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Poppers: Difference between revisions

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>Blackhole
In the bathroom someone threw up, it's probably your girlfriend Power, energy, amphetamine Your homie is fucking semi-conscious girl on the wash machine Power, energy, amphetamine In the kitchen, two tweenies, hand, tit, saliva, saliva Power, energy, amphetamine And someone in the room knelt, with swallowing will be final Power, energy, amphetamine Yesterday melange on tablets, but today is entering amphetamine. Correct eyebrows. Where is the pencil? Fuck that, where pencil pouch. It is handbag
>David Hedlund
Undo revision 167547 by Blackhole (talk)
 
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In the bathroom someone threw up, it's probably your girlfriend Power, energy, amphetamine Your homie is fucking semi-conscious girl on the wash machine Power, energy, amphetamine In the kitchen, two tweenies, hand, tit, saliva, saliva Power, energy, amphetamine And someone in the room knelt, with swallowing will be final Power, energy, amphetamine Yesterday melange on tablets, but today is entering amphetamine.
{{SummarySheet}}
Correct eyebrows. Where is the pencil?
 
Fuck that, where pencil pouch. It is handbag of amphetamine.
[[File:HOpoppers.jpg|300px|thumbnail|A selection of poppers]]
Rolled new hundred. You to the town in these toe shoes? With Zara still hanging tag. Straight from the Gatty fishnet tights. Wet plate amphetamine sticky. Well, pat in the gums. Each leg toddle, toddle. Chill out, oh the tissue. Think that here is hectare of jive. Lay down on a couch. Do not outflow, it is not a berth. Power, energy, amphetamine Power, energy, amphetamine Power, energy, amphetamine Power, energy, amphetamine Morning gym and a little Metanobol, and in the evening enters amphetamine.
'''Alkyl nitrites''' (also known as '''poppers''') are a class of volatile liquid substances including '''amyl nitrite''', '''butyl nitrite''', '''cyclohexyl nitrite''', '''ethyl nitrite''', '''hexyl nitrite''', '''isobutyl nitrite''', '''isopropyl nitrite''', and '''methyl nitrite''' (see [[#Alkyl nitrites|this section]] for more details).
Nose or bomb is a roulette. Additionally to phase bottle burst. On the windowsill while a meter away. The nose is clogged? Then unplug! Gang in Tico van. Tico is jumping, so it’s orgy. Aeroplane flight over the city. Windows down, chill elbow. Good clothing is a badge, a good shoe is a label. For the party is a cash. For girls chat catch. Each one willing, blonde, brunette. Turbo tongue, cunnilingus master In the bathroom someone threw up, it's probably your girlfriend Power, energy, amphetamine Your homie is fucking semi-conscious girl on the wash machine Power, energy, amphetamine In the kitchen, two tweenies, hand, tit, saliva, saliva Power, energy, amphetamine And someone in the room knelt, with swallowing will be final
 
Alkyl nitrites are volatile whose fumes are inhaled for recreational purposes, particularly in preparation for sexual activities.<ref name="MerckManuals">{{Citation | title=Volatile Nitrites - Special Subjects | url=https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/recreational-drugs-and-intoxicants/volatile-nitrites?ruleredirectid=249&qt=&sc=&alt=}}</ref>
 
They are known for producing intense but short-lived muscle relaxing effects that start after about 15 seconds and last for up to 3 minutes.
 
The most common method of administering poppers is to open the bottle, hold it under one's nostril, and inhale. Other methods of popper usage such as [[Routes_of_Administration#Oral|oral]] use are extremely dangerous and can potentially result in death or coma. It is worth noting that alkyl nitrites burn the skin on contact and are extremely flammable.
 
==Alkyl nitrites==
Alkyl nitrite: Boiling point (°C)[1]
* Very volatile (perceived as "potent")
** Methyl nitrite: -12.9±3.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.11730.html</ref>
** Ethyl nitrite: 20.0±3.0 °C at 760 mmH<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.7735.html</ref>
** Isopropyl nitrite (2-propyl nitrite): 39.0±9.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.10466.html</ref>
* Moderately volatile
** Isobutyl nitrite (2-methylpropyl nitrite): 70.5±9.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.10493.html</ref>
** Butyl nitrite (n-butyl nitrite): 78.8±3.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.10530.html</ref>
* Slowly volatile (perceived as "less potent")
** Amyl nitrite (isoamyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite): 99.1±9.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.7762.html</ref>
** Cyclohexyl nitrite: 138.7±7.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.474493.html</ref>
** Hexyl nitrite: 129.6±3.0 °C at 760 mmHg<ref>http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.4895948.html</ref>
 
1: The lower the boiling point is, the more volatile.
 
