Taking the drug in this way can cause irregular and rapid heart rhythms and result in a syndrome called “sudden sniffing death.”Īlso, poppers can have other complications that are potentially fatal.įor example, the drug can cause methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces too much methemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells. Inhaling poppers can cause severe effects, and may be fatal. Share on Pinterest Inhaling poppers can cause irregular and rapid heart rhythms.