Amyl nitrite or poppers are liquid chemicals that emit vapors. Inhaling the vapors of poppers can provide a feeling of euphoria, and even heightened sexual satisfaction for a few minutes. Poppers, which are mainly used as party drugs, are dangerous and can cause side effects that could be harmful to your health. This is particularly true when taken in large quantities or over a long period of time.
Henry Ng MD is a specialist in LGBTQ+ health. He explains why poppers are becoming more popular, and explains some of their dangers.
What is a popper?
Poppers are a type of drug called alkyl-nitrites. Alkyl Nitrites are vasodilators, which cause your blood vessels and blood flow to increase. The increased blood flow means that your blood pressure will drop as your heart won’t need to work so hard. Your blood vessels widening also relaxes the smooth muscle tissues throughout your body.
Thomas Lauder Brunton was the first to use vasodilators in 1867 as a treatment for chest pain. By the 1970s poppers were a common club drug. This was especially true for the LGBTQ community and gay nightlife. It is believed that poppers relaxes soft muscle tissue and, in particular, the anal-sphincter. They also enhance pleasure and reduce discomfort for those who use them.
Poppers are sold in plastic bottles in online shops and retail outlets. Although it’s not illegal to purchase or sell poppers in the United States they are illegal for human consumption and FDA doesn’t regulate them. Poppers are marketed as deodorizers for rooms, leather cleaners, cleaners for VHS tapes, or nail polish removers.
The legality of poppers outside the United States can vary. Canada banned poppers in 2013, citing negative side effects. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposed a popper ban in 2018, but reversed it to regulate amyl-nitrite only as a prescription medication. The reversal was due to protests by the LGBTQ community, who cited such bans for being discriminatory and homophobic.
“Poppers have been used for a long time to enhance sexual function and experience,” explains Dr. Ng. But there are concerns about the negative effects of using poppers to enhance sexual pleasure. People may not have been aware or have not talked about them.
Are poppers dangerous for your health?
Poppers can be dangerous, and they should never ever be inhaled. Inhaling popper fumes can have severe side effects. Some of these may even be fatal.
Lowers blood pressure
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, a rush of blood to your head, and a rapid heartbeat when using poppers. The sensations may last for 30 seconds to several minutes and are caused when blood pressure suddenly drops. Some people with poppers experience headaches because their blood vessels in the brain have widened. You can faint or lose consciousness if your blood pressure falls too low.
Causes of irregular heart conditions that are fatal
You may also have an overworked heart. Tachycardia is when your heart beats faster than 100 times a minute. You should visit the emergency room if you feel dizzy or have chest pain.
Inhaling vapors may cause irregular heartbeats, which can lead to sudden sneezing death syndrome. This is when your heart stops working properly. Even first-time users can experience this.
Can have adverse effects when taking medications
When used in conjunction with drugs that are associated with high blood pressure, heart disease and erectile problems, poppers can have adverse interactions. Sildenafil, tadalafil and Cialis (r) are also medications that lower blood pressure. This combination can cause stroke, heart attacks or death when used together. It is particularly alarming that research indicates there has been a continued increase of chemsex or the recreational use if poppers and other drugs for sexual pleasure.
“With chemsex we are concerned that you may be less inhibited. And when you are less inhibited you might be less likely to use condoms, and you could have a greater chance of being exposed to HIV and to other STIs,” says Dr. Ng.
Cellular changes that cause chronic diseases
Amyl nitrite can cause chemical burns if it gets on your skin. Poppers’ vapors can cause cell changes, which may lead to chronic and complex conditions. As a result, retinal damage can cause maculopathy or loss of sight. This loss of sight can be permanent. methemoglobinemia is also possible. This blood disorder occurs when your blood cells are unable to transport oxygen throughout your body.
Dr. Ng explains that even if the lungs are breathing in a normal amount oxygen, the red cells can’t transport it because the hemoglobin is altered. It cannot carry oxygen properly. As a result of this, patients can experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue, shortness in breath, nausea, vomiting or rapid heartbeat. They may also develop blue-colored skin.
Is it possible to use poppers in an a healthy manner?
Any drug use comes with some risks. Inhalants such as poppers should never be used. You can reduce the risk of inhalants by not putting them on your skin, not mixing them with medications for erectile problems, and talking to your partner about safe sexual practices before you use them.
Dr. Ng warns that using poppers could be dangerous. It can cause damage to the cardiovascular system, eyes and even increase exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
