• Drugs Info  
  • Type of drugs
  • About drugs
    • Drug use factors
    • Drugs and mental health
    • Drugs and sport
    • Drugs and pregnancy
    • Drugs and the law
    • How long do drugs stay in your system?
    • The nature and states of drug use
    • What are the most commonly used drugs
    • What they are and where they come from
  • Legal and Illegal Highs
  • For parents / carers
    • Don't Lose The Head
    • Effects on the family
    • Why some young people take drugs and others don't
    • How can I prevent my child from becoming involved with drugs?
    • Prevention
    • How can I tell if my child is using drugs?
    • Signs and symptoms
    • I am worried that my teenager might be using drugs
    • What should I do if I find out that my child is using cannabis
    • Intervention
  • For teens
    • Cannabis
    • Know the score
    • The teen brain
    • Worried about someone
  • Getting help
• Alcohol Info  
  • About alcohol
    • The effects of alcohol
    • What is a standard drink? What is a binge?
    • Alcohol and pregnancy
    • Alcohol and the law
    • Can you diet and drink?
  • Alcohol and young people
    • What are the effects?
    • What are the signs?
    • What can you do
    • Why young people drink
  • Facts and myths
  • Problem drinking
    • Worried about someone else's drinking
    • Worried about a parent?
  • Tips for drinking less
  • Where to get help
• Services  
• Features  
• Resources  
  • Multimedia
    • Audio / podcasts
    • Video
  • Links
  • Publications
    • Guides and support booklets
    • National strategy documents and reports
    • Global reports
  • Research
  • Statistics
    • Prevalence - Ireland
    • Prevalence - Europe

Poppers Category: Stimulants

(also called: amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, ram, thrust, rock harm, kix, TNT, liquid gold, locker room, purple haze)

How it’s used

Poppers are a clear, yellow or gold liquid which you inhale straight from a bottle or on a cloth. You can also get it in tablet form. Has a sweet odour when fresh.

Short-term effects

• Nitrites dilate blood vessels and allow more blood to get to your heart
• You get a rush as your heartbeat speeds up and blood rushes to your head. This lasts a few minutes
• Can make your orgasm last longer and help relax anal muscles

Long-term effects

• Can cause skin problems around nose and lips
• Dangerous if you have heart problems or glaucoma

Other dangers

• Don’t drink poppers  
• Don’t mix with viagra or blood pressure medication
• Can burn if poppers come in contact with your skin
• Risk of fire

If you are pregnant

Do not use if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby.

Addictive

You can build tolerance so you need to take more to get the same effect

Withdrawal

You may find it difficult to get an erection after sniffing poppers.

What help is available?

• Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
• Counselling or psychotherapy
• Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
• Support from your doctor to withdraw or keep off
• Aftercare
• One to one or group family support
• Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

Share this: