Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas, nitrous, NOS, and informally as hippy-crack). Whipped cream chargers/cartridges are called whippits (also spelled «whippits»), nangs, or bulbs. Nitrous oxide is an atypical dissociative substance found in the form of an inhaled gas. The exact mechanism of action of nitrous oxide is unknown, but it is thought to affect GABA and NMDA receptors in the brain.
Nitrous oxide was first discovered in 1772 by British chemist Joseph Priestley. In the 19th century, it was found to have anesthetic properties, which made it suitable for dental and surgical procedures. British chemist Humphry Davy gave it the name «laughing gas» because of its excitatory and laughter-inducing effects.
Today it is widely used in surgery and dentistry because of its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and in motorsports because of its performance-enhancing effects on internal combustion engines. It also has a number of industrial applications and is commonly sold as a propellant for whipped cream in kitchen and hardware stores. Subjective effects include sedation, pain relief, loss of control over movements, anxiety suppression, conceptual thinking, euphoria and dissociation. Nitrogen is considered to have low to moderate abuse potential and low toxicity with moderate use.
History of nitrous oxide use
Nitrous oxide was first synthesized in 1772 by the English natural philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley. He published his findings in Experiments and Observations on Various Kinds of Air (1775), describing the synthesis of the gas by heating iron filings soaked in nitric acid.
In 1800, Humphry Davy, an assistant at the Pneumatic Institute, published a book on nitrous oxide. The book contains the following passage: «As nitrous oxide, in its wide action, seems to be capable of eliminating physical pain, it can probably be usefully employed during surgical operations where there is not too much bleeding».
Nitrous oxide was first discovered in 1772 by British chemist Joseph Priestley. In the 19th century, it was found to have anesthetic properties, which made it suitable for dental and surgical procedures. British chemist Humphry Davy gave it the name «laughing gas» because of its excitatory and laughter-inducing effects.
Today it is widely used in surgery and dentistry because of its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and in motorsports because of its performance-enhancing effects on internal combustion engines. It also has a number of industrial applications and is commonly sold as a propellant for whipped cream in kitchen and hardware stores. Subjective effects include sedation, pain relief, loss of control over movements, anxiety suppression, conceptual thinking, euphoria and dissociation. Nitrogen is considered to have low to moderate abuse potential and low toxicity with moderate use.
History of nitrous oxide use
Nitrous oxide was first synthesized in 1772 by the English natural philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley. He published his findings in Experiments and Observations on Various Kinds of Air (1775), describing the synthesis of the gas by heating iron filings soaked in nitric acid.
In 1800, Humphry Davy, an assistant at the Pneumatic Institute, published a book on nitrous oxide. The book contains the following passage: «As nitrous oxide, in its wide action, seems to be capable of eliminating physical pain, it can probably be usefully employed during surgical operations where there is not too much bleeding».
The discovery of ether in 1830 caused nitrous oxide to cease to be a popular recreational drug. It was not until 1844 that American dentist Horace Wells noticed the anesthetic properties of the gas. With the help of Gardner Quincy Colton and John Mankey Riggs, he demonstrated insensitivity to pain during tooth extraction. This practice was not immediately adopted by other dentists, as Wells's first public demonstration was partially unsuccessful.
In 1863, Gardner Quincy Colton began injecting gas into patients in all of his Colton Dental Association clinics, administering nitrous oxide to more than 25,000 patients over a three-year period. This made the practice universal.
Nitrous oxide did not prove to be a strong enough anesthetic for major surgery in the hospital setting, but it became useful as an initiator for stronger anesthetics such as ether or chloroform. Hospitals would start treatment with a small flow of nitrous oxide and then gradually increase the flow of the stronger anesthetic. This method of initiating anesthesia is still used in hospitals today.
Nitrous oxide is on the World Health Organization's list of essential drugs, the most effective and safest drugs needed in the health care system.
Chemical structure and pharmacology
Nitrous oxide, or diazote oxide, was first synthesized by heating ammonium nitrate in the presence of iron filings and then passing the released gas (NO) through water. It is now usually synthesized by carefully heating ammonium nitrate to decompose it into nitrous oxide. This is nitrous oxide.
Nitrogen has a linear molecular structure. It can be thought of as existing in two «resonance structures»:
Nitrous oxide did not prove to be a strong enough anesthetic for major surgery in the hospital setting, but it became useful as an initiator for stronger anesthetics such as ether or chloroform. Hospitals would start treatment with a small flow of nitrous oxide and then gradually increase the flow of the stronger anesthetic. This method of initiating anesthesia is still used in hospitals today.
Nitrous oxide is on the World Health Organization's list of essential drugs, the most effective and safest drugs needed in the health care system.
Chemical structure and pharmacology
Nitrous oxide, or diazote oxide, was first synthesized by heating ammonium nitrate in the presence of iron filings and then passing the released gas (NO) through water. It is now usually synthesized by carefully heating ammonium nitrate to decompose it into nitrous oxide. This is nitrous oxide.
Nitrogen has a linear molecular structure. It can be thought of as existing in two «resonance structures»:
- A central nitrogen atom is bound by a triple bond to another nitrogen atom and a single bond to an oxygen atom.
