The Side Effects of Poppers and What Happens When You Mix Them with Other Substances

Poppers have been a party staple for decades, but it's important to understand the risks, and what can happen if they're mixed with other substances like alcohol, erectile dysfunction medication, or recreational drugs. This guide breaks down the side effects and the combinations to avoid.

What Are the Side Effects of Poppers?

Poppers work by dilating blood vessels, which drops blood pressure rapidly. That comes with a number of possible side effects to be aware of.

• Dizziness and Light-Headedness – A sudden drop in blood pressure can make you feel light-headed, or even faint if you stand up too quickly.
• Headaches – A common complaint is a pounding headache, especially with frequent use. Not all poppers are the same, so if you get headaches you might want to try a different one; take a look at our article on how different poppers vary for more information.
• Nausea – The intensity can sometimes be overwhelming, leading to nausea or queasiness.
• Skin Irritation – If poppers come into direct contact with your skin, they can cause burns or irritation, especially around the nose and mouth. A popper topper can help reduce the risk of skin contact.
• Shortness of Breath – Some people experience temporary difficulty breathing, particularly if they have respiratory issues.
• Blue Lips or Fingernails (Rare but Serious) – In extreme cases, poppers can interfere with oxygen levels in the blood, causing a condition known as methaemoglobinaemia, which makes lips and fingertips turn blue. This is rare but can be dangerous.

What Happens When You Mix Poppers with Alcohol?

A lot of people mix poppers with alcohol without thinking twice, but this combination can be risky. Since both lower blood pressure, using them together can intensify dizziness, nausea, and the risk of fainting. If you're drinking heavily and using poppers at the same time, you might suddenly feel weak, woozy, or even pass out.

Mixing Poppers with Viagra

One of the most well-known dangers is combining poppers with Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications. Both dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure; taken together, the effect can be extreme. In the worst case, this can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure that causes fainting, stroke, or even heart failure. If you're taking Viagra, steer clear of poppers altogether.

Mixing Poppers with Other Recreational Drugs

Pairing poppers with stimulants like cocaine or ecstasy can be unpredictable. While stimulants speed up your heart rate, poppers drop your blood pressure, so your body gets mixed signals. This can increase the risk of heart palpitations, fainting, or strain on your cardiovascular system.

Mixing poppers with depressants like GHB or ketamine is another risky move. Since both depressants and poppers lower blood pressure, you could experience dizziness, confusion, or an increased risk of overdose. GHB in particular is a powerful central nervous system depressant that can cause sedation, unconsciousness, and, in high doses, dangerous breathing problems. Combined with poppers, the risk of passing out or severe respiratory issues increases significantly.

For more handling, storage and safety information, see our safety page.

This article is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing side effects, seek medical advice. Our poppers are room aromas, room odourisers or leather cleaners only and are not for direct inhalation. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES.