Poppers, also known as Pentyl or Amyl nitrite, have been known to enhance sexual experiences. They leave us feeling euphoric for a few seconds or minutes, during which the intensity of our experience can be raised by several notches. Poppers are known to affect blood pressure and heart rate. Nothing has been officially stated about how poppers help or trigger anxiety.
What Happens During Anxiety?
When one is anxious, the heart rate accelerates, providing the body with increased oxygen. The breathing becomes shallow to give more oxygen to the body, while a spike in blood sugar is often noted. There is a surge in adrenaline levels in our bodies. This is the brain’s way of providing energy to the body to help evade perceived danger or stress.
Do Poppers Help With Anxiety?
Poppers are known to cause a head rush or a “high” when the euphoria kicks in. This affects the heart rate, blood pressure, and even the mood you’re in. This can, in some ways, relieve one of anxiety.
Using Poppers for Relaxation
Poppers help their users relax and feel less stressed. This helps enhance the experience when being used in intimate encounters. It also helps with an increased sense of arousal.
Using Poppers for Anxiety
For the reasons above poppers are used by their users for relieving stress and anxiety too. Although no scientific studies prove that poppers help reduce anxiety, it could be said that the rush of dopamine that poppers provide might temporarily lower anxiety.
Side Effects
Poppers are made of amyl nitrite, pentyl nitrite, propyl nitrite or a mixture. Poppers are not safe for excessive use and must be inhaled in moderation.
When consumed, the chemicals present in poppers allow the dilation of blood vessels. Excessive consumption can lead to:
- low blood pressure,
- dizziness,
- nosebleed,
- or loss of coordination.
In extreme cases, one might experience migraine or a loss of consciousness upon the expansion of blood vessels.
Stop use of poppers if you experience:
- chest pains,
- headaches,
- allergic reactions,
- respiratory discomfort,
- and nausea.
To Sum up
While poppers help enhance our experiences, it is too soon to say that they do or do not help with anxiety. Given the side effects that poppers carry, you shouldn’t only depend on them for relief from stress and anxiety. There are several alternatives that one could consider for relief from anxiety before self-medicating. The best results come from talking to professional experts who could offer the most helpful advice.
