Immediate effects

Physical effects may include:

• warm sensations
• light-headedness and dizziness
• increased libido
• temporary erectile dysfunction
• unpleasant breath
• skin sensitivity
• redness or itching around mouth and nose
• headache
• sinusitis
• runny nose
• wheezing and breathing difficulty
• nose bleeds
• impaired/decreased coordination and muscle control
• bloodshot or glazed eyes
• blurred vision
• irregular or rapid heart beat or arrhythmia
• chest pain
  
• low blood pressure
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• loss of consciousness
  

Psychological effects may include:

• euphoria
• increased sensual awareness
• visual distortions
• lowered inhibitions / increased confidence (which can lead to risky behaviour)
• agitation, uneasiness and aggression
• confusion and disorientation
• impaired judgement
• impaired capacity as a parent/ primary carer of children.

Long term effects

While the level of harm generally experienced from the inhalation of nitrites is low, use can result in a range of clinical conditions varying from mild allergic reactions to life threatening methaeglobinaemia, which is a blood disorder which can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to body tissue. Other possible concerns from prolonged use include impact on cognition (problem solving) and memory.

Use of nitrites should be avoided by people who are anaemic, pregnant women and those with blood pressure problems or a history of cerebral haemorrhaging.

Long term effects include:

• skin lesions
• skin problems particularly around the nose, mouth, lips and face
• increased intraocular pressure which is risky for people with underlying glaucoma.
  
• damage to eyes and vision which may be persistent
  

It is a clear, yellow, highly volatile and flammable liquid. The liquid smells sweet and fruity when fresh but like ‘sweaty socks’ when stale. Nitrites are usually sold as a liquid, contained in small bottles Recreational users inhale the fumes from the bottle in ‘snorts’.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, including amyl nitrite. If you break this law you could lose your licence for a set time, and/or be fined. 

Taking Viagra or other drugs used to treat erection problems with amyl nitrite and/or other nitrites can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or even heart attack. 

While the possibility of death or serious injury from inhaling nitrites is fairly remote, if they are swallowed rather than inhaled they can cause major medical problems by interfering with the ability of the blood to transport oxygen. 

If you can’t wake someone up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a drug related fall – call an ambulance immediately – dial Triple Zero (000).

If the person has been mixing amyl nitrite with other drugs or nitrites, tell the NSW Ambulance paramedic exactly what they have taken. Paramedics are there to help. Generally paramedics don’t involve the police unless there is danger to themselves or other people/children, someone dies, or a crime (such as violence or theft) has been committed.

If a mother uses amyl nitrite while breastfeeding, it is possible that the drug will be present in her milk and have adverse effects on the baby. It is generally risky to take any drug while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Amyl nitrites can possibly harm the unborn baby when taken by a pregnant woman because it significantly reduces blood flow across the maternal side of the cord. Inform antenatal staff of amyl nitrite use and attend regular antenatal checkups.

Narcotics Anonymous Australia, a non profit fellowship or society of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean via a program of complete abstinence from all drugs.

In Australia it is illegal to sell, supply or inhale products containing any of the five following nitrites: amyl, iso-amyl, alkyl, butyl and octyl – unless it is under specifically approved circumstances such as a prescription from a medical practitioner, pharmacist supply or distribution by a licence holder.

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week, call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015.

It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from. 

Other support services

• Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) provides services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. For counselling and support services for CALD communities call (02) 8706 0150.
  
• Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (NYDAS) works within a holistic model of care to address a range of issues for young people (12 -20 years) of age related to their alcohol and other drug use. Call (02) 4734 2129 or (02) 4734 1333.
• Poisons Information Centre is a  24/7 call centre service to NSW and after hours call centre across Australia. Call 13 11 26
• ahmrc.org.au for Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW. Go to Members/ Members regional map/ Member services or Member websites.
• alcohol.gov.au provides information about related health issues and Australian government policy. 
• druginfo.adf.org.au for facts and resources on alcohol and other drugs and the prevention of related harm.
• druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au State Library of New South Wales provides up to date information for public libraries in NSW.
• headspace.org.au for mental health and wellbeing support, information and services for young people (12-25 years) and their family and friends.
• kidshelp.com.au is a free, 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by web, email or call 1800 55 1800.
• nuaa.org.au NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peak drug user organisation in NSW providing harm reduction information and blood borne virus prevention peer education.
• au.reachout.com ReachOut is an Australian online youth mental health service with a mobile-friendly site and forums where you can access help, information and support.
• shil.nsw.gov.au for free and confidential sexual health support and information.
• smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au Smart Recovery is a voluntary self-help group that assists people in recovering from alcohol, drug use and other addictive behaviours.
• Visit tafensw.edu.au for help with education, career development or personal matters. Students can contact a local TAFE / university counsellor. Follow the links to student services, careers and counselling.
• youthaction.org.au Youth Action is the peak organisation for young people in NSW. Use the search option to access a directory of NSW youth services.
• youthsolutions.com.au for services for young people 12 – 25 years of age and the community including prevention and health promotion, drug and alcohol education, community programs and referral. You can also call (02) 4628 2319. [provides services to young people in Macarthur & Wingecarribee].