Poppers

File:Poppersbottles.jpg

"Rush," and "Rave;" Marketed Brands of Alkyl Nitrites

Alkyl nitrites are a group of organic compounds with the general formula R-O-N=O, where R is any organic group. Amyl nitrite has historically been used for the treatment of angina, among other legitimate medicinal uses. Other alkyl nitrites, including butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, ethyl nitrite, methyl nitrite as well as the disputed cyclohexyl nitrite, have been widely used for 40 years as the primary ingredients in room odrorizer products, which have also been misused as recreational drug inhalants. The vapours of the alkyl nitrite are inhaled directly from the bottle, inducing an almost-instant 'head rush,' which consists of an intense euphoria. Alkyl nitrites are considered to be the closest thing to a true aphrodisiac, and are often used for the enhancement of the sexual experience, although they do not produce any sexual stimulation. (There are no true aphrodisiacs, in the sense that they will create a sexual desire if one does not already exist, however, the popular media has reported for decades that the alkyl nitrites are purported to enhance the sexual experience).

Basics

Cyclohexyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, and other light alkyl nitrites can be found as the primary ingredient in so-called 'room odorizers,' despite the malodorous nature of some of these compounds. These products are traditionally marketed in small glass bottles that, like amyl nitrite capsules, are referred to as poppers. Nitrite-based odorizers are available in adult bookstores and shops and over the Internet, and are regulated by a variety of federal and local regulations and legal restrictions, though the status of cyclohexyl nitrite — technically not a member of the class of alkyl nitrites encompassed by the law — remains in question in the United States, as a result of the controversial Federal Analog Act.

The alkyl nitrite which has been used medicinally, amyl nitrite (pentyl nitrite in IUPAC nomenclature), was popularized in Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Other popular nitrites include isopropyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and cyclohexyl nitrite.

The two main vessels for alkyl nitrites are small glass vials/bottles ("freshness jars"), or small ampules which are popped or snapped in order to release the vapors. The name snappers is sometimes used. The vials are simply uncapped, and the vapours are inhaled. The ampules contain small amounts of the alkyl nitrite, and are enough for only a few doses; while the vials contain enough of the alkyl nitrite for hundreds of doses.

Users

Poppers are often found in usage by homosexual men, but usage is reportedly popular among straight men and women as well. These products are generally used in an attempt to enhance sexual arousal. The existence of poppers became more widely known to the layman when they appeared in Radley Metzger's cult classic film Score (1972). In the film, a bisexual woman glides them under the nose of a heterosexual woman in an attempt to loosen her vagina for seduction. During the 1970's and 1980's, the mainstream media widely reported on the use of nitrite odorizers.

The alkly nitrites relax smooth muscle, which is what the sphincter muscles of the body are comprised of (Included in the sphincter muslce group are the anus and the vagina). Anectdotal evidence reveals that men and women, both, often find the experience of using poppers pleasurable. Homosexual men are a marketing target for "Poppers," since the alkyl nitrites help relax the muscles of the anus, allowing easier penetration and enhanced sensation. In addition, they are widely reported to greatly enhance and prolong orgasms. Ironically, some men find that poppers interfere with the ability to maintain an erection.

Nitrite users — who tend to be adults rather than adolescents as are most other inhalant users — seek to enhance the sexual experience. Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate, and produce a sensation of heat and excitement that can last for several minutes.

They are also inhaled by users of other recreational drugs to enhance the effects, for example Ecstasy, the effects of which combine with those of Nitrites to produce an extremely intense rush of euphoria and physical pleasure. Since the rise of Acid House in the late 1980s Nitrites are a large part of rave culture, used on the dance floor to heighten the experience of music and lights.

Chemistry

Alkyl nitrites can be synthesized from primary alcohols according to the following reaction process:

R-OH + NaNO₂ + H₂SO₄ ==> R-ONO + NaHSO₄ + H2O

It has been reported (US Patent 4,638,094) that alkyl nitrites are also a precursor for MDP2P, a phenylacetone used in the production of MDMA, more commonly known as "ecstasy." The basic reaction process is shown below:

MeONO in corresponding alcohol + safrole + PdCl₂ [+ CuCl₂ or amine ] ==> MDP2P

Health hazards

Many researchers disagree, but some claim there are a range of potential dangers unique to the exposure to alkyl nitrites: high doses of Nitrites can cause methemoglobinemia, particularly in the rare subset of individuals predisposed towards such a condition.[1]; researchers admit that it is highly unlikely someone using nitrites for their physiological effect by inhaling them directly from the small bottles they're commonly sold in, might be expected to experience enough exposure to present a problem. Use with viagra may cause heart failure, and individuals with anaemia or some heart, breathing or blood pressure conditions may be at risk of complications. Since pressure in the eye and cranium is increased, individuals with glaucoma or traumatic head injuries may be have an added risk of negative short term and long term effects. (I've not edited out the "traumatic head injuries" reference, though someone with "traumatic head injuries" would most likely not be misusing nitrites for various reasons, not the least of which is that they have "traumatic head injuries". This reference should probably be edited out.)

