Poppers

Poppers – Genie in a Bottle

“Once u let the genie out of the bottle it’s pretty difficult to put him back”

This is the first in a series of articles I will be writing on recreational drug use. As we all know it is a controversial subject and as we all know as well everyone of use have either used it or knows someone that does. These articles do not promote or condemn the use of drugs - that you may decide for yourself, it merely gives you the facts in order to be informed of what’s out there.

We will be publishing our articles on our facebook group, our blog site as well as other relative news and information sites. You are welcome to submit your questions to us on either facebook or email us on medicape.david@gmail.com

I have had a few freaky calls the last few months from weird and wonderful gay men around South Africa. Just remember boys I do practice medicine and do not just want to do rectal exams on horny twinks and psychotherapy on old trannys out there the whole day - shame on you boys. Gay men should feel free to come to me with real medical questions and problems, but enough of that for now.

For this article I decided to stay focused and still ponder on gay sex issues by doing some research on poppers.

What is this hype about “poppers”? Well that was where my journey started. I realized that a lot of gay people around South Africa are using this drug. Is it good or is it bad? What is its medical background? Let’s find out.

Well boys and girls take a deep breath (pardon the pun!) and pick up those reading glasses.

What Is Poppers?

Facts:

· Also known as Amyl Nitrate and Butyl Nitrate

· Sold in the past as “room deodorizers” / “Incense”

· Chemically related to laughing gas (nitrous oxide) used in anesthetics

· It is a clear, yellow, volatile and inflammable liquid

· Has it’s effect once in transition to its volatile form when inhaled / sniffed

· It is an unstable chemical that decomposes when exposed to light, heat and oxygen

· Usually found in an amber / brown bottle (12mL screw top) for protection against light and oxygen - thus preserving drug integrity

· Must be stored in a cool, dark location (ex fridge) for protection against heat

· Sweet smell when fresh and unpleasant “moldy socks” smell when stale

· Abused because it is readily available and inexpensive

Retail Names:

General poppers brands available in South Africa:

Rush / Man Scent / Jungle Juice

Others:

Jolt / Locker Room / Jack Hammer / Bullet / Heart-On

Definition of an Inhalant:

An inhalant is a breathable chemical that produces psychoactive (mind-altering) vapors.

History of Amyl Nitrate:

Amyl Nitrate was a prescription item used in patients with angina pectoris (heart pains associated with a heart attack). The ampoule was to be broken which made a snapping / pop sound (hence the nickname “poppers”) and sniffed / inhaled. This then dilated vessels surrounding the heart relieving the pain. Newer nitrates for heart disease are in the form of Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil^â), a tablet you put under the tongue when someone is experiencing angina / heart attack.

The above leads us to the believe that a bottle of poppers should be kept handy whenever someone is having a heart attack - let them have a sniff…

The ban on amyl quickly became ineffective when an enterprising gay medical student in California, Clifford Hassing, altered its atomic structure just slightly - it isn't hard to do - and applied for a patent on butyl nitrite. The genie was changing form, as genies will.

What are the feelings, effects and side effects when inhaling / sniffing poppers?

Inhaled nitrates may be the nearest thing to a true aphrodisiac. One sniff leads to an almost immediate effect that lasts a few minutes. Typically, just long enough to facilitate penetration or terminate in ejaculation.

They are:

1 Blood Vessel Dilatation

Body:

® Drop in blood pressure ® Palpitations (Reflex tachycardia)

® Flushed face, neck and chest ® Warm, blushing sensation

® Temporary loss of erection

It's funny that, for a drug so associated with sex, poppers dilate the blood vessels in the penis as well, making erection difficult.

