Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:1216-1218
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
Popping and snorting volatile nitrites: a current fad for getting high
LT Sigell, FT Kapp, GA Fusaro, ED Nelson and RS Falck
In certain social circles a variety of volatile nitrites are being used
extensively to expand creativity, stimulate music appreciation, promote a
sense of abandon in dancing, and intensify sexual experience. Soon after
amyl nitrite (the prototype of this group) became a prescription drug,
legally produced substitutes appeared and were sold as room odorizers.
Analyses of eight of these substitutes showed them to contain isomers of
butyl or amyl alcohol and a corresponding nitrite. The authors describe the
context of use of these products and their desired and adverse effects.
