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Pop, Bang….. Crash! Di from CADS talks about combining ‘poppers’ and Viagra
Tuesday, 4 April 2006.
Originally from express article 29 March 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS).
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| Mixing Viagra and poppers can be harmful. |
Amyl and butyl nitrite when used recreationally are called ‘poppers’ (aka, kicks, TNT, liquid gold, rush), and are used to give a brief ‘high’. Poppers are most commonly used on the dance floor and in the bedroom. They work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. They were developed to relieve the pain of angina attacks.
I think it is important to clarify the difference between Nitrates and Nitrites. The common understanding is that poppers are Amyl Nitrate – well they aren’t! They are Amyl Nitrites and as such have different properties to Nitrates. Nitrites are sold in small glass ampoules (Poppers). Nitrates are not used recreationally, are sold in tablet form and used as heart medication.
Amyl nitrite can cause serious side effects if too much is inhaled….even more so if combined with Viagra.
Now we all know what Viagra is! Yes – even this stay at home lesbian! Briefly it is used to help those poor chaps that can’t get it up – or maybe can’t keep it up…. Now you may not know this but Viagra can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if combined with nitrites. This can lead to you becoming dizzy, faint or having a heart attack or stroke – not a fun way for an evening to end. It also has to be said that the combination of Viagra with nitrate heart medication is even more dangerous (and has been linked to several deaths).
Other information one should be aware of with poppers:
- it is an immune suppressant
- people who use amyl or butyl nitrite over a period of time are likely to develop a reduced resistance to infections
- the body metabolises nitrites in to nitrosamines - which are strongly carcinogenic (cancer forming)
- slap on a condom before you break out the amyl as the transmission of amyl or butyl nitrite has been linked to the transmission of HIV, possibly by allowing easier entry to the bloodstream (if unprotected penetrated sex is engaged in) and/or adversely affecting the immune system
- avoid use with other stimulants (coke, speed, E etc) – your heart might not handle the strain
- and last but not least…..do not combine Viagra with Poppers!!! This is especially true if you have any type of heart condition!
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's
amyl nitrate or other drug use, or if you'd like more information,
contact CADS on 845 1818 or
www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and
Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
About express
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& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
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