NOS – Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide
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Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief but is also used by people to feel intoxicated or high. It is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures. 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. 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.
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Common Names
Laughing gas
Nitro
N2O
NOS
Nangs
Whippet
Hippy Crack
Buzz Bomb
Balloons
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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. Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a rapid rush of euphoria and feeling of floating or excitement for a short period of time.
Side Effects of NOS
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
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:
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
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Long-term effects:
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
NOS Overdose
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Health & 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). 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 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.
Mixing NOS with other drugs
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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. Anecdotal evidence suggests that combining nitrous oxide with other drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, LSD, magic mushroom and salvia can cause intense dissociation.
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Mixing Nitrous Oxide and Alcohol can cause:
Confusion
Feeling heavy or sluggish
Reduced concentration
Loss of body control
The effects of taking NOS with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
