It's nitrite, not nitrate.
Amyl nitrite is illegal in the U.S. (maybe still used as a prescription drug). It relaxes smooth muscle, which lowers blood pressure and gives short term (a minute or two) euphoria/head rush. It is commonly associated with gay culture because the relaxation of the smooth muscle aids in anal sex. Also, I've read that if you do it during sex, it makes the orgasm feel more intense and last longer. Since it lasts so short a time, you would need to keep the bottle handy while you are having sex, which I guess is what people do.
It will burn your skin if you touch it, but you have to get your nose very close to the bottle to inhale it, so people often burn their nose. Most people report headaches (though I think those don't last too long) after the rush.
It has been found that this is a very dangerous drug to do with Viagra because both lower the blood pressure. Don't mix these.
Amyl nitrite used to be sold (maybe still is in some places) in little capsule things you cracked ("popped") open under your nose to get the rush, but now they are sold in little bottles you unscrew and put your nose close to to smell it. These bottles are sold as room deoderizers (though they don't smell good) or video head cleaner (though I've read they don't work for that), possibly at head shops and usually at sex shops (gay sex shop would be the best bet).
As mentioned, amyl nitrite is illegal in the U.S. When it was made illegal, manufacturers created butyl nitrite which supposedly does the same thing (some say a little weaker). Then butyl nitrite was made illegal in the U.S. and manufacturers created isobutyl nitrite, isoamyl nitrite and others, to stay one step ahead of the law. The current "legal" nitrite in the U.S. is cyclohexyl nitrite, which is still supposed to work the same as amyl nitrite. The nitrite part is supposed to be the important part. So all of the above info. on amyl should be the same for cyclohexyl.
Now, I've seen poppers that have non-nitrite substances, such as ethyl chloride or isobutyl alcohol. I suppose sniffing these must also relax smooth muscle, since they are sold in sex shops. But I don't know how they work compared to the nitrite poppers. If any one knows, I'd be interested to hear it. I also don't know the health risks of these, which I'd also like to hear if anyone knows.
Oh, these are all VERY flammable, so be careful with them around fire, cigarettes, candles, etc. And since the liquid burns the skin on contact, it is likely the fumes you are inhaling aren't too good for your lungs / nasal passages /throat, etc.
Cost: Around $10 for a small bottle.
~psychoblast~
[ 21 December 2001: Message edited by: psychoblast ]