Nitrous Oxide ‘Laughing Gas’ Category: SedativesSolvents

Type of drug: depressant/dissociative/inhalant

Also known as: Laughing Gas, Whippets (cartridges of nitrous oxide), Whippit, Chargers, Bulbs, NoS, N2O, balloons, 'hippie crack'

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that has a number of industrial uses and is used clinically as an anaesthetic gas for pain-relieving properties when mixed with air.

It is a colourless gas that some say is slightly sweet smelling and tasting. It can be found in different forms such as whipped cream chargers ‘whippets’ which are small silver cartridges. It can also come as crackers with balloons attached or as balloons that have been filled with the gas.

It is inhaled, sometimes referred to as ‘nagging’

There are always risks with drugs, it is safer not to use.

It is important to note that each person will react differently to a substance. Effects can be based on a number of factors depending on; how much is taken and the dose which sometimes can be unknown, personal factors such as the persons seize and mental health, if the person has consumed the substance before and if other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication are used at the same time.

Short term effects

Below are common effects that a person may feel:

Effects start almost immediately peaking at about 10-30 seconds after use, but the effects are short lived meaning they don't last long
It can cause 'dissociative effects'
People can feel euphoric, giddy and want to giggle or laugh
Some feel relaxation, calm and wellbeing
Some people may get a head ache, dizziness or blurred vision
Loss of balance, feeling unsteady or disorientation
Irritated respiratory tract - the part of the body that helps a person breath
Tight chest after heavy use or for those with conditions such as asthma
People could feel nausea
Short lived paranoia
Effects on sound or visuals – visual patterning or hallucination where you see, hear or feel things that are not there
It can also cause a change in blood pressure for some people or sudden death due to a lack of oxygen

Long term effects

Changes in mood and depression
Frequent use can lead to red blood cell problems which could result in anaemia
Heavy and regular use can cause Vitamin B 12 deficiency which could lead to nerve damage

Other known risks

The quality and purity of the nitrous oxide could vary depending on the source
There is a risk that people could confuse nitrous oxide with more toxic or potent gases or volatile substances
People with heart, blood pressure or mental health concerns could be at greater risk. Nitrous Oxide can cause a drop in oxygen levels which could increase heart rate
Inhaling directly from a canister can damage the throat and lungs
People risk falling or accidents after use
Nitrous Oxide can displace the air in the lungs and can temporarily preventing oxygen from entering the bloodstream
People risk being deprived of oxygen if too much nitrous oxide is inhaled or if a person uses continuously without taking breaths
Internationally there are some reports of people suffocation or lack of oxygen
Further research is needed in relation to the risks.
Using with other drugs increases the risks, including using with alcohol or prescription medication. It is possible that nitrous oxide ingested at the same time as stimulants has a greater effect on blood pressure and heart rate.

Withdrawal

Nitrous oxide is sometimes used in a compulsive way. However, there are no significant withdrawal symptoms other than the desire to use more nitrous oxide.

Dependence

Currently there are no reports of nitrous oxide dependence in the literature. There is anecdotal evidence of psychological dependence.

We continue to monitor this substance and the known risks.

Educating young people

Parents play an important role in educating young people of the risks asscociated with drug and alcohol use. To help parents discuss substance use, the HSE produced an advice leaflet to help parents guide the conversation. Download HSE Parents Guide here.Get the facts and reduce the harms.

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