By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 25, 2023
Poppers Drug
What do poppers drugs do? Poppers are recreational drugs containing alkyl nitrites, an organic compound. They are usually inhaled directly from the bottle or vial, inhaling the vapors through the mouth or nose. Some believe it can enhance sexual experiences or provide a “rush” like other recreational drugs. Using the drug can be hazardous to your health and potentially deadly.
What are Poppers Drugs Chart?
What are Poppers drugs? | The drug composed of nitrates, used to treat chest pains or angina, and was sold in small glass capsules that were popped open and inhaled. Thus, the name. |
Poppers Effects | Amyl Nitrite drug highs can bring a euphoric, elevated head rush due to blood flow rushing to the head and a sick, faint, decreased coordination. |
How long does Amyl Nitrite take to work? How long do Poppers last? | Poppers drugs begin working right away. Poppers drug headrush lasts for a few minutes, then diminishes. You may feel light-headed, woozy, or unwell after sniffing the drug. |
Poppers drug side effects | Are Poppers safe? Ingesting them can be deadly. Inhaling Poppers is dangerous for heart conditions because it can induce irregular or fast heartbeats. Repeated use can injure eyesight. Raised blood flow can induce nosebleeds, headaches, or chest pains. |
What do Poppers drug look, taste, and smell like? | Popper drug looks like liquid chemicals found in small bottles with brands like Liquid Gold and Bang Aroma. Poppers smell like a very strong solvent odor. You shouldn’t taste the drug. Ingesting them is very dangerous. People can die from swallowing the drug. |
Mixing Poppers drug | Mixing Amyl Nitrite drugs is always dangerous. Some combinations can be a lot more dangerous vs. others. |
Best Poppers Brand & street slang | Double Scorpio Poppers, Jungle Juice Poppers, Rock Hard, Super Rush Poppers, TNT, Thrust (continue below for more). |
What Are Poppers? Amyl Nitrite/Poppers Meaning.
Poppers is a street word or a slang term used to describe psychoactive drugs (Amyl Nitrite) in liquid form that releases vapors inhaled by the user to get high. The first Poppers contained amyl nitrites, a drug initially used in heart medications [1]. These drugs can contain several chemicals, including amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, and isopropyl nitrite.
The drug typically comes in small bottles, giving it another nickname, liquid gold. However, it may also come in tiny capsules that can be crushed to release the vapors. Individuals recreationally inhale the vapors straight from the bottle or use a cloth to absorb and breathe the liquid, as with huffing.
What are Poppers drugs used for? Initially, they were often used among the LGBT community to relax muscles for anal sex, but their function has been expanded because of their many other euphoric effects [2]. Unfortunately, using them is a form of inhalant abuse. Recreational use of Amyl Nitrite drug is illegal in the United States. However, not everyone follows these regulations, and the small bottles can sometimes still be purchased online or in sex shops.
According to the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) [3], healthcare providers report increased hospitalizations and deaths linked to inhalation or intentional ingestion of nitrite products for recreational use, including sexual experience enhancement.
Are Poppers Dangerous?
Are Poppers safe? According to the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) [4], these products are unsafe to ingest or inhale. The potentially harmful effects of Amyl Nitrite can vary from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening methemoglobinemia when there are abnormal amounts of hemoglobin in the blood.
The chemicals in the Amyl Nitrite’s liquid bottles can damage the skin or other tissues they come in contact with, cause difficulty breathing, seizures, extreme drops in blood pressure, decreases in blood oxygen levels, heart arrhythmia, coma, and death. Therefore, do not ingest or inhale under any circumstances.
Amyl Nitrite Addiction Dangers
The drug can be addictive both psychologically and chemically, meaning regular use could lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The drug should NOT be mixed with other substances, particularly alcohol or erectile dysfunction medication, as this can be life-threatening.
Amyl Nitrite Names and Brands
Manufacturers are labeling and packaging these products in a way that may mislead consumers into thinking that the bottles are safe or intended to be inhaled or ingested by drinking. For example, they are often packaged in the same style of energy drink bottles and labeled with names like:
- Rush Poppers
- Double Scorpio Poppers
- Sub-Zero
- Iron Horse
- Super Rush Poppers
- Jungle Juice Poppers
- Locker Room
One major concern is how Amyl Nitrite interacts with other drugs. For instance, Viagra, Cialis, and other erectile drugs, when mixed with Amyl Nitrite, can create an unsafe drop in blood pressure. In addition, as this drug reduces inhibitions, the propensity toward unsafe sex is another potential concern.
