Nitrites (Poppers)

Poppers are sold in small bottles from clothes, record, and sex shops, clubs and bars. The fumes are usually inhaled direct from the bottle.

WHAT ARE POPPERS?

The term poppers refers to amyl, butyl or isobutyl nitrate.
Amyl nitrate was originally used as a treatment for angina, a heart problem.
The term now usually refers to butyl nitrate, a similar substance, marketed as `liquid incense' or `room deodorisers'.
They are sold using brand names like `Rush', `Stud', `Locker room', `Liquid Gold'.

Poppers have vasodilatory effects. This causes the blood vessels to open, the heart to beat quicker and the blood to rush to the brain. This produces the `rush' associated with poppers.
They can cause dizziness, light-headedness, a flushed face and a pounding headache.
The effects only last for a couple of minutes.

Use tends to be limited to certain situations - mainly the dance club scene, where they may be used to enhance the effects of other drugs like ecstasy or LSD.
Although believed to enhance orgasm, the vasodilation effect means that poppers may make it difficult to keep an erection.
They are sometimes used during anal sex as they relax smooth muscle tissue.
Poppers can cause tolerance after long periods of continuous use. A short period of non-use usually causes a return of sensitivity to the drug.
There is no evidence of long-term psychological or physical damage as a result of sniffing poppers.

Excessive use of nitrates may result in a reduction of oxygen in the blood. This has caused deaths, but usually only in people who have swallowed the drug.
Occasionally people develop a rash around the lips, cheeks and nose. This will clear when people stop using.
Anyone with anaemia, glaucoma or a heart condition should avoid the use of poppers at all costs.
Poppers are highly flammable. Keep well away from any naked flames such as cigarettes, matches, lighters, joints, candles, fires, etc.
Although a few scientists have claimed that poppers may be a cause of HIV or AIDS, their views are regarded as very much outside mainstream scientific thinking.

The possession and use of poppers is currently not illegal. This situation may change.