- The central nitrogen atom is double bonded to both another nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom.
In practice, the atom will exist almost all the time exclusively between these two states, and the electrons will be delocalized throughout the molecule. Each of the resonance forms can be viewed as having a positive and negative charge, giving a generally neutral molecule. Nitrous oxide is used as an oxidizer in rocket technology and motorsports to increase engine power. At elevated temperatures, nitrous oxide is a powerful oxidizer similar to molecular oxygen. At room temperature, nitrous oxide is a colorless and non-flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor and a characteristic sweet taste.
The pharmacologic mechanism of action of N2O in medicine is not fully known. However, it has been shown to directly modulate a wide range of receptors, and this probably plays a significant role in many of its effects. It moderately blocks nACh channels containing the β2-subunit, weakly inhibits AMPA, kainate, GABAA-rho and 5-HT3 receptors, and slightly potentiates GABAA and glycine receptors. It has also been shown to activate dual-domain K+ channels.
Clinical and recreational effects
All of the effects listed below will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more likely to cause the full range of effects. Similarly, adverse effects become more likely with higher doses and may include dependence, serious injury or death.
Physical effects:
All of the effects listed below will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more likely to cause the full range of effects. Similarly, adverse effects become more likely with higher doses and may include dependence, serious injury or death.
Physical effects:
- Neurotoxicity — prolonged or repeated use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious neurological harm.
- Spontaneous physical sensations — «Bodily high» from nitrous oxide begins with the sensation of a varied mixture of cold, warmth, sharp and mild tingles that begin at the head and face at lower doses but spread throughout the body at higher doses.
- Changes in the sensation of body shape —This usually occurs at higher dosages and can be described as a feeling that the physical shape of your body is being painlessly stretched to infinity, compressed into a singularity, or split into two separate halves.
- Vertigo — although rare, some people report dizziness while under the influence of nitrous oxide.
- Headaches — although rare, a certain group of people experience headaches during nitrous oxide cessation.
- Loss of motor control — loss of control of large and fine motor skills along with balance and coordination is common with nitrous oxide and becomes especially active at higher doses. This means sitting down before you start, unless you are dealing with a fall and injury.
- Perception of bodily lightness — creates the sensation that the body is floating and has become completely weightless. Often accompanied by a feeling of slowly falling or drifting.
- Physical euphoria — this effect can range from mild pleasure to powerful all-encompassing bliss. Separate reports indicate that this sensation, enjoyed by recreational users during sexual acts, can significantly enhance orgasm.
- Tactile Suppression — this effect partially or completely suppresses the sense of touch, creating a numbing sensation in the extremities. It is responsible for the anesthetic properties of this substance.
- Vitamin deficiency — repeated doses can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. However, this can be prevented with B12 supplements.
Cognitive effects
- Amnesia — At high doses, it is common for a person to experience amnesia and memory loss after the experience has occurred. This is especially common along with the death of the ego
- Anxiety Suppression
- Compulsive repetitive drug use
- Depersonalization
- Derealization
- Deja Vu — Although rare and intermittent, a certain group of people consistently report strong feelings of deja vu while under the influence of nitrous oxide
- Cognitive euphoria — this can be described as feelings of mild to intense happiness and general positivity
- Suppression of analysis
- An improved sense of humor
- Bouts of laughter — This effect is particularly pronounced with nitrous oxide exposure and can be described as sudden fits of intense laughter and giggling
- Memory suppression — At higher doses, level 3 ego death is a pervasive effect in nitrous oxide. Compared to other hallucinogens, it is unique in style because of its rapid onset and rapid decline. This creates the sensation of the sense of self disintegrating quickly and then suddenly being restored through the process of long term memory retrieval. It is a remarkably identical process each time the experience occurs
- Increased suggestibility
- Slowing of thought
- Vivid dreams
Visual and auditory effects
Compared to other dissociatives such as ketamine or DCM, the visual effects of nitrous oxide are relatively simplified. They increase gradually in proportion to dosage and can be broken down into five distinct components, which are listed and described below. The auditory effects found with nitrous oxide, although simplified, are widely known to be particularly intense and consistent in their manifestation compared to other hallucinogens.
Visual acuity suppression.
Compared to other dissociatives such as ketamine or DCM, the visual effects of nitrous oxide are relatively simplified. They increase gradually in proportion to dosage and can be broken down into five distinct components, which are listed and described below. The auditory effects found with nitrous oxide, although simplified, are widely known to be particularly intense and consistent in their manifestation compared to other hallucinogens.
Visual acuity suppression.
- Suppression of frame rate
- Double vision
- Suppression of pattern recognition
- External and internal hallucination
- Effects of auditory distortion and auditory suppression
Is nitrous oxide being used today?
Across TikTok, teens are getting high on nitrous oxide by misusing the company's Galaxy Gas dispensers designed for cooking devices. Celebrities such as SZA have raised concerns about the trend, expressing similar concerns that have been raised about the marketing of vapes and other e-cigarettes to children.