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use of these drugs is associated with unsafe sexual practices that greatly increase the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.[2] . It should be noted, however, that most credible researchers have noted that there has been no credible demonstration of a solid correlation between the use of nitrites and unsafe sex and the contraction of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or any other infectious disease.) A short-term immunosuppressive effect has been observed in mice as well as in humans -- though there is conflicting research results on this, and in all cases ,any immune system suppression was quickly reversed when exposure to the nitrites was halted; some have suggested a regular use of the drug over years may lead to an irreversible suppression of the immune system.[3] -- though researchers disagree on this as well.

Though the following list of references contain research projects, much of what is referenced has been contradicted by other researchers in the scientific community, and therefore does not establish as fact any particular theory on the use of, or exposure to the light alkyl nitrites:

Alkyl nitrites were shown to be both mutagenic and carcinogenic in animals and humans:

• Hersh E.M., Reuben J.M., Bogerd H., Rosenblum M., Bielski M., Mansell P.W.A., Rios A., Newell G.R., Sonnenfeld G. (1983), Effect of the recreational agent isobutyl nitrite on human peripheral blood leukocyte and on in vitro interferon production. Cancer Res 43, 1365
• Jorgensen K.A., Lawesson S.O. (1982), Amyl nitrite and Kaposi's sarcoma in homosexual men. N. Engl. J. Med. 307, 893
• Mirvish S.S., Ramm M.D., Bobcock D.M. (1988), Indications from animal and chemical experiments of a carcinogenic role for isobutyl nitrite. In: Health Hazards of Nitrite Inhalants (Haverkos H.W. Dougherty J.A., eds.) NIDA Res Monogr 83, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Washington DC, P 39
• Newell G.R., Mansell P.W., Spitz M.R., Reuben J.M., Hersh E.M. Volatile Nitrites Use and Adverse Effects Related to the Current Epidemic of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Am. J. Med. 78:811,1985.
• Harry Haverkos et al., "Disease manifestation among homosexual men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A possible role of nitrites in Kaposi's sarcoma, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, October-December 1985. Harry Haverkos and John Dougherty, editors; Health Hazards of Nitrite Inhalants, NIDA Research Monograph 83, 1988
• I. Quinto, "The Mutagenicity of Alkylnitrites in the Salmonella Test" (translation from the Italian), Bolletino Societa Italiana Biologia Sperimentale, 56:816-820, 1980.
• Sidney Mirvish et al., "Mutagenicity of Iso-Butyl Nitrite Vapor in Ames Test and Some Relevant Chemical Properties, Including the Reaction of Iso-Butyl Nitrite with Phosphate", Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, 1993;21:247-252.

In rare cases, and it they're contaminated, alkyl nitrites can burn the skin on contact, though it's unlikely to encounter such low levels of impurity in the major selling brands of nitrite odorants. They may be fatal if swallowed or injected.

Kaposi's sarcoma controversy

The association between nitrite use and Kaposi's sarcoma continues to be a matter of debate. It is primarily one specific researcher and his followers who continue to take the position that there is a strong connection. Peter Duesberg suggests the existence of a link between the two, and continues to argue that Kaposi's sarcoma occurs in homosexual AIDS-patients 20 times more often than in non-homosexual AIDS-patients (a disputed statistic), and that therefore some cofactor must be involved beyond the virus HIV itself. Poppers have been suggested as a candidate for that cofactor, especially in view of the fact that they are believed by some to be carcinogenic (Kaposi's sarcoma being a form of cancer) -- though there is conflicting research on this as well. Most credible researchers dismissed the theory of a nitrite-HIV/AIDS/KS connection long ago.

Medical uses

Alkyl nitrites are clinically utilized as a vasodilator in order to treat angina, and as part of the treatment regimen for cyanide poisoning.

Street names

• Poppers
• Amyls
• Snappers
• Locker Room