Nitrites
Slang
Poppers, nitrites, rush, Liquid Gold, TNT, various brand names.
Description
A stimulant chemically related to nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Clear, yellow, volatile and inflammable liquid with a sweet smell when fresh and smelling of old socks when stale. Usually supplied in small bottles with screw tops. Sniffed up the nose or inhaled via mouth. Poppers are considered by some to be an aphrodisiac.
Paraphernalia / what to look out for
- Small brown bottles. Sometimes, perhaps to try and avoid the legislation that attempts to limit the sale of poppers, manufacturers label the product "room odoriser". Most people would not appreciate the smell of poppers in their living room.
Possible short-term indicators
- Causes the wall of blood vessels to relax which lowers blood pressure making the face flushed as blood rushes to the head.
- Muscles relax, including the anal sphincter - some people use poppers during sex.
- Immediate effects last for a few minutes.
- Have been linked to lowering inhibitions, leading to increased possibility of unsafe sex.
- If split on the nostrils whilst inhaling, the nostrils may become inflamed (or burnt), leading to very dry skin.
Possible longer-term indicators
- Long term or large doses can produce headaches, nausea, severe vomiting, dizziness and fainting.
- Lowered blood pressure and a lowering of the heart rate with regular use can cause problems to anyone with an existing heart condition.
- Amyl nitrites cause an increase in eye pressure harmful to people with glaucoma.
Harm reduction
- Remember safer sex - poppers may affect judgement during sex.
- Safer sex activists have said of poppers "If you are going to use poppers, put a condom on before you sniff."
- Anybody who suffers from circulatory problems or from low blood pressure should be particularly wary of this substance.
- Using poppers can be a serious health risk for those with heart trouble, breathing problems, or anaemia and glaucoma. Always wash off any amyl that spills on your skin and never drink the stuff - it is highly poisonous.
- It's very dangerous to take poppers with viagra or if you're on medication to reduce your blood pressure as it can cause it to drop so low it is dangerous.
- Note that poppers may suppress the immune system.
Legal status
Amyl nitrite is very rarely used in medicine but is controlled under the Medicines Act. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence. Legally, they are only allowed to be supplied by a pharmacist. There have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling them, but they're still sold as Room Aromas or Deodorisers in sex shops and some clubs.