Nitrates

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Nitrates

Synonyms	The most common synonyms, based on the type of product, are: Amyl nitrite: poppers, rush Butyl nitrite: Aroma of men, Ban apple gas, Bang, Bolt, Bullet, Climax, Cum, Discorama, Hardware, Heart on, Jac aroma, Lightning bolt, Locker room, Rush, Satan's scent, Thrust and Toilet water
Classification	Central nervous system depressant, solvent: Refers to a substance that slows mental functions by reducing the brain's overall activity and alertness. Has a calming effect on the user.
Visual description	Yellow liquid that is volatile and flammable Sweet, fruity odour Sold in amber bottles
Mechanism of action	Promotes arterial dilation and peripheral vasodilation by relaxing the smooth muscles, which reduces the load on the heart. As a result, blood flow to the brain is decreased and mental activity is slowed.
Routes of administration	The fumes from these substances are inhaled.

Effects sought out by the user

Arousal
Eases social bonding
Euphoria
Facilitates certain sexual practices
Heightened sexual pleasure / intense orgasm
Muscle relaxation

Common toxic effects

Agitation
Decreased perception of time
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Eye irritation
Feeling of intense internal heat
Feeling of panic
Headaches
Nausea
Sensitivity to light
Skin redness
Specific after taste
Stimulation
Stomach cramps
Sweating
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo (immediately after inhalation)
Vomiting

Overdose effects

Altered perceptions
Convulsions (rare)
Fainting
Methemoglobinemia (can be fatal): occurs most often if ingested, rare when inhaled
Motor disorders
Paresthesia (tingling, numbness)
Respiratory depression
Syncope (loss of consciousness)
Violent vertigo

Effects associated with chronic use

Anemia
Confusion
Delirium
Delusions
Hallucinations
Inflammation of mucus membrane of the nose (poppers dermatitis): resolves within 10 days of stopping
Kaposi's sarcoma (butyl nitrite) in those with HIV
Perceptual distortions
Perioral rash
Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
Skin rash/yellowish crusts
Sneezing
Sweet breath

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Not well documented.

Addiction

Psychological dependence when used regularly. No physical dependence has been observed.

Withdrawal

Has not been observed.

Onset and duration of action

Routes of administration	Onset of action	Duration of action
Inhalation	Very fast	2 to 3 minutes

Intoxication management

An antidote is available: methylene blue. Administer in the presence of methemoglobinemia.
Symptomatic treatment.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Partnership for a Drug-Free Canada.

www.canadadrugfree.org

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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.