Amyl nitrite is the most widely sold alkyl nitrite. Isopropyl nitrite became popular due to a ban on isobutyl nitrite in the European Union in 2007. Poppers were part of the disco club culture from the 1970s to the 1980s. Their usage was further popularized by the 1990s rave scene.<ref>{{Citation | year=2007 | title=Drugscope - Nitrites | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070405132026/http://www.drugscope.org.uk/druginfo/drugsearch/ds_results.asp?file=%5cwip%5c11%5c1%5c1%5cnitrites.html}}</ref> Today, they are mainly sold in sex shops in the form of small bottles, or as cap vials.
 
==Chemistry==
[[File:200px-Nitrite-ester-2D.png|210px|thumbnail]]
 
Poppers are chemicals known as [[chemical class::alkyl nitrites]]. These are chemical compounds of structure R–O-N=O. In more formal terms, they are alkyl esters of nitrous acid. Alkyl nitrites are [[inhalants]], meaning they have very low vapor points and become airborne almost immediately at room temperature. Organic nitrites are prepared from alcohols and sodium nitrite in sulfuric acid solution. They decompose slowly on standing. The decomposition products are oxides of nitrogen, water and the alcohol as well as polymerization products of the aldehyde.
 
==Pharmacology==
{{Pharmacology}}
The pharmacology of alkyl nitrites is not yet fully understood, but the primary mechanism by which they exert their effects is believed to be by reduction to nitric oxide which functions as a gasotransmitter (a gaseous neurotransmitter) in mammals which causes the relaxation of smooth muscle. Veins and arteries are mainly composed of vascular smooth muscle and by releasing nitric oxide, poppers cause dilation of veins and arteries, lowering blood pressure and allowing blood to be pumped around the body at a greater rate.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nossaman, V. E.)), ((Nossaman, B. D.)), ((Kadowitz, P. J.)) | journal=Cardiology in review | title=Nitrates and Nitrites in the Treatment of Ischemic Cardiac Disease | volume=18 | issue=4 | pages=190–197 | date= 2010 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2885014/ | issn=1061-5377 | doi=10.1097/CRD.0b013e3181c8e14a}}</ref> The relaxation of smooth muscle tissue in the vagina and anal sphincters is one reason for the use poppers during sexual activity with users aiming to facilitate easier penetration.
 
==Subjective effects==
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{effects/base
|{{effects/physical|
*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' - Users are sometimes left with a headache due to the expansion of blood vessels in the brain.<ref>{{Citation | year=2015 | title=Poppers - TheSite.org | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704070750/http://www.thesite.org/drink-and-drugs/legal-highs/poppers-9999.html}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Changes in gravity]]''' - Many users report feelings that they are falling or that the room is spinning.
*'''[[Effect::Decreased blood pressure]]''' - Since nitrites are vasodilating, they often substantially decrease blood pressure.<ref name="IsraelstamLambert2017">{{cite journal|last1=Israelstam|first1=Stephen|last2=Lambert|first2=Sylvia|last3=Oki|first3=Gustave|title=Poppers, A New Recreational Drug Craze*|journal=Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal|volume=23|issue=7|year=1978|pages=493–495|issn=0008-4824|doi=10.1177/070674377802300711}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]''' - Inhaling nitrites relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, and are particularly effective at relaxing the sphincter muscles in the anus. They are popularly used in the LGBT community for this purpose.<ref name="IsraelstamLambert2017"/>
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Vasodilation]]''' - The vasodilation of poppers is intense and sudden. It results in feelings of blood rushing to the brain accompanied by a sensation of heat throughout one's body (but particularly in the face/head region).<ref name="IsraelstamLambert2017"/>
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]'''
 
}}
 
|{{effects/cognitive|
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased libido]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Laughter]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought loops]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Time distortion]]''' - Some users may experience the impression of time slowing down.  
}}
 
}}
 
===Experience reports===
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:
* [https://erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Inhalants_Nitrites.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Poppers]
 
==Toxicity and harm potential==
[[File:harmchart.png|thumb|right|300px|Radar plot showing relative physical harm, social harm, and dependence of alkyl nitrates<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nutt, D.)), ((King, L. A.)), ((Saulsbury, W.)), ((Blakemore, C.)) | journal=The Lancet | title=Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse | volume=369 | issue=9566 | pages=1047–1053 | date=24 March 2007 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607604644 | issn=0140-6736 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4}}</ref>]]
The 2005 Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy reported that there is little evidence of significant hazard associated with inhalation of alkyl nitrites.<ref name="MerckManuals"/> A study and ranking of drugs for harmfulness devised by British government advisers and based upon health professionals opinions of harm to both individuals and society placed alkyl nitrites among the less harmful substances when compared to other recreational drugs including [[alcohol]] and [[tobacco]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nutt, D.)), ((King, L. A.)), ((Saulsbury, W.)), ((Blakemore, C.)) | journal=Lancet (London, England) | title=Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse | volume=369 | issue=9566 | pages=1047–1053 | date=24 March 2007 | issn=1474-547X | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4}}</ref> The primary risk of popper usage is a chemical burn if spilled on one's skin.  
 
All forms of alkyl nitrites are highly flammable and should not be used if one is smoking or has candles nearby.
 
Alkyl nitrites are a possible and rare cause of concern in a small number of cases of maculopathy (eye damage) in recent case reports from UK and France.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Davies, A. J.)), ((Kelly, S. P.)), ((Bhatt, P. R.)) | journal=Eye | title=‘Poppers maculopathy’—an emerging ophthalmic reaction to recreational substance abuse | volume=26 | issue=6 | pages=888–888 | date= June 2012 | url=https://www.nature.com/articles/eye201237 | issn=1476-5454 | doi=10.1038/eye.2012.37}}</ref> Some studies have concluded that there may be increased risk for at least temporary retinal damage with habitual popper use in certain users; in a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine, an ophthalmologist described four cases in which recreational users of poppers experienced temporary changes in vision.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Dixon, D. S.)), ((Reisch, R. F.)), ((Santinga, P. H.)) | journal=Journal of Forensic Sciences | title=Fatal methemoglobinemia resulting from ingestion of isobutyl nitrite, a “room odorizer” widely used for recreational purposes | volume=26 | issue=3 | pages=587–593 | date= July 1981 | issn=0022-1198}}</ref> Another study described foveal (daylight vision) damage in six habitual poppers users.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Audo, I.)), ((El Sanharawi, M.)), ((Vignal-Clermont, C.)), ((Villa, A.)), ((Morin, A.)), ((Conrath, J.)), ((Fompeydie, D.)), ((Sahel, J.-A.)), ((Gocho-Nakashima, K.)), ((Goureau, O.)), ((Paques, M.)) | journal=Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill.: 1960) | title=Foveal damage in habitual poppers users | volume=129 | issue=6 | pages=703–708 | date= June 2011 | issn=1538-3601 | doi=10.1001/archophthalmol.2011.6}}</ref> In 2014, optometrists and ophthalmologists reported having noticed an increase in vision loss in chronic poppers users in the UK associated with isopropyl nitrite being substituted for isobutyl nitrite in 2006.<ref>More evidence 'poppers' may damage eyesight | http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/07/08/us-proppers-eyesight-idINKBN0FD1ZD20140708</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Gruener, A. M.)), ((Jeffries, M. A. R.)), ((Housseini, Z. E.)), ((Whitefield, L.)) | journal=The Lancet | title=Poppers maculopathy | volume=384 | issue=9954 | pages=1606 | date=1 November 2014 | url=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60887-4/fulltext | issn=0140-6736 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60887-4}}</ref>
 
=====Isobutyl nitrite toxicity treatment=====
Isobutyl nitrite is known to cause methemoglobinemia.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Taylor |first1=Gregory M |last2=Avera |first2=Robert S |last3=Strachan |first3=Christian C |last4=Briggs |first4=Christian M |last5=Medler |first5=Jason P |last6=Pafford |first6=Carl M |last7=Gant |first7=Timothy B |title=Severe methemoglobinemia secondary to isobutyl nitrite toxicity: the case of the ‘Gold Rush’ |journal=Oxford Medical Case Reports |date=1 February 2021 |volume=2021 |issue=2 |pages=omaa136 |doi=10.1093/omcr/omaa136}}</ref> Severe methemoglobinemia may be treated with [[methylene blue]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Modarai |first1=B |last2=Kapadia |first2=YK |last3=Kerins |first3=M |last4=Terris |first4=J |title=Methylene blue: a treatment for severe methaemoglobinaemia secondary to misuse of amyl nitrite. |journal=Emergency medicine journal : EMJ |date=May 2002 |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=270-1 |doi=10.1136/emj.19.3.270 |pmid=11971852 |pmc=1725875}}</ref>
 
===Lethal dosage===
The only consistently safe [[routes of administration|route of administration]] used with poppers is inhalation. Oral use of the liquid can prove fatal enough to result in a lethal dosage.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Dixon, D. S.)), ((Reisch, R. F.)), ((Santinga, P. H.)) | journal=Journal of Forensic Sciences | title=Fatal methemoglobinemia resulting from ingestion of isobutyl nitrite, a “room odorizer” widely used for recreational purposes | volume=26 | issue=3 | pages=587–593 | date= July 1981 | issn=0022-1198}}</ref><ref name="Hagan2007">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hagan, I. G.)), ((Burney, K.)) | journal=Radiographics: A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc | title=Radiology of recreational drug abuse | volume=27 | issue=4 | pages=919–940 | date= August 2007 | issn=1527-1323 | doi=10.1148/rg.274065103}}</ref> It is near impossible to overdose through the conventional use of poppers.
 
An overdose via oral ingestion (rather than inhalation) may result in cyanosis, unconsciousness, coma, and even death.<ref name="Medsafe">{{cite web |title=Amyl Nitrite |work=Medsafe |publisher=New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority |date=May 18, 2000 |url=http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/datasheet/a/Amylnitrateinh.htm |access-date=March 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111105814/http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/datasheet/a/Amylnitrateinh.htm |archive-date=November 11, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Dixon-1981">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dixon DS, Reisch RF, Santinga PH | title = Fatal methemoglobinemia resulting from ingestion of isobutyl nitrite, a "room odorizer" widely used for recreational purposes | journal = Journal of Forensic Sciences | volume = 26 | issue = 3 | pages = 587–93 | date = July 1981 | doi = 10.1520/JFS11404J | pmid = 7252472 }}</ref><ref name="Pruijm-2002">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pruijm MT, de Meijer PH | title = [Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of isobutyl nitrite ('poppers')] | journal = Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde | volume = 146 | issue = 49 | pages = 2370–3 | date = December 2002 | pmid = 12510403 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Stalnikowicz R, Amitai Y, Bentur Y | title = Aphrodisiac drug-induced hemolysis | journal = Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology | volume = 42 | issue = 3 | pages = 313–6 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15362601 | doi = 10.1081/clt-120037435 | s2cid = 9389458 }}</ref><ref>Emergency Medicine: Principles and Practice. Harper & Collins, 2nd edition. 2008. pp. 42–51.{{full citation needed|date=June 2016}}</ref> Accidental aspiration of amyl or butyl nitrites may cause lipoid pneumonia.<ref name="Hagan-">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hagan IG, Burney K | title = Radiology of recreational drug abuse | journal = Radiographics | volume = 27 | issue = 4 | pages = 919–40 | date = July–August 2007 | pmid = 17620459 | doi = 10.1148/rg.274065103 }}</ref> Methylene blue is a treatment for methemoglobinemia associated with popper use.<ref name="Hagan2007"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Pruijm, M. T. C.)), ((Meijer, P. H. E. M. de)) | journal=Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde | title=[Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of isobutyl nitrite ('poppers’)] | volume=146 | issue=49 | pages=2370–2373 | date=7 December 2002 | issn=0028-2162}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Stalnikowicz, R.)), ((Amitai, Y.)), ((Bentur, Y.)) | journal=Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology | title=Aphrodisiac drug-induced hemolysis | volume=42 | issue=3 | pages=313–316 | date= 2004 | issn=0731-3810 | doi=10.1081/clt-120037435}}</ref><ref>Emergency Medicine: Principles and Practice. Harper & Collins, 2nd edition. 2008. pp. 42–51.</ref> Accidental aspiration of amyl or butyl nitrites may lead to the development of lipoid pneumonia.<ref name="Hagan2007"/>
 
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this class of substances.
 
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
There is no real tolerance to be gained through popper use. They are considered to have little to no addictive potential.
 
===Dangerous to administer orally===
The consumption of alkyl nitrites can lead to methemoglobinemia, and the possibility of inhalation causing it has not been ruled out.<ref name="pmid3430141">{{cite journal |vauthors=O'Toole JB, Robbins GB, Dixon DS |title=Ingestion of isobutyl nitrite, a recreational chemical of abuse, causing fatal methemoglobinemia |journal=J. Forensic Sci. |volume=32 |issue=6 |pages=1811–2 |date=November 1987 |doi=10.1520/JFS11240J |pmid=3430141}}</ref>
 
===Dangerous interactions===
Alkyl nitrites are interactive with other [[vasodilation|vasodilators]] like sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) and nitroglycerin to cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Romanelli, F.)), ((Smith, K. M.)) | journal=The Annals of Pharmacotherapy | title=Recreational use of sildenafil by HIV-positive and -negative homosexual/bisexual males | volume=38 | issue=6 | pages=1024–1030 | date= June 2004 | issn=1060-0280 | doi=10.1345/aph.1D571}}</ref>
 
==Legal status==
*'''Canada''': The sale of poppers in any formulation has been banned in Canada. Although not considered a narcotic and not illegal to possess or use, they are considered a drug. Sales that are not authorized can now be punished with fines and prison.<ref>{{Citation | title=Health Canada cracks down on poppers, Xtra Magazine | url=https://xtramagazine.com/power/health-canada-cracks-down-on-poppers-50163}}</ref>
*'''European Union''': Since 2007, reformulated poppers containing isopropyl nitrite are sold in Europe; isobutyl nitrite is prohibited as it is considered carcinogenic.<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/119139/acmdnps2011.pdf | Consideration of the Novel Psychoactive Substances (‘Legal Highs’)". Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. pp. 52–54.</ref>
*'''France''': In France, the sale of products containing butyl nitrite, pentyl nitrite, or isomers thereof, has been prohibited since 1990 on grounds of danger to consumers.<ref>http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?dateTexte=20090901&cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000166136 | "Decree 90–274 of 26 March 1990" (in French). Legifrance.gouv.fr. 2009-05-15.</ref> In 2007, the government extended this prohibition to all alkyl nitrites that were not authorized for sale as drugs.<ref>http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?dateTexte=20090901&cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000341445 | "Decree 2007-1636 of 20 November 2007" (in French). Legifrance.gouv.fr.</ref>
*'''Germany''': Poppers are not controlled under the BtMG (Narcotics Act) or the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act).<ref>BtMG | http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/BtMG.pdf</ref><ref>NpSG | https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/NpSG.pdf</ref> They are legal, as long as they are not sold for human consumption, according to §2 AMG.<ref>{{Citation | title=§ 2 AMG - Einzelnorm | url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amg_1976/__2.html}}</ref>
*'''United Kingdom''': In the United Kingdom, poppers are sold in gay clubs/bars, sex shops, drug paraphernalia head shops, over the Internet, and in markets. It is illegal under Medicines Act 1968 to sell them advertised for human consumption, and in order to bypass this, they are usually sold as odorizers.
*'''United States''': Poppers containing alkyl nitrites other than amyl nitrite are readily available in the United States. Sometimes they are sold as video head cleaners, polish removers, or room odorizers. They have not regained the popularity they had in the 1970s.
 
==See also==
*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Inhalants]]
 
==External Links==
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppers Poppers (Wikipedia)]
*[https://drugs-forum.com/wiki/Amyl_Nitrite Amyl Nitrite (Drugs-Forum)]
 
==References==
<references />
 
[[Category:Inhalant]]
[[Category:Depressant]]
 
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