Amyl nitrite

If you cast your mind back many years and think about your memories of a nightclub dancefloor in the 80s and 90s, it’s hard not to remember the unmistakable smell of amyl. Rarely seen in nightclubs any more, mainly due to the much tighter restrictions on liquids due to GHB, we know it is still used by some, mainly for sexual purposes. For many who despise the smell of amyl, it is hard to believe that it has been sold as room odorisers or air fresheners to avoid legal restrictions, with names such as Rush, Climax, Ram, Thrust and Heart-On.

Discovered in 1857, amyl nitrite is a vasodilator, meaning it dilates blood vessels. When first used as a medicine, amyl came in a small glass capsule encased in cotton wool. This was crushed between the fingers resulting in a popping noise, giving the drug its street name -“ poppers.

Amyl nitrite causes relaxation of almost all smooth (involuntary) muscles, including the muscles of all blood vessels. These muscles control dilation of the blood vessels of the heart and the diameter of blood vessels and the iris of the eye. They also keep the anus closed and prevent us from dribbling urine. When these muscles relax, the blood vessels enlarge and blood flows to the heart, more light is let into the eye, and the bowels are let loose.

Amyl is immuno-suppressive. Your immune response dips immediately on inhaling amyl, and stays down for about 96 hours. An already compromised immune system can suffer even more damage from repeated amyl use. Dilated blood vessels in the rectum caused by sniffing amyl can make it easier for viruses and other germs to enter your blood stream. If you sniff amyl and your partner cums in you, you may be wide open for infection.

Although there are no recorded sudden deaths from inhaling nitrites, there is a major problem with nitrites if they are swallowed. When they are eaten nitrites can cause major medical problems by interfering with the ability of the blood to transport oxygen. Oral consumption of nitrites has led to death in some circumstances.

It is also important to remember that combining amyl and Viagra is particularly problematic, causing loss of consciousness -“ even death. It is also believed that regular use of the drug could reduce the effectiveness of HIV drugs.

Remember: if you do not want any negative consequences, do not use the drug and, no matter how many times you have used a substance, never be blase.