Side Effects of Inhaling Nitrous Oxide Linked to Suicide, Psychosis Risks: Study

Health care professionals should be made more aware of the neurological risks from inhaling nitrous oxide recreationally, researchers warn.

As concerns continue to grow over the long-term physical side effects of inhaling nitrous oxide, or “whippets,” a new study suggests that the increasingly popular recreational activity among young adults also appears to pose serious neurological risks, potentially increasing the likelihood of suicide and psychotic behavior.

A team of Australian researchers published their findings in Epidemiologia on November 1, warning that emergency rooms frequently see nitrous oxide users suffering from neuropsychiatric problems, calling for healthcare providers to increase their awareness of the alarming rise in abuse of the products.

Nitrous Oxide Dangers

Nitrous oxide has traditionally been used in medical and food preparation settings. However, in recent years it has become increasingly available in smoke shops and online stores, where it is sold in small, colorful canisters and flavored varieties intended for inhalation. Marketed under names like “laughing gas” or “whippets,” these products are often misused to achieve brief feelings of euphoria or detachment.

This growing trend has raised serious safety concerns, as inhaling nitrous oxide can cause oxygen deprivation and lasting neurological harm. Health experts warn that repeated or prolonged use may result in nerve damage, spinal cord injury, brain damage, or even death. 

In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nitrous oxide overdose warning, indicating the agency is receiving a growing number of reports about serious health problems, including brain damage, paralysis, hallucinations and death, related to an increase in nitrous oxide sales through vape shops and convenience stores.

As a result of the reckless sale of canisters for recreational use, a growing number of nitrous oxide injury lawsuits are now being filed against manufacturers, distributors and retail smoke shops, alleging they knowingly marketed whippets for inhalation, despite its dangerous and addictive effects.

In the new study, researchers from Western Health and the University of Melbourne looked at referrals received by the Emergency Mental Health (EMH) team at Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, of patients from other emergency department between August 2020 and July 2024.

Led by Katy Boyce, the team then looked for cases linked to nitrous oxide use and conducted a retrospective observational review after identifying 23 patients that met the group’s criteria.

According to their findings, psychotic symptoms were found in 11 patients: nearly half. In addition, eight of the 23 patients reported suicidal ideation or attempted self-harm, the researchers noted. They also reported that about a fifth of those patients also suffered paraesthesia, which leads to strange tingling and “pins and needles” sensations, and ataxia, which causes disorientation.

“The findings highlight the growing clinical burden of N₂O misuse, particularly among younger people and those engaging in concurrent substance use. Psychiatric complications, including psychosis and suicidality, were the predominant presentations, while a smaller proportion of patients exhibited neurological features.”

 — Katy Boyce, Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use and Associated Neuropsychiatric Presentations in Patients Attending the Emergency Department

The researchers raised concerns that many of the neurological symptoms may go unrecognized and undiagnosed, particularly in emergency room situations. They called for greater clinical awareness, more early screening and improving access to mental health support.

Nitrous Oxide Injury Lawsuits

The study’s findings are part of a growing global awareness of nitrous oxide risks that have also troubled many communities throughout the U.S., which has seen an increasing number of nitrous oxide lawsuits.

According to these complaints, nitrous oxide canisters are widely available through smoke shops, gas stations and online retailers, often under brand names like Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic and Whip-it!

Despite the known health risks, plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings and used deceptive marketing tactics to promote the canisters as safe or harmless. The lawsuits seek to hold companies accountable for placing profits over public safety.

Nitrous oxide injury and wrongful death lawyers are currently offering free consultations to individuals and families nationwide who may be eligible for compensation through a nitrous oxide injury lawsuit.

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