazine abuse involves several steps to help someone recover safely:

• Medical detox: Detox is the first step, where doctors help the person stop using promethazine safely. They monitor the person for withdrawal symptoms and provide care as needed.
• Therapy: Talking to a counselor or therapist can help the person understand why they started using promethazine and how to avoid it in the future. Common types of therapy include CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and group therapy.
• Support groups: Joining a support group can provide encouragement and advice from others who have gone through similar experiences. Groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can be helpful.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help the person feel better and stay strong during recovery.
• Aftercare: Continuing care after initial treatment is important. This might include regular therapy sessions, check-ins with a doctor, or ongoing support group meetings to help people stay sober.

Getting help for promethazine abuse is essential for health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact a healthcare professional.

Call Addiction Hotline for Help Overcoming Promethazine Abuse

Maybe you need prescription drug rehab but have no idea where to start. If so, calling an addiction hotline is a sensible first step.

Call Addiction Hotline at any time of day or night. Speak in confidence with a caring and trained expert ready to help you find the most suitable addiction treatment and resources.

Hotline staff can recommend medical detox centers in California. They can also refer you to local support groups, outpatient rehabs, and inpatient treatment centers, allowing you to get the right level of help.

For help overcoming promethazine abuse right away, call 855-701-0479.