Amyl Nitrate
(poppers, rush, liquid gold)
Poppers are a liquid depressant substance, part of the akyl nitrate family. They were originally used during the 19th century as prescribed medication for angina (chest pains), however, recreational use rose to popularity among the gay community in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
The effects of poppers take just a few seconds to kick in and will last from 2 – 5 minutes.
- Euphoria
- Arousal
- Head-rush
- Dizziness
- Anal and vaginal wall relaxation
- Increased heart rate
Dosage
Poppers come in a small glass vile and when opened, the fumes from poppers are inhaled.
A standard dose is a 2-3 second inhale.
Harm Reduction Advice
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin, don’t swallow!
- Poppers can make you feel dizzy, so be mindful of falls and accidents.
- Call it a day if you have a headache.
- Poppers are commonly used during chemsex, for more information on safer chemsex, click here.
- If you have taken Viagra, don’t use poppers, as they both cause blood pressure to drop, which can be very dangerous.
- If someone collapses or becomes unresponsive after taking poppers, seek immediate medical attention. You will not get in trouble for doing this.
- If you’re out and about, make sure you and your mates have a safe way to get home, definitely don’t drive.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
