Poppers

Poppers are considered by some to be an aphrodisiac. Their popularity with gay men has been attributed to heightened sexual intensity, for some a reduction in inhibitions during sex, and the relaxation of the sphincter muscle in the butt (which can facilitate anal sex).

Poppers are sold in small glass bottles as 'room deodorizer' or 'leather cleaner'. They are some form of nitrite (such as amyl-nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, butyl nitrite) liquid, which produces fumes. The user, sniffs the fumes up their nose, creating a 'high' in about fifteen seconds. The intense high usually lasts no longer than two minutes.

Poppers, in particular nitrites, relax smooth muscle that surrounds the body's blood vessels. This leads to a reduction in blood pressure. When relaxed, the muscles must fill up with more blood, so the heart beats faster to compensate. This leads to a rush of oxygen to the brain, and the sensations associated with poppers, such as relaxation, reddening and warmth in the face and chest, a dizzying sensation, a heightened sense of touch and taste, and a sense of heightened arousal and intensity during sex.

Some possible risks with 'popper' use are:

• There is research that links popper use with a greater likelihood of high-risk sex. This may be because for some guys poppers help them to feel less inhibited during sex, which may lead to sexual activities they normally wouldn't engage in or feel comfortable engaging in. However, many guys who use poppers will also use condoms.
• Some guys experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea from use of poppers.
• Nitrites are a highly flammable liquid, creating a risk of fire near cigarettes, candles, lighters, or other intense heat.
• Poppers are potentially fatal when swallowed.
• Poppers can cause burns on the skin when spilled and around the nose, lips, and nasal lining when the liquid touches the skin during sniffing.
• Some users may experience temporary loss of erection. This likely relates to the fact that poppers reduce blood pressure throughout the body, including in the penis.
• There is research in animals and humans that links nitrites to a reduction in immune function. Your immune system is the system in your body that protects you from disease and infectious agents, like viruses and bacteria.
• There is research that suggests that nitrites - the ingredient in poppers that give you the 'high' - especially for frequent or high dose users, may be carcinogenic (cancer causing). This is not a definitive conclusion, but scientific speculation at this time.

Drug Class: mixed

Individual drugs: nitrites (butyl or amyl)

Common Terms: bolt, climax, poppers, rush, Zbest, and others

Standard Dose:

The Buzz:

Overdose and other negative effects:

Dangerous Drug Combinations:

• Viagra
• heart and blood pressure medications
  

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