Poppers

Alkyl Nitrites
Isobutyl Nitrite
Butyl Nitrite
Amyl Nitrite
Pentyl Nitrite
Propyl Nitrite
Isosorbide dinitrate
Isopropyl Nitrite

Scientific Names: Isopropyl Nitrite, Amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite

Brand names: Iron Horse, Iron Fist, Jungle Juice, Ram, TNT, Thrust, Liquid Gold, Rush.

Generic Names: Alkyl nitrites

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Clear yellow liquid usually sold in small bottles or occasionally in glass vials which are broken onto handkerchiefs prior to inhaling the vapours. The glass 'pops' as it breaks - hence the street name "poppers".

Effects of Poppers

Desired Effects:

Intense, but short-lived, exhilaration therefore sometimes used during sex. Effects last a few minutes.

Side Effects:

Dizziness
Flushing
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Disorientation
Fainting.

Harm Reduction

Take care to ensure that no skin contact occurs and that the liquid is kept away from open flames.
Poppers should never be swallowed as a liquid, as this will lead to poisoning.
Poppers should not be mixed with other drugs, especially those which alter blood pressure.

Risks

Long term risks:

Prolonged headaches
Decreased heartrate
Low blood pressure
Damaged vision with chronic use (‘poppers maculopathy’).

Short term risks:

Accidents whilst under the influence.
Swallowing the liquid rather than inhaling the fumes is extremely dangerous and there have been a small number of deaths from this.
Reduces blood pressure, which can cause fainting. Extra risk if taken with Viagra or any other blood pressure medication.
Those with heart problems, anaemia or glaucoma (an eye disease) at increased risk.

How does Poppers work?

Inhalant. Vasodilator - this opens the blood vessels causing a rush of blood through the body and brain which can be experienced as a thrilling effect.

Legal status of Poppers

Regulated by The Human Medicines Regulations if sold as a medicine, but they are often sold ‘legally’ as a room odouriser. In 2016, when debating the Psychoactive Substances Act Parliament declared they were not covered by the Act as they had an indirect effect. Although this is still debatable legally, in practice ‘poppers’ are legal.

How is Poppers taken?

The liquid gives of vapours which are inhaled.

Paraphernalia

Nitrites come in small bottles or glass vials.

Medical uses of Poppers

Isosorbide dinitrate is used in the treatment of angina, constricted blood vessels to the heart.

Where Does it Come From?

Nitrites are chemical compounds refined using nitrous oxide. Isosorbide dinitrate is still used in medicine to relieve the symptoms of angina, but Amyl nitrite and Butyl nitrate are no longer in use. Currently Pentyl nitrite or Propyl nitrite are most often found for sale as 'poppers'.

Helping Services

It is rare for community drug agencies or drug counselling services to have clients report problems with nitrites although these are probably the best services to help with such problems. Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services.

Parents & other relatives

Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.