Amyl Nitrate – Drug Abuse
Amyl nitrate is a prescription medication for people suffering from angina. It is also a street drug known as “poppers,” often used recreationally for its sex enhancement effects.
Those unfamiliar with the condition are associated with severe chest pains that can spread to the shoulders, arms, and neck because of inadequate blood flow to the heart.
- The inhalant relaxes blood vessels and increases blood and oxygen to the heart while easing the body’s cardiac workload.
- Personal use of this class of chemicals, known as alkyl nitrates, without a prescription has been illegal since the 1980s.
- However, alkyl nitrates are legal for commercial purposes, such as nail polish remover, video-head cleaners, and room deodorizers.
One popular method for recreational users is sticking an unlit cigarette into the bottle of liquid, pulling it out, and inhaling the fumes through the tobacco. Unfortunately, it is potentially hazardous because amyl nitrate and isopropyl nitrites are incredibly flammable. Unlit cigarettes will not make the chemicals spontaneously combust.
“But you would have to be pretty stupid to do that, wouldn’t you?” writes Adam Lusher, a contributor to the UK outlet The Independent. “Yes. Or drunk. Furthermore, the government has not – yet – banned cigarettes and alcohol.”
- Inhaling is not a risk-free pastime, but many recreational users claim that along with the very brief “head rush” that comes with it, the drug improves sex.
In addition to the vascular rush of blood, the nitrates loosen involuntary muscle tissue, making anal, vaginal, and female-to-male oral sex less difficult or uncomfortable. One reason why, argue some recreational users, “poppers” rose to popularity as a sex drug in the gay community first.
According to the Mayo Clinic, inhaling these substances can lead to some adverse side effects, including the following:
- Fast pulse
- Flushing of the face and neck
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness
Regular or heavy use, it should be mentioned, might lead to;
- scaly, yellow skin lesions around the nose, lips, and mouth
- slurred speech
- lack of coordination
- unsteady gait
Never consume while using sildenafil and tadalafil, more commonly known as Viagra and Cialis, because both drugs interact with blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Though a fatal overdose is rare, it is possible, especially for people with blood pressure.
The commercial use stipulation in the law is a loophole because they are available at head shops, sex shops, and most especially online. Labels contain a “do not drink or inhale” warning on these miniature bottles, which are now mostly isopropyl nitrites instead of amyl nitrate, are sold under names like;
- “Rush”
- “Jungle Juice”
- “Clock Cleaner”
Amyl nitrate and isopropyl nitrites are not physically addictive, but anecdotal evidence suggests some users feel dependent on “poppers” to perform during sex.