Amyl nitrite

How is it used?

Amyl nitrite has been used medically in the past for the treatment of angina (chest pain), and has been used for the treatment of cyanide poisoning.^{3, 4}

Recreationally, it’s inhaled directly from the bottle and used to enhance sexual experiences or to experience a general sense of pleasure.

Historically, amyl nitrite has been used more by men who have sex with men.5 This is still common; however, it has also become a common ‘party drug’ that is used more widely.⁶

Effects of amyl nitrite

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Amyl nitrite will affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug
• environment (where the drug is taken)
• amount of fresh air breathed while inhaling
• amount of physical activity before and after inhaling.

The effects of amyl nitrate are usually felt straight away, and last for around two to five minutes.³ They include:

• initial ‘rush’ of euphoria
• flushing of the face
• increased heart rate
• dizziness
• warming sensations
• feelings of excitement
• involuntary muscle relaxation, especially the anal and vaginal sphincter
• nausea
• headaches
• low blood pressure
• slowed breathing
• skin irritation
• blurred vision
• nose bleeds
• psychological effects can include increased sensual awareness, visual distortions, lowered inhibitions and impaired judgement.^{2, 3, 7, 8}

Headaches are common once the ‘high’ passes.³

Set and Setting

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood or the environment they are in. This is often called ‘set’ and ‘setting’:

• Set: a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with psychoactive drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of joy, sadness or anger can be magnified when a person drinks alcohol, or feelings of anxiety may be increased when using cannabis.⁹
• Setting: the environment in which someone consumes a psychoactive drug – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light. For example, using psychoactive drugs in a calm, quiet and relaxed environment can lead to a different experience than in a noisy, crowded place.⁹

Long-term effects

The level of harm from the long-term use of amyl nitrite is generally low. However, long term effects can range from mild allergic reactions to potentially life threatening methaemoglobinaemia – a blood disorder that causes inadequate oxygen supply to body tissue.¹⁰

Frequent use can also cause a rash around the mouth, nose and eyes, or any skin that is in regular contact with the vapour.¹¹ This can look like a skin irritation. Direct fluid contact with skin can cause burns and should be avoided.⁸

People who are anaemic, pregnant, have a heart condition, have high blood pressure, or have increased pressure within the skull (head injury or brain haemorrhage) should avoid using amyl nitrite as this can increase the risk of harmful effects.^{3, 12}

There’s also a rare risk of maculopathy (loss of vision) most commonly associated with isopropyl nitrite. For people who have underlying glaucoma there’s a risk of fluid pressure build-up within the eye.^{3, 8, 13}

Using amyl nitrite with other drugs

The effects of using amyl nitrite with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications – can be unpredictable and dangerous.

• Amyl nitrite + Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications: a high risk that the person will lose consciousness due to a sudden and extreme drop in blood pressure.¹² This may require immediate medical attention – call 000 in case of an emergency.
• Amyl nitrite + amphetamines: increased strain on the heart, placing whole body under extra stress.¹²

Withdrawal

Regular use of amyl nitrite use does not result in dependence. People who use it regularly shouldn’t experience withdrawal symptoms, however it may take a few days for their body to get used to not having the drug in their system.³

Health and safety

Some people might be unaware of how amyl nitrite should be used and incorrect use can be fatal.⁸

Amyl nitrite liquid should not be ingested i.e. do not swallow, as it is a highly poisonous substance that can lead to blindness, brain damage, organ failure and death.³ It’s also a powerful irritant that can lead to burns to the face, skin and eyes.⁸

Getting help

If your use of stimulants is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au