What are poppers?

Poppers are a liquid chemical that comes in a small bottle. The scientific name for them is “alkyl nitrites” – this is a group of chemicals that includes amyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, pentyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite. Poppers usually contain one of these as their main ingredient.

How to use poppers

Poppers are an inhalant, which means – unsurprisingly! – that you inhale them. People take poppers by placing the bottle under their nose and sniffing the fumes. All you need is a few seconds under one nostril. Some people will do one, others will do both. It's up to you!

Some people will dip a cigarette into the liquid and then inhale through the filter while it’s still unlit. We don’t recommend this because poppers are extremely flammable. If you forget which cigarette you dipped and accidentally light it later, this could cause a dangerous accident.

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What are the effects?

The effects of poppers kick in right away and last a few minutes. Poppers are a vasodilator, which means they open your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. This causes a head rush and dizziness, along with feelings of euphoria and lowered inhibitions. In a nutshell, it can make you horny – which is why it’s often used during sex. Poppers also relax your muscles, so they can make bottoming more comfortable.

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👉 To learn more about bottoming, check out our guide.

Where did they come from?

Poppers were originally used to treat angina (chest pain), starting in the 1860s. They were sold in small glass vials that patients would “pop” to release the fumes. Hence the name! By the 1970s, queer people had discovered that poppers could be used recreationally, and they quickly spread through dancefloors, bathhouses and bedrooms. They’ve been synonymous with queer parties and pleasure ever since.

Are poppers safe?

Risks with poppers are generally low compared to other recreational drugs. However, there are a few side effects and interactions to watch out for.

Poppers are very flammable, so keep them away from cigarettes, candles and other open flames. Side effects of the poppers high can include headache, nausea, dizziness and vision problems. Repeated or prolonged use can cause a rash or dryness around the nose, but this usually clears up once you stop. 

The liquid in poppers is a nasty chemical, so it shouldn’t go on or in you. If it gets on your skin it can cause chemical burns, and if it gets in your eyes it can cause vision damage or even blindness. It might be tempting to grab your bottle and take a hit during sex, but it’s safer to stop first to avoid spills or splashes.

Swallowing poppers can cause serious injury and death. Some people mistake the bottles for small energy drinks – if you or your partner ingest the liquid, call 911 immediately.

Mixing poppers with stimulants like coke or meth can put strain on your heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects. If you are going to use recreational drugs (including alcohol), it is best to avoid mixing them.

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‍Poppers should never be mixed with erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra or Cialis.

This can cause a potentially lethal drop in blood pressure. You should also avoid poppers if you are on blood pressure medications or have a heart condition.

Make safety part of your sexual routine. If you’re using poppers to enhance your experience during sex, adding DoxyPEP and PrEP to your routine is a simple way to stay protected against STIs and HIV.

Are poppers legal?

In the US, poppers can legally be bought or sold but not for recreational use. This is why they’re sold with names like “room odorizer” or “VHS cleaner”. 

Poppers are illegal to sell in Canada. They are not illegal to buy or possess – so you won’t be arrested for having them – but you’d have to find a black market retailer. 

In recent years, countries like France, the UK and Australia have all reviewed the legal status of poppers and chosen to relax legislation or keep poppers semi-legal. In the UK, for example, they can be sold but not advertised for human consumption. 

How long do poppers last?

The effects of poppers come on almost immediately after inhaling them, usually within seconds. The strongest effects typically fade quickly, often within a few minutes.

Because the high is so short-lived, some people use poppers repeatedly during the same session. Keep in mind that repeated use can increase side effects like headaches, dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness.

Can you overdose on poppers?

Serious poisoning from inhaling poppers is uncommon, but it can happen. Using large amounts can cause your blood pressure to fall dangerously low and interfere with your blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

The biggest danger is swallowing the liquid. Ingesting poppers can cause a medical emergency and can be fatal. If someone swallows poppers, call 911 or your local poison centre immediately.

Why do poppers make you feel warm or flushed?

Poppers widen your blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them. That sudden change can make your face and skin feel warm or flushed while also causing the characteristic head rush.

The same drop in blood pressure can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, particularly when standing up.

Can poppers cause vision problems?

Poppers can temporarily affect vision, and some alkyl nitrites have also been associated with a rare condition sometimes called poppers maculopathy, which affects the central part of the retina.

If you notice persistent blurred vision, blind spots, distorted vision or other changes to your eyesight after using poppers, stop using them and seek medical care.

Did you know?

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