How Do Poppers Work?
This drug usually comes in small bottles with colorful packaging. The contents evaporate into a breathable vapor when opened at room temperature. It is often sold as “room odorizers” to avoid legal detection because it is illegal in the US. Individuals use Amyl Nitrite by opening the bottle and inhaling the vapors through the mouth or nose. Some individuals dip the end of a cigarette in Amyl Nitrite and inhale it without lighting it, which is also dangerous because this chemical is highly flammable. Its side effects can lead to different problems, from skin rash to cognitive impairment. Many drug experimenters usually need substance abuse treatment to recover fully.
Rush Poppers Brand of Amyl Nitrite
Rush Poppers is among the drug’s brand names containing the chemical amyl nitrite, an alkyl nitrite compound. Amyl nitrite can cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. It is typically inhaled directly from the bottle, and the effects are felt within seconds and can last for a few minutes.
Rush Poppers, like other drug brands, are often used for recreational purposes, as some people believe they can enhance sexual experiences or provide a “rush” similar to other recreational drugs. However, it is important to note that using Amyl Nitrite can be hazardous to your health and should be avoided. The inhalation of poppers can cause dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation. Amyl Nitrite can also be addictive and have serious side effects if mixed with other substances.

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Hotline (877) 378-4154Amyl Nitrite Drug Facts
What are Poppers drugs?
The slang term “Popper” refers generically to inhaled alkyl nitrite-class medications. The original isoamyl nitrite, also known as isopentyl nitrite and isopropyl nitrite, are two of the most popular products. Although commonly used, isobutyl nitrite is prohibited in the European Union.
Amyl Nitrite Smell
What does it smell or taste like? Poppers smell strongly of solvent. Amyl Nitrite is exceedingly harmful to ingest, so you shouldn’t taste them.
Amyl Nitrite Side Effects
What are Poppers Amyl Nitrite side effects? The inhalation of Amyl Nitrite drug can cause dizziness, headaches, and can cause a drop in blood pressure which can lead to fainting, nausea, or vomiting. Additionally, they can cause skin irritation or rashes if accidentally spilled. There are also risks of accidental injury resulting from impaired judgment or coordination while under the influence.
Best Popper brands & street names
What are the best Popper brands & street names? Amyl Nitrite brand names include:
- Rush
- Jungle Juice Poppers
- Double Scorpio Poppers
- Locker Room
- Liquid Gold
- Bolt
- Ram
- TNT
- Quick Silver
- Super Rush Poppers
It is important to remember Amyl Nitrite is illegal in many countries, including many US states, and should be avoided due to the potential health risks and legal consequences. It is always best to prioritize your health and safety and avoid illegal substances.
Is there a safe way to use Amyl Nitrite?
No one should drink the liquid drug. Even young, healthy people risk suffering fatal short- and long-term repercussions when consuming them. They cannot be used safely.
The ingredients
Alkyl nitrites such as propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, amyl (also known as pentyl), isoamyl (also known as isopentyl), and octyl nitrites are thought to have been employed in manufacturing the drug.
Are Poppers safe?
Popper drg can be addictive both psychologically and chemically, meaning regular use could lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. They should NOT be mixed with other substances, particularly alcohol or erectile dysfunction medication, as this can be life-threatening.
It is crucial to prioritize your health and safety. If you or someone you know has been using the drug and is experiencing adverse effects, you should seek medical attention or emergency services immediately.
The Rush Poppers Brand
What are Poppers known brands? Rush Poppers is a brand that contains Amyl Nitrite, a prescription medication for certain medical conditions. However, using Amyl Nitrite for non-medical purposes, including as inhalants, is illegal and can carry health risks. Amyl Nitrite can be hazardous to your health and is associated with many risks, including addiction, overdose, and side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation.
Popular Amyl nitrite FAQs
-
What are Poppers? What is Poppers?
Amyl Nitrite is a recreational drug that is often used for sexual enhancement purposes or to provide a “rush” similar to other recreational drugs. However, using Amyl Nitrite can be hazardous to your health and is illegal in many countries, including some U.S. The inhalation of Amyl Nitrite can cause dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation. Amyl Nitrite can also be addictive and potentially have serious side effects if mixed with other substances.
-
What are rush poppers/poppers rush?
Rush Poppers is a brand of illicit Amyl Nitrite. Rush poppers contain the chemical amyl nitrite, an alkyl nitrite compound. Amyl nitrite can cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. It is typically inhaled directly from the bottle, and the effects are felt within seconds and can last for a few minutes.
