Researchers Find Inhaling Nitrous Oxide May Be Effective Depression Treatment

Data comes amid growing concern over the illegal use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug that can cause severe, life-threatening side effects.

A new study suggests nitrous oxide could be effective in treating depression, even as law enforcement fights to remove recreational products from the market.

In an article published in eBioMedicine on November 30, researchers from the United Kingdom called for further research into the therapeutic potential of using nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” as a rapid treatment for depressive disorders.

Nitrous oxide is already used in some medical settings, like dentistry, as a form of anesthesia. It is also intended for use in food preparation. However, in recent years it has become widely misused for its euphoric, short-lasting “high.” Canisters known as “whippits” are easy to obtain through smoke shops and online retailers, where they are often sold in colorful packaging and sweet flavors that encourage misuse.

As a result, health officials around the world are raising alarms about the recreational use of nitrous oxide, noting that inhaling the gas can deprive the brain of oxygen and lead to serious neurological harm. Frequent or heavy use has been associated with nerve and spinal cord damage, cognitive impairment and even fatal outcomes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about nitrous oxide overdoses in March, reporting an increase in incidents linked to paralysis, hallucinations, brain injury and death. The agency noted that many of these incidents appear to be linked to the sale of nitrous oxide products in vape shops and convenience stores. Since then, former users have begun to file nitrous oxide lawsuits, claiming that these products were widely sold without any warnings about the severe and sometimes permanent side effects associated with inhaling the gas recreationally.

The new study, conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham, reviewed prior clinical trials, exploratory studies and other evaluations on how nitrous oxide performs as a potential treatment for depressive disorders. Led by Kiranpreet Gill, the team assessed both improvements in symptoms and reports of adverse events across studies involving those with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder. 

The review involved seven clinical trials involving 247 patients with depressive disorders, along with four protocol papers. According to the findings, just a single administration of nitrous oxide led to significant depression reduction after just two hours, and at 24 hours. However, the effects died off by the time a week had passed.

“Although early studies demonstrate consistent short-term improvements, uncertainties regarding long-term efficacy, optimal dosing, and its role as a standalone treatment remain. Future research must address methodological inconsistencies, clarify underlying mechanisms, and systematically evaluate N₂O’s feasibility across diverse, real-world populations.”

– Kiranpreet Gill, Nitrous oxide for the treatment of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The researchers found that adverse events are “mild and transient” and said nitrous oxide appeared to be well-tolerated by patients.

Nitrous Oxide Dangers

Health agencies are growing increasingly concerned about the rapid rise in recreational nitrous oxide misuse. Communities across the U.S. and around the world are reporting injuries, addiction and deaths linked to flavored “whippit” canisters that remain widely available through smoke shops, gas stations and online retailers.

These products, often sold in brightly colored, fruit-themed packaging under names like Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic and Whip-it!, are frequently marketed in ways that appeal to teenagers and young adults seeking a brief euphoric high. Public health officials warn that repeated inhalation can cause vitamin B12 depletion, nerve damage, paralysis, cognitive impairment and, in severe cases, life-threatening injury.

In response, lawmakers and regulators nationwide have begun cracking down on recreational nitrous oxide sales. States and municipalities are enacting bans, tightening age restrictions, limiting quantities, and pursuing enforcement actions against retailers openly selling the canisters for inhalation. Federal and state agencies have also issued warnings highlighting the known risks and the role of deceptive marketing in fueling the epidemic.

Nitrous Oxide Lawsuits

Against this backdrop of rising harm and growing government action, nitrous oxide lawsuits are now being filed across the country. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers and distributors failed to provide adequate warnings, marketed the canisters as safe or harmless, and ignored clear signs that the products were being widely abused. Some lawsuits further claim that smoke shops sold flavored canisters in bulk without age verification, despite knowing they were being used to get high.

These lawsuits seek to hold companies accountable for placing profits over public safety and contributing to a foreseeable nationwide crisis. Nitrous oxide injury and wrongful death lawyers are offering free consultations to individuals and families who may be eligible for compensation.

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