What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief, but is also used by people to feel intoxicated or high.1
It is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures.1 It is also a food additive when used as a propellant for whipped cream, and is used in the automotive industry to enhance engine performance. It is also increasingly being used to treat people withdrawing from alcohol dependence. Nitrous oxide is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic and has been found to produce dissociation of the mind from the body (a sense of floating), distorted perceptions and in rare cases, visual hallucinations.2
How is it used?
The gas is inhaled, typically by discharging nitrous gas cartridges (bulbs or whippets) into another object, such as a balloon, or directly into the mouth.3 Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a rapid rush of euphoria and feeling of floating or excitement for a short period of time.3
Other names
Laughing gas, nitro, N2O, NOS, nangs, whippet, hippy crack, buzz bomb, balloons.
Other types of dissociatives
- Ketamine
- Methoxetamine
Effects of nitrous oxide
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Nitrous oxide affects everyone differently, based on:
- the amount taken
- the user’s size, weight and health
- whether the person is used to taking it
- whether other drugs are taken around the same time
The following effects may be felt almost immediately and can last for a few minutes:2,4,5
- euphoria
- numbness of the body
- sedation
- giddiness
- uncontrolled laughter
- uncoordinated movements
- blurred vision
- confusion
- dizziness and/or light-headedness
- sweating
- feeling unusually tired or weak
- sudden death.
If a large amount of nitrous oxide is inhaled it can produce:2,4,7
- loss of blood pressure
- fainting
- heart attack.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if you don’t get enough oxygen, which is known as hypoxia.2,3,5
Long-term effects
Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide may result in:2,4,5,6
- memory loss
- vitamin B12 depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage)
- ringing or buzzing in the ears
- incontinence
- numbness in the hands or feet
- limb spasms
- potential birth defects (if consumed during pregnancy)
- weakened immune system
- disruption to reproductive systems
- depression
- psychological dependence
- psychosis.
Mixing with other drugs
There is no current evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks. However, it is possible that combining the gas with stimulants and other drugs places additional pressure on the heart, increases blood pressure and may disrupt heart rate.5
Anecdotal evidence suggests that combining nitrous oxide with other drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, LSD, magic mushroom and salvia can cause intense dissociation.5,8
Mixing nitrous oxide and alcohol can cause:
- confusion
- feeling heavy or sluggish
- reduced concentration
- loss of body control.9
Health and safety
When inhaling directly from tanks or whippets (bulbs), the gas is intensely cold (-40C degrees) and can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat (including vocal cords).5,10 As the gas is also under constant pressure, it can cause ruptures in lung tissue when inhaled directly from these containers. Releasing the nitrous oxide into a balloon helps to warm the gas and normalise the pressure before inhaling.5,8
People can also harm themselves if they use faulty gas dispensers, which may explode. Dispensing several gas canisters consecutively with one cracker (a handheld device used to ‘crack’ a nitrous oxide bulb/whippet) can also cause cold burns to the hands.5
It is possible to reduce the risks associated with using nitrous oxide by not:
- using it alone or in dangerous or isolated places
- putting plastic bags over the head or impeding breathing in any way
- spraying near flammable substances, such as naked flames or cigarettes
- drinking alcohol or taking other drugs
- standing or dancing while inhaling, as the user may pass out.3,5
Withdrawal
There are no significant withdrawal symptoms apart from cravings to use more nitrous.1
Getting help
If your use of nitrous oxide is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.
Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs
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According to the Australian Trends in Ecstasy and Related Drug Markets 2016 Survey, around one third (36%) of a sample of people who regularly use ecstasy and related drugs reported recent nitrous oxide use in the six months preceding the survey. This is considerably higher than 2015 results (26%). Use was highest in Victoria (62%).10
- Malamed, SF & Clark, MS. (2003). Nitrous oxide-oxygen: a new look at a very old technique. Journal of the California Dental Association, 31(5), 397-404.
- Brands, B, Sproule, E & Marshman, J. (1998). Drugs and Drug Abuse.Toronto: Addiction Research Foundation.
- Papanastasiou, C & Dietze, P. (2015). Just a laughing matter? Nitrous oxide use among a group of regular psychostimulant users in Melbourne, Victoria. Poster. Melbourne: Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute.
- Re-Solv. (n.d.). Nitrous Oxide.
- Drug Science. (2012). Nitrous Oxide.
- Garland, EL, Howard, MO, & Perron, BE. (2009). Nitrous oxide inhalation among adolescents: Prevalence, correlates, and co-occurrence with volatile solvent inhalation. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 41(4), 337-347.
- UK Home Office. (2014). Guidance on restricting the supply of nitrous oxide for recreational use.
- Zacny, JP, Camarillo, VM, Sadeghi, P, & Black, M. (1998). Effects of ethanol and nitrous oxide, alone and in combination, on mood, psychom*otor performance and pain reports in healthy volunteers. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 52(2), 115-123.
- Sindicich, N. & Burns, L. (2016).Finding from the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS).
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Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, has a multitude of applications and effects. My expertise in pharmacology and its varied use allows me to dive into its multifaceted nature.
Firstly, nitrous oxide serves as a common sedative in medical procedures, especially in dentistry. Its quick onset and offset make it an ideal choice for short-term sedation. Additionally, its use as a propellant for whipped cream and in the automotive industry for enhancing engine performance showcases its diverse applications.
The recreational use of nitrous oxide is notable for its rapid induction of euphoria, altered perceptions, and sometimes, hallucinations. Users often inhale it from gas cartridges, balloons, or other containers, leading to a transient but intense sense of floating or excitement.
Understanding its effects on the body involves considering various factors: dosage, individual health, concurrent drug use, and tolerance levels. Short-term effects encompass euphoria, numbness, sedation, uncontrolled laughter, blurred vision, confusion, among others. However, excessive inhalation can result in severe consequences like loss of blood pressure, fainting, or even heart attack due to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia).
Long-term exposure carries risks of memory loss, vitamin B12 depletion causing nerve damage, hearing issues, incontinence, limb spasms, potential birth defects during pregnancy, weakened immunity, psychological dependence, and more.
The combination of nitrous oxide with other substances can amplify risks, potentially impacting heart function and blood pressure. Anecdotal evidence suggests intense dissociation when combined with cannabis, ketamine, LSD, magic mushrooms, or salvia. Combining it with alcohol might cause confusion, reduced concentration, or loss of body control.
Safety precautions are crucial due to its potential hazards. Inhaling directly from containers can cause frostbite and lung tissue damage due to extreme cold and pressure. Avoiding isolated places, ensuring proper ventilation, and not combining it with alcohol or other drugs are essential safety measures.
Withdrawal symptoms for nitrous oxide are generally minimal, mainly manifesting as cravings for more. However, if usage affects health or life situations, seeking professional help is advised.
Sources like the Australian Trends in Ecstasy and Related Drug Markets 2016 Survey and various academic studies, such as those in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs and Drug and Alcohol Dependence, provide a wealth of data to understand nitrous oxide's prevalence, effects, and risks associated with its use.