Mind:

® Rush of blood to brain (the “rush” feeling)

® Headaches

® Intensification current positive emotions

® Increasing lust decreasing inhibition, thus encouraging a sense of raw animal sexuality

® Dizziness

® Nausea and vomiting

® Decreased pain perception

2 Muscle Relaxation

Body:

® Making anal intercourse easier (also secondary to the decrease in pain sensation)

3 Other

The blood cells:

® Transient cyanosis (blueness) and paleness. This happens by nitrates changing the structure of red blood cells’ hemoglobin molecules (also known as methemoglobinemia)

Why is Poppers Used in the Sexual Setting:

The three fazes:

1 Foreplay:

Poppers make you less inhibited and more sexual

2 Penetration:

Poppers facilitate penetration by enhanced perception and feeling of both being filled and being grasped; anal penetration becomes easier, probably from a combination of muscular relaxation and decreased pain perception.

3 Orgasm:

When poppers are inhaled shortly before orgasm, the user may experience a sense of exhilaration and acceleration, a freeing of inhibition of movement and vocalization (for the screamers and moaners out there! even for those more inhibited), and perception of orgasm as prolonged, intense and exalted.

How do poppers work?

The nitrate portion of the molecule is what affects you, regardless of what organic molecule (amyl, butyl etc) it's attached to. The effects are the same regardless. It is not physically addictive but mentally. The chemical dissembles in the blood stream too quickly after inhalation to cause physical addiction. It has got similar effects to anesthetics, which act to slow down body functions. At low doses, users may feel slightly stimulated; at higher amounts, they may feel less inhibited, less in control; at high doses, a user can lose consciousness.

Important points and dangers of poppers use?

· The effects of poppers may be increased when used with others drugs like alcohol, ecstasy (“e”) and amphetamines (“Tik”, “Crystal” etc).

· The use of Viagra^® with Poppers can be fatal because of dramatic fall in blood pressure.

· Because poppers cause blood vessel dilatation in rectum and anus, it is more likely to bleed. Safe sex should always be practiced.

· People with heart problems should not use poppers, and it's widely agreed that people with suppressed immune systems (for example HIV positive patients) should avoid them as well.

· All forms of poppers are highly flammable; don't use them if you're smoking or have a fireplace or candles nearby.

· The fluid can burn the skin (and mucous membranes of the nose) if you're not careful.

· Nitrates are harmful if swallowed and can be fatal. Statistics show no known deaths from inhalation. It would seem that even heavy inhalation usage has a very wide margin of safety. Ingestion / injection are a different matter and death occurs by methemoglobinemia.

· Tolerance develops if used too often (like with any drug / medicine) and more and more will need to be used to have the same effect. So remember boys, use in moderation!

· It is not illegal to sell poppers but persons must be over the age of 18. In some countries like Canada it is illegal. Law might change in the future.

Long Term Poppers Use and its Complications:

· Weight loss

· Fatigue

· Electrolyte (salt) imbalance

· Blood abnormalities (suppression of the immune system, anemia etc)

· Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over a number of years can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, which means greatly reduced physical and mental capabilities. In addition, long-term sniffing of certain inhalants can damage the liver, kidneys, blood, and bone marrow.

What Happens When Inhalants are used Along with Other Drugs?

As in all drug use, taking more than one drug at a time multiplies the risks. Such drugs are tranquilizers, sleeping pills or alcohol. Using inhalants whilst taking other drugs that slow down the body's functions leads to an increased risk of death from overdose. Loss of consciousness, coma, or death can result.

Safe Sex, HIV, STDs and Poppers (Also Other Drugs)?

Poppers suppress inhibition so be careful. Safe sex is always advised.

The Conclusion:

Poppers can be highly addictive mentally. It enhances the sexual experience and pleasure. People find the drug a welcome stimulant and become so dependent on them that they cannot climax any other way. They who have tried poppers in the past say it takes a lot of self-discipline and self-restraint for them to control how "nice" they made their orgasm feel. Many gay men who use it find they're no longer able to enjoy sex without them. Some can't even jack off without it! The mental effects’ mode of action is not fully known.

For further information type in the word poppers on Google or any internet search engine and you will find more than three million articles to your disposal. It is a fascinating read.