While Galaxy Gas released a statement to Vice explaining that their product was never intended for people to get high, and certainly not for children, nitrous oxide abuse has long been an infamous part of pop culture (If you've watched the HBO series Girls, you may remember the episode from the second season where Hannah and Jessa join a pair of boys for a convertible ride through the countryside - which takes a reckless turn when the team starts taking turns inhaling gas from a can of whipped cream).
Young people colloquially referring to it as «galactic gas» in slang is nothing new, but it's just the latest iteration of a longstanding public fascination with the short-lived, dizzying high of nitrous oxide, or, as it's been colloquially called for years, whippets.
But what are whippets? Gas is a fairly popular party drug, which can leave you feeling euphoric, dazed and confused. However, despite its prevalence, using whippets can be risky, and the exact chemical composition of the drug escapes most people's attention.
Whippets (also known as «whippits» or «whip-its») is the colloquial name for nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a sweet aftertaste that is commonly used in the home and can be inhaled for a warm, tingling effect that can make you feel «happily drunk». The drug is extremely affordable and accessible, which partly explains its popularity; in 2020, young people were particularly drawn to the gas, with 40% of tenth graders and 26% of eighth graders considered at risk for regular use of the drug.
It is easy to buy nitrous oxide canisters at the drugstore, and the gas can be found in everyday household items such as cans of whipped cream and spray cooking oil; it is even used to make nitro coffee. When used as an inhaler, the effects can last up to several minutes, depending on how much you inhale.
What are Whippets?
«Whippets» are small canisters containing nitrous oxide, with recreational use dating back to the late 1770s.
Because whippets are easier to obtain than other illegal drugs, they are often used by adolescents and young adults. This is partly due to the wide availability of the drugs; in addition to being used in common products like whipped cream, you'll often find them on sale in tobacco and sex shops. Their use is especially popular among teens ages 12 to 17, who were nearly twice as likely to use whippets as young adults ages 18 to 25, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Across TikTok, teens are getting high on nitrous oxide by misusing the company's Galaxy Gas dispensers designed for cooking devices. Celebrities such as SZA have raised concerns about the trend, expressing similar concerns that have been raised about the marketing of vapes and other e-cigarettes to children.
While Galaxy Gas released a statement to Vice explaining that their product was never intended for people to get high, and certainly not for children, nitrous oxide abuse has long been an infamous part of pop culture (If you've watched the HBO series Girls, you may remember the episode from the second season where Hannah and Jessa join a pair of boys for a convertible ride through the countryside - which takes a reckless turn when the team starts taking turns inhaling gas from a can of whipped cream).
Young people colloquially referring to it as «galactic gas» in slang is nothing new, but it's just the latest iteration of a longstanding public fascination with the short-lived, dizzying high of nitrous oxide, or, as it's been colloquially called for years, whippets.
But what are whippets? Gas is a fairly popular party drug, which can leave you feeling euphoric, dazed and confused. However, despite its prevalence, using whippets can be risky, and the exact chemical composition of the drug escapes most people's attention.
Whippets (also known as «whippits» or «whip-its») is the colloquial name for nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a sweet aftertaste that is commonly used in the home and can be inhaled for a warm, tingling effect that can make you feel «happily drunk». The drug is extremely affordable and accessible, which partly explains its popularity; in 2020, young people were particularly drawn to the gas, with 40% of tenth graders and 26% of eighth graders considered at risk for regular use of the drug.
It is easy to buy nitrous oxide canisters at the drugstore, and the gas can be found in everyday household items such as cans of whipped cream and spray cooking oil; it is even used to make nitro coffee. When used as an inhaler, the effects can last up to several minutes, depending on how much you inhale.
What are Whippets?
«Whippets» are small canisters containing nitrous oxide, with recreational use dating back to the late 1770s.
Because whippets are easier to obtain than other illegal drugs, they are often used by adolescents and young adults. This is partly due to the wide availability of the drugs; in addition to being used in common products like whipped cream, you'll often find them on sale in tobacco and sex shops. Their use is especially popular among teens ages 12 to 17, who were nearly twice as likely to use whippets as young adults ages 18 to 25, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
People often use whippets for the euphoric feeling they can create at a party. Some people use whippets to enhance sexual pleasure or even take a dose right before an orgasm to intensify it.
The effects of the drug are immediate and can last for several minutes. While all whippets materials are legal to purchase, recreational use is illegal - and like many recreational drugs, legal or not, they carry risks and benefits, so it's important to know how to use them safely and their possible side effects before you get started.
The drug may be addictive, but not in the way you are used to. Repeated use of nitrous oxide over a long period of time can lead to the development of psychological dependence on the drug; although you will not experience any significant withdrawal symptoms, except for the desire to use more nitrous oxide.
Whippets are not addictive in the classic sense in which drugs are addictive, and do not target or affect the same receptors and brain chemistry. However, when a substance becomes an obstacle to healthy functioning, activities, and relationships, treating it as an addiction can be helpful.
According to an analysis by the National Library of Medicine, some risks of nitrous oxide use include paresthesia, weakness, balance problems, electric shocks to the spine and loss of