Alkyl nitrites are a liquid substance used in recreational and sometimes medical contexts. The group of chemicals known as alkyl nitrites is more commonly referred to as poppers. Inhaling the vapors of the liquid produces a short-term high. Poppers have muscle-relaxing, pain-relieving, and sexually stimulating effects.

🔴 If poppers are used regularly in conjunction with sex, it may become harder to enjoy sex without them. In this way, poppers can lead to psychological dependence.

Poppers is a common term for a group of chemicals called alkyl nitrites, typically sold in small, dark glass bottles. Sniffing poppers can increase sexual desire and cause the user to experience touch and pain differently. Poppers relax the muscles, which makes them used in both chemsex and other sexual contexts to relax the anal muscles.

Poppers are usually sold in small, dark glass bottles. The liquid inside is clear and has a strong, chemical smell. The bottles are often labeled with tags like “room deodorizer” or “leather cleaner” and can typically be found in sex shops, clubs, or online.

🕐 The vapors of the liquid are sniffed directly from the bottle; inhalation provides an immediate high but lasts only a few minutes.

💥 Avoid skin contact, as poppers can cause burns.

💥 Poppers should absolutely not be ingested, as it can lead to fatalities.

Inhaling poppers provides an immediate but short-lived effect. Blood pressure drops, heart rate increases, and users may feel warm, dizzy, and experience a sense of euphoria. Poppers have muscle-relaxing properties, and many use them to relax the anal muscles.

The class of alkyl nitrites includes various substances with different effects and risks. Although poppers share the same name or label, they may contain different ingredients.

Generally, poppers increase heart rate and lower blood pressure. Inhaling poppers can cause side effects such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Difficulty achieving/maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Feeling warm
• Skin redness
• Skin irritations
• Coughing
• Impaired vision
• Circulation problems

Regularly inhaling poppers over an extended period can lead to long-term consequences, including nerve damage, memory and concentration issues, respiratory tract damage, vision problems, weakened immune system, heart irregularities, and chronic erectile dysfunction.

If the person is unconscious, check if they are breathing, provide first aid, and call an ambulance (112 is the emergency number in Sweden, but it also works in all EU countries).

Using poppers can lead to psychological dependence. If someone becomes accustomed to using poppers in sexual contexts, it may become harder to enjoy sex without them.

Combining poppers with other substances can pose significant risks. Generally, the combination of poppers and other drugs can lead to oxygen deprivation, as well as cognitive and motor issues.

Poppers decrease oxygen supply to the brain by dilating blood vessels, which can be especially dangerous when mixed with substances that affect respiration.

The combination of various substances can make it difficult to assess dangers or control one’s body, increasing the risk of accidents.

Alcohol

• Dizziness and coordination problems, increasing the risk of accidents and falls
• Increased risk of nausea and vomiting when using poppers and alcohol together, along with the risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit)
• Lowered blood pressure and risk of unconsciousness

Stimulants , like amphetamines, cocaine, MDMA/Ecstasy

• Concurrent use with methamphetamine and cocaine significantly raises the risk of heart problems, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions
• Combining MDMA/Ecstasy with poppers can lead to increased risk of dehydration and elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)
• These substances can overload the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats and, in severe cases, heart attack

Depressants , like GHB/GBL or benzodiazepines

• Risk of respiratory depression, where breathing patterns become irregular or cease altogether
• Increased risk of overdose, unconsciousness, and coma
• Nausea and vomiting can pose choking hazards if the person is unconscious

Viagra

• The combination of poppers and erectile dysfunction medications (like Viagra or Cialis) can be particularly dangerous, as both substances lower blood pressure
• Severe blood pressure drops can lead to fainting, dizziness, cardiac arrest, or stroke
• In the worst cases, this can result in life-threatening cardiovascular complications

Poppers are often used to create a brief feeling of euphoria and relaxation, particularly in certain sexual contexts. To reduce the risk of harm when using poppers, here are some important harm reduction measures to keep in mind:

1. Substance interaction: Avoid mixing poppers with erectile dysfunction medications (like Viagra), stimulants (such as cocaine or crystal meth), and depressants (like GHB/GBL). These combinations can lead to serious cardiovascular issues, such as sudden drops in blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or respiratory depression.
2. Handle safely: Avoid spilling poppers on your skin or getting them in your eyes, as this can cause chemical burns. Always use poppers in well-ventilated areas to reduce the risk of oxygen deprivation or respiratory issues.
3. Listen to your body: If you experience dizziness, nausea, or any other negative effects, stop using poppers immediately and try to get some fresh air. Resting and hydrating can help if your blood pressure drops.