Nitrous Oxide

Immediate effects 

The effects may start to be felt immediately and can last from 2 – 3 minutes; some effects may last up to 30 – 40 minutes.

Physical effects may include:

• initial "rush" or "high"
  

• euphoria
  

• giggling and laughing
  

• numbness of the body
  

• sedation
  

• giddiness
  

• uncontrolled laughter
  

• sound distortions
  

• 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:

• 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.
  

• memory loss
  

• vitamin B12 inactivation (the body is unable to use B12 which may causes brain and spinal cord damage. Taking a B12 supplement will not prevent this.)
  

• anaemia
  

• 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 nitrous oxide and alcohol can cause:

• Confusion
  
• Feeling heavy or sluggish
  
• Reduced concentration
  
• Loss of body control
  

Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol can also increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death.

The chances of an overdose are increased if taken with other depressants drugs such as benzodiazepines or opiates. Using nitrous oxide with other depressants can affect breathing rate and the heart and blood vessels. Mixing drugs can also increase the risk of passing out and suffocating or chocking on vomit.

Whilst the risk of overdose from nitrous oxide is low people with heart conditions or abnormal blood pressure may be at higher risk as the drop in oxygen levels caused by inhaling the gas raises the heart rate, which could cause problems. When inhaling directly from bulbs, the gas is intensely cold (-40C degrees) and can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat (including vocal cords). 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.

People can also harm themselves if they use faulty gas dispensers, which may explode. Dispensing multiple gas canisters with one cracker (a handheld device used to 'crack' a nitrous oxide bulb/whippet) can also cause cold burns to the hands.5

To reduce the risks associated with misusing nitrous oxide don't:

• use it alone or in dangerous or isolated places
  
• put plastic bags over your head or restrict breathing
  
• spray near flammable substances, such as naked flames or cigarettes
  
• drink alcohol or take other drugs
  
• stand or dance while inhaling, as you may pass out
  

If you can’t wake someone up or are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a fall – call an ambulance immediately – dial Triple Zero (000).

Always phone 000 (triple zero) for an ambulance and tell the operator that the person has overdosed (the police will usually not come unless the person dies or becomes violent). You should also:

• if the person is unconscious, put them on their side, in the recovery position
  

• stay with the person
  

• try not to panic
  

• check their breathing, clear their airway
  

• do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they stop breathing
  

If the person has been mixing nitrous oxide with other drugs, tell the NSW Ambulance paramedic exactly what they have taken. Paramedics are there to help. Generally paramedics don't involve the police unless there is danger to themselves or other people/children, someone dies, or a crime (such as violence or theft) has been committed.

The use of any drug during pregnancy is potentially harmful to both the mother and unborn child.

Inform antenatal staff, or your local doctor, of any drug use and attend regular antenatal check-ups.

​Nitrous oxide bulbs are a common product and are readily available. 

​Narcotics Anoymous Australia, a non-profit fellowship or society of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean via a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. Visit www.na.org.au

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week, call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015.

It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from. 

Other support services

• Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) provides services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. For counselling and support services for CALD communities call (02) 8706 0150.
  
• Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (NYDAS) works within a holistic model of care to address a range of issues for young people (12 -20 years) of age related to their alcohol and other drug use. Call (02) 4734 2129 or (02) 4734 1333.
• Poisons Information Centre is a  24/7 call centre service to NSW and after hours call centre across Australia. Call 13 11 26
• ahmrc.org.au for Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW. Go to Members/ Members regional map/ Member services or Member websites.
• alcohol.gov.au provides information about related health issues and Australian government policy. 
• druginfo.adf.org.au for facts and resources on alcohol and other drugs and the prevention of related harm.
• druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au State Library of New South Wales provides up to date information for public libraries in NSW.
• headspace.org.au for mental health and wellbeing support, information and services for young people (12-25 years) and their family and friends.
• kidshelp.com.au is a free, 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by web, email or call 1800 55 1800.
• nuaa.org.au NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peak drug user organisation in NSW providing harm reduction information and blood borne virus prevention peer education.
• au.reachout.com ReachOut is an Australian online youth mental health service with a mobile-friendly site and forums where you can access help, information and support.
• shil.nsw.gov.au for free and confidential sexual health support and information.
• smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au Smart Recovery is a voluntary self-help group that assists people in recovering from alcohol, drug use and other addictive behaviours.
• Visit tafensw.edu.au for help with education, career development or personal matters. Students can contact a local TAFE / university counsellor. Follow the links to student services, careers and counselling.
• youthaction.org.au Youth Action is the peak organisation for young people in NSW. Use the search option to access a directory of NSW youth services.
• youthsolutions.com.au for services for young people 12 – 25 years of age and the community including prevention and health promotion, drug and alcohol education, community programs and referral. You can also call (02) 4628 2319. [provides services to young people in Macarthur & Wingecarribee].

When someone misuses nitrous oxide, it can affect everyone around them. This site offers a variety of resources for friends and families concerned about their loved ones, including a general overview and information about nitrous oxide in Australia. Support services are available specifically to help people supporting others with substance use or misuse. There are also tips for talking with kids about alcohol and other drugs (part 1 and part 2). ACON provides support specifically for LGBTQ+ families through Pivot Point.

Informational resources are available in 27 languages. This includes videos providing information about where and how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.

General resources include:
Information and support for family and carers
Managing aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home: A guide for those concerned about children 5-12 years
Coping with aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home - A guide for teenagers
A parents' guide to drug slang