Volatile nitrites: addiction, symptoms and treatment
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Nitrites (such as amyl, butyl, isobutyl, sold as Locker Room and Rush) can be inhaled to enhance sexual pleasure. Use is especially common among urban men of homosexual orientation. There is little evidence of significant harm from them, although nitrites and nitrates cause vasodilation with a brief hypotension, dizziness, hot flashes and after this reflex tachycardia. However, these drugs are dangerous in combination with drugs used to enhance the erection; this combination can lead to severe hypotension and death.
Volatile solvents
Inhalation of volatile inhalation solvents and solvents from aerosol cans can cause a state of intoxication. Chronic use can lead to neuropathy and hepatotoxicity.
The use of volatile solvents continues to be an endemic problem among adolescents. About 10% of teenagers in the United States periodically breathe volatile solvents. Volatile solvents (such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, acetates, ether, chloroform, alcohol) cause temporary stimulation, and then depression of the central nervous system. With frequent use, partial tolerance and mental dependence develop, but withdrawal syndrome is not observed. Early acute symptoms appear in the form of dizziness, drowsiness, lubricated speech, unstable gait. There can be impulsivity, excitement, irritability. As the effect increases, the central nervous system develops illusions, hallucinations and delusions. The patient experiences a euphoric, dreamy state of drug intoxication, resulting in a short period of sleep. Develop delirium with confusion, motor awkwardness, emotional lability and disturbance of thinking. The state of intoxication can last from several minutes to 1 hour or more.
Complications of chronic use can result from the use of a solvent or other toxic ingredients, such as lead in gasoline. Carbon tetrachloride can cause hepatic and renal failure syndromes. As a result of prolonged use or hypersensitivity, the brain, liver, kidneys, bone marrow can be damaged. Death most often occurs due to stopping breathing, arrhythmia or asphyxia due to occlusion of the respiratory tract.
Treatment of adolescents who are dependent on inhalants is a difficult task, often there are exacerbations. However, most patients stop using with the end of the adolescent period. Attempts to expand the social communication skills of the patient, improve his position in the family, school and society can help.