-
Where to buy Poppers? Can you buy Poppers?
Amyl Nitrite bottles are often found in adult stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. However, using Amyl Nitrite can be hazardous to your health and is associated with significant risks. Moreover, the drug is illegal to use or sell.
-
How to find Poppers near me?
Amyl Nitrite bottles are often found in adult stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. The use and sale of substances like Amyl Nitrite can be illegal in many areas around the world and can pose serious health risks.
-
What is Poppers urban dictionary definition?
Urban dictionary definition is a “slang term for amyl nitrite. Commonly used as a recreational drug to cause sensations of euphoria.“
-
Are Poppers legal?
The drug is illegal in the US.
Amyl Nitrite Statistics
Unfortunately, there is limited data on the prevalence of Amyl Nitrite use, particularly in the general population. However, according to a survey conducted by the Global Drug Survey in 2019, 2.6% of respondents reported using the drug in the past year, with higher rates reported among gay men and other men who have sex with men. Additionally, a survey of US adults conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 0.3% of adults (ages 18 and older) reported using inhalants, including Amyl Nitrite, in the past month.
The 2015-2017 National Study on Drug Use and Health (N = 115,744), a nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized adults in the US, collected data from individuals aged 18 to 64. 3.3% of adults are thought to have used Amyl Nitrite at some point. Using Amyl Nitrite and inhalants can be dangerous and have significant health risks.
3.3%
3.3% of adults are thought to have used the drug at some point.
Source: NIH
35.1%
According to estimates, 35.1% of homosexual men have used Amyl nitrite.
Source: NIH
11.2%
11.2% of bisexual men have tried Amyl nitrite.
Source: NIH
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7How Long Do Poppers Last?
When the vapors from this Amyl Nitrite are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream through the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Its effects kick in after about 15 seconds but are short-lasting. Amyl Nitrite’s effects normally last for only 2 to 5 minutes. However, how long poppers’ effects last depend on how much the person has inhaled. An Amyl Nitrite’s high feels like a dizzying head rush that can be euphoric.
The History Behind The Deadly Drug
Amyl nitrite was first synthesized in 1844 by French chemist Antoine Jerome Balard, who also discovered the chemical bromine. He passed nitrogen through amyl alcohol (pentanol), producing a liquid whose vapor made him “blush”. Alkyl nitrites can also be manufactured by reacting the corresponding alcohol with nitrous or concentrated sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite.
From the ’60s onwards, Amyl Nitrite became a recreational drug, with different forms of alkyl nitrites produced, including isobutyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, and butyl nitrite, to get around legal restrictions. Clubbers widely used the drug briefly in the ’90s and played a continued role in the gay subculture. Today “Rush Poppers” and “Double Scorpio Poppers” are among the more infamous brands for the Amyl Nitrite illicit drug trade.

Effects Of Poppers
Amyl Nitrite works almost similarly to sensations of extreme alcohol intoxication. While some people find the effects of this drug pleasurable, others find it extremely unpleasant and disorienting. These drugs are also vasodilators, meaning they dilate (open) the blood vessels. Therefore, when someone uses this drug, their blood pressure drops rapidly, leading to lightheadedness and sometimes brief loss of consciousness and strength (syncope). At the same time, the heart speeds up, even if the person using these drugs is relaxed, known as tachycardia.
Another effect of these drugs is the relaxation of the anal sphincter. Thus, these drugs are sometimes used to facilitate anal sex. Moreover, some users find that using these drugs during sex increases sexual sensations and intensifies orgasms.
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Side Effects Of Poppers (Amyl Nitrite)
- Euphoria
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Sedation
- Relaxation
- Increased heart rate
- A rush of warm sensations
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Sinusitis and respiratory infections and reactions
- Skin lesions around the nose and lips (when the liquid gets on the skin)
- Increased intraocular pressure, or pressure behind the eyes
Long-Term Effect Of Poppers (Amyl Nitrite)
- Allergic reactions on the respiratory system and skin.
- A build-up of fluid pressure within the eye.
- Skin rash around the nose and mouth.
- Methaemoglobinaemia ( it is a blood disorder that can block oxygen supply to body tissue).
- Maculopathy (is a disease that affects the back of the retina, common with isopropyl nitrite).
Amyl Nitrite Physical Health Risks
- Swallowing these drugs can be fatal.
- Sniffing this drug can harm anyone with anemia, heart problems, or glaucoma (an eye disease).
- Sniffing this drug can make the users’ blood pressure drop.
- Fatal ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’ has been reported due to the development of an abnormal heart rhythm when taking these drugs.
- Using this drug may lead to you losing consciousness and choking on your vomit. Using this drug with alcohol can increase this risk.
- Taking this drug while having sex makes one feel less inhibited and take risks. For instance, they are not using a condom. Because of this, these drugs have been connected to people catching sexually transmitted diseases and injuring themselves during sex.
- It is highly flammable and may cause chemical burns on the skin, leading to rashes around the mouth and nose.
- These drugs can cause headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
- Using this drug may cause temporary and permanent loss of vision.
Mixing Amyl Nitrite With Other Drugs
It is dangerous to mix it with other drugs. Any time you mix drugs together, you take on new risks. Things that affect your risk include the strength, type of drug, and how much you take.
- Mixing alcohol with this drug can increase the risk of reducing the oxygen supply to vital organs, unconsciousness, and death.
- Mixing Viagra with this drug or other erectile dysfunction medication is dangerous as it affects blood pressure.
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Amyl Nitrite Substance Use Among LGBT
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [5], research has shown that when compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are more likely to:
- Use drugs and alcohol
- Have higher rates of substance abuse
- Not withhold from drug and alcohol use
- Continue heavy drinking into later life
Drug and alcohol use among bisexual and gay men can be a reaction or response to discrimination, homophobia, or violence they experienced due to their sexual orientation. They can add to other physical and mental health problems. In addition, it can disturb relationships, employment and threaten financial security.
For some bisexual and gay men, illegal drug use and alcohol, especially meth, amyl nitrates, and medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, also contribute to a higher chance of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Aerosol propellants and chemical solvents disguised as these drugs may put bisexual and gay men at risk of illness and possibly even death. These drugs are generally inhaled, But when toxic propellants (fuels) and solvents are inhaled, this activity is commonly known as huffing. This practice is considered one of humankind’s most treacherous forms of substance abuse.
What to Use Instead of Poppers?
If you seek alternatives to Poppers, various healthy and safe ways exist to enhance your sexual experiences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Communication: One of the key factors for a satisfying sexual experience is open and honest communication with your partner(s). Be sure to express your needs and boundaries for mutual pleasure and satisfaction.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, guided relaxation, or meditation can help relieve stress and anxiety, creating a more enjoyable sexual experience.
- Aromatherapy: Certain scents, such as lavender or vanilla, can be calming and enhance relaxation and pleasure.
- Sensual touch: Try incorporating sensual, non-sexual touch into your sexual routine. Massages, cuddling, or exploring each other’s bodies through touch can enhance intimacy and pleasure.
Amyl Nitrite Poppers Near Me
Routinely people search for “Poppers near me?” or “where to get Poppers near me?”. However, using and selling Amyl Nitrite may be illegal in your area. Thus it may not be appropriate topic to search for nor a legal drug to use recreationaly. The use of Amyl Nitrite can be hazardous to your health and is associated with many risks. It is always best to prioritize your health and safety and avoid illegal substances.
Amyl nitrate is a prescription medication and should not be used without the guidance and supervision of a licensed medical professional. Finally, using amyl nitrate or any other prescription medication without a prescription or for recreational purposes can be dangerous and illegal.
Amyl Nitrate Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no FDA-approved medication to treat inhalant addiction. However, psychotherapy or behavioral therapies may help treat inhalant abuse. Call us today if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse. Whether it be an addiction to inhalants, such as Amyl Nitrite or other drugs and alcohol, We Level Up Inhalant addiction treatment pros can help.

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Sources
[1] NCBI – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4399803/
[2] [5] CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/substance-abuse.htm
[3][4] FDA – https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/nitrite-popper
[5] We Level Up – Inhalant Abuse Treatment
Food and Drug Administration. Nitrate “popper.”
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Brown RE, Turner C, Hern J, Santos GM. Partner-level substance use associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in San Francisco, CA. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;176:176-180. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.02.016
Le A, Yockey A, Palamar JJ. Use of “Popper Drug” among adults in the United States, 2015-2017. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2020;52(5):433-439. doi:10.1080/02791072.2020.1791373
Webb E, Ashton CH, Kelly P, Kamali, F. An update on British medical students’ lifestyles. Med Educ. 1998 May;32(3):325-31. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2923.1998.00204.x