Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that slows down the brain and body’s responses. It is sometimes used medically and in catering, but when used recreationally it carries real risks, especially with frequent or heavy use.

Nitrous oxide is a short-acting drug, which can lead people to keep re-dosing and end up using much more than they intended.

Street names you might hear

Across the UK and North West, nitrous oxide is often known as:

  • NOS

  • Laughing gas

  • Balloons

  • Whippets

  • Chargers

Empty metal canisters are often found outside bars, clubs and party venues.

What does nitrous oxide look like?

Nitrous oxide is a gas stored in:

  • Small silver metal canisters

  • Larger cylinders

The gas itself is invisible.

What does it smell or taste like?

Some people report a slightly sweet smell or taste, though many notice very little.

How do people use nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is inhaled.

Most people:

  • Release the gas into a balloon

  • Inhale it from the balloon

Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is extremely dangerous. The gas is under high pressure and is extremely cold, which can:

  • Damage the mouth, throat and lungs

  • Slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels

  • Cause loss of consciousness

Using large canisters makes it harder to track how much is being inhaled, increasing the risk of harm.

How nitrous oxide can make you feel

The effects vary depending on how much is inhaled.

People may feel:

  • Relaxed or calm

  • Euphoric

  • Giggly or laugh uncontrollably

It can also cause:

  • Dizziness

  • Headaches

  • Confusion

  • Sound distortion or brief hallucinations

  • Short-lived paranoia

Because the effects wear off quickly, people often inhale repeatedly.

How long the effects last

Nitrous oxide acts very quickly and wears off quickly.

Because it is short-acting, people may keep re-dosing, which increases the risk of fainting, injury or suffocation.

Nitrous oxide is often used alongside other drugs, making effects unpredictable.

Physical health risks

Nitrous oxide carries serious risks, particularly with heavy or repeated use.

Risks include:

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Suffocation due to lack of oxygen

  • Accidents caused by dizziness or confusion

People have died after inhaling too much nitrous oxide, especially in enclosed spaces.

Never:

  • Inhale directly from a canister

  • Use in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces

  • Place a plastic bag over your head

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Heavy or regular use of nitrous oxide can reduce vitamin B12 levels, which can lead to:

  • Nerve damage

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

  • Pain

  • Difficulty walking

  • In severe cases, paralysis

Some nerve damage can be long-lasting or permanent. Regular use can also affect the body’s ability to produce white blood cells.

Mixing nitrous oxide with other substances

Mixing drugs always increases risk.

Mixing nitrous oxide with:

  • Alcohol

  • Other drugs

increases the risk of accidents, loss of consciousness and serious harm.

Dependence and cravings

Some people develop psychological dependence on nitrous oxide.

This can include:

  • Cravings

  • Repeated use despite harm

  • Feeling driven to keep using

Because it is easy to access and short-acting, patterns of frequent use can develop quickly.

Staying safer

If someone is using nitrous oxide, harm reduction steps include:

  • Only inhaling from a balloon, never directly from a canister

  • Using in a well-ventilated space

  • Taking breaks and avoiding continuous use

  • Avoiding mixing with alcohol or other drugs

  • Sitting down to reduce the risk of falls

If someone collapses, becomes unresponsive, or has trouble breathing, call 999 immediately. Seeking medical help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by nitrous oxide use, as well as support for families and carers.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Support to reduce or stop using

  • Physical and mental health support

  • Help with wider wellbeing, housing or life issues

Support is tailored to you and your goals.

Worried about someone else?

If you are concerned about a friend, partner or family member, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to manage this alone.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and help is there when you’re ready.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026