Poppers: What They Are And What They Do

Poppers are small bottles of liquid alkyl nitrites. Users open the cap and inhale the evaporating vapors. The desired effect hits in seconds and fades completely in just two to three minutes. The name “popper” comes from the pop sound that comes when you break the small glass bottle. Here are some essentials about poppers.

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Know How Poppers Work

Since the desired effect of poppers hits and fades in a few minutes, it is a desired feel-good drug without long-term effects. This short, intense window is the main reason why many love these nitrites. When you make amyl nitrate poppers buy, the nitrite chemical quickly converts into nitric oxide (NO) within the bloodstream. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, meaning it forces the relaxation of every smooth muscle in the body.

You will enjoy several physical effects, as listed below:

Blood vessels in the head and upper body open wide.
There is a sharp drop in blood pressure due to vasodilation.
The heart compensates for the sudden pressure drop by beating faster and harder. This causes a head rush, skin flushing, and a warm, euphoric wave.
The relaxation of smooth muscles includes the anal and vaginal sphincter muscles.

Types Of Poppers

There are several types of poppers, each with different characteristics, strengths, and side effects. The most common one is amyl nitrite, which was first used medically. People love it for the classic ‘clean’ high where you experience a less intense headache.

Another common type is isobutyl nitrite. This was popular in the 70s and 80s. However, it was banned in some countries due to safety concerns. One concern is that it causes a strong initial headache. The last type of poppers is isopropyl nitrite. It is the most recent on the market and popular too. Users experience temporary vision problems (maculopathy) with heavy or prolonged use.

Real Health Risks And Side Effects

Poppers are generally safe if used correctly. However, you expect a few issues with poppers with repeated use. Some people experience mild to strong headaches due to rapid vasodilation. Others may experience dizziness from the rapid drop in pressure. Finally, maculopathy (a disturbance in the central retina) usually occurs due to changes in blood pressure. Fortunately, this condition is reversible after the effects of the drug have worn off.

Sometimes, inhaling poppers can put you in grave danger. This occurs if the chemical interacts with others that you may be taking or aggravates pre-existing conditions due to pressure changes in the blood. Never mix poppers with Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or similar PDE-5 inhibitors. This combination causes a catastrophic and potentially fatal drop in blood pressure. If using one, wait at least 24 hours before using the other.

The nitric liquid is caustic. So, ingesting it causes severe chemical burns in your digestive tract. It can also lead to a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. This condition causes the blood to carry very little oxygen. On the other hand, if you have heart problems, very low blood pressure, anemia, or glaucoma, avoid using it. Poppers cause a rapid change in blood pressure, which may aggravate the symptoms.

Know The Legal Status Around The World

Poppers are either sold for human consumption or for industrial use. In several countries, at least one usage is legally allowed. For example, in the United Kingdom, the sale for human consumption is banned in the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016. However, possessing one is legal, as it is sold as a room odorizer and leather cleaner.

In the United States, recreational amyl nitrite is banned by the FDA. Other alkyl nitrites are sold legally as “deodorizers” or “video head cleaners.” The good thing is that most states allow adults to purchase them legally.

Conclusion

Poppers offer a short, intense relaxation effect. You can use them occasionally when you need to relax or enjoy that euphoria. When using it, avoid any contact with the liquid or ingesting it. Just sniff those vapors that come out when you pop the lid open. Also, avoid using it when taking any medication, especially ED medication or drugs related to blood pressure.

Disclaimer: The above references an opinion of the author and is for information purposes only. This article is not intended for people living in countries where the usage of the substance mentioned in this post is illegal. Respect the law in your country and/or state. Always seek advice from a qualified professional in the relevant field.