Nitrites are chemicals that cause blood vessels and muscles to relax. They are sometimes called poppers.
Poppers come as a clear, yellow or gold liquid. People sniff the liquid from the bottle or a cloth.
Do not swallow the liquid. It is very dangerous.
Other names for poppers
Other names include: amyl, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, kix, liquid gold, locker room, purple haze, ram, rock harm, thrust, TNT
Effects of poppers
The effects of poppers can vary depending on:
- your size, weight and sex
- if you have any health conditions or mental health difficulties
- how you take the drug
- the strength of the drug
- how much you take
- if you take alcohol, medicines or other drugs at the same time
- where you take the drug and how you feel before you take it
- if you have taken the drug before and how often
The effects of poppers start immediately and last for 3 to 5 minutes.
How you may feel or behave
You may have:
- a rush of intense happiness (euphoria) or excitement
- lower inhibitions
Effects on your brain and body
Poppers cause muscles to relax. This includes muscles that you cannot control, such as muscles in the anus and vagina. It can reduce pain when a person receives a penis into their bottom or vagina (receptive sex).
Poppers can also cause:
- increased heart rate
- low blood pressure
- dizziness
- headaches
- nausea (feeling sick)
- slowed breathing
- blurred vision or problems with your eyesight
- nose bleeds
- irritated skin around your nose, mouth or eyes
- problems getting an erection
Poppers and dependency
Signs of dependency can include:
- cravings for a drug
- withdrawal symptoms
- continuing to use a drug even when it causes you harm
Poppers do not usually cause physical dependency. But some people may feel they cannot have sex without poppers.
Some people may develop a tolerance if they use poppers often. This is when you need to take more of the drug to get the same effects.
How long do poppers stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long poppers stay in your system.
There are tests to detect poppers. But different types of tests have different detection times.
Things that affect how long a drug stays in your system
The time it takes for a drug to leave your system depends on many things.
For example:
- how much you took
- how often you take the drug
- how strong the drug was
- your age, sex and metabolism
- your general health
Reducing risks from poppers
It’s always safest not to take drugs.
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of harm if you use poppers. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
There is a higher risk of negative effects from poppers if you have:
- problems with blood pressure
- heart problems
- anaemia
- glaucoma
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Do not swallow the liquid.
Swallowing poppers can cause severe injuries or death.
Keep the liquid away from your skin.
Poppers can cause burns.
Keep poppers away from lit cigarettes, lighters or other flames.
This is to reduce the risk of burns. Poppers can catch fire very quickly.
Think about your sexual health.
There are things you can do to look after yourself and your partners if you could have sex when you take drugs.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing poppers with alcohol or other drugs
It’s always safest not to mix drugs. But some combinations are more risky than others.
There are higher risks if you use poppers with:
- Viagra or other erection medicines
- blood pressure medicines
- drugs that speed up messages between your brain and body (stimulants) - for example, speed or cocaine
It can cause a severe drop in blood pressure or heart problems.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else:
- swallowed popper liquid
- has problems breathing
- has chest pain
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know and give them the bottle if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about popper use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can find support.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie