Poppers (also known as amyl and butyl nitrites) were more ubiquitous on gay dance floors, bedrooms and back rooms in the late '70s and early '80s than they are today, but they still remain part of the gay subculture. Originally, poppers came in small, glass capsules encased in cotton wool that popped when crushed between your fingers -- giving this drug its persistent street name.

Amyl and Butyl nitrites were designed to treat angina (chest pain) and not (shock of shocks) to make your head spin. Poppers are mostly sold in sex shops and gay nightclubs, and are said to enhance your sexual arousal and prolong and intensify your orgasms.

What is it really?

Technically, amyl and butyl nitrites are a vasodilator -- a medication that increases your heart rate and expands your blood vessels, producing a brief high or "rush". The combined effects cause your blood pressure to drop precipitously. The rush comes as your heart struggles to keep blood flowing to your brain. How is it used? Poppers come as a yellowish liquid in small, screw-top bottles. Sniffing makes your blood pressure drop, so your brain gets less blood and you become light-headed and giddy. You may also feel a heat flash, intense sexual desire and the sensation of blood rushing to your head. These effects usually last less than a minute and not more than two. Some users complain of a headache after use. Brand names for poppers include: Ram, Rush, Liquid Gold and Thrust (hello, sexual metaphor!). When fresh, poppers smell sweet, like citrus, but acquire an unpleasant sock odor when stale.

With persistent use, poppers have been known to cause burns around the nose. Their vapor is extremely flammable, so don't smoke while you do poppers.

Physiological Impact

Side effects of poppers include: headache, nausea, coughing, dizziness and -- less frequently -- a brief loss of consciousness. People who are anemic, have high blood pressure, blocked arteries, heart trouble or a family history of cerebral hemorrhaging should avoid using the drug. Studies show that you can develop a tolerance to poppers. While there's no evidence that physical dependence follows regular use, many gay men report some aspects of psychological dependence; for example, many feel they can no longer have sex without using poppers. Medical research also shows that poppers lower your immune response to infection many hours after use. This can increase your chances of catching HIV or another STD's

Dangerous complication/interactions

Recent deaths occurred in men who used poppers in combination with Viagra. Both drugs dilate blood vessels, and when combined, they can cause blood pressure to drop so low that your heart and brain don't get enough oxygen to function.

Do not use poppers if you are on anti-depressants, heart disease or blood pressure medication or if you are anemic or suffer from glaucoma. The interactions are dangerous and can be fatal.

Use of poppers with any drug or medication that lowers blood pressure is dangerous and potentially life threatening.

by Christopher Barillas Updated July 10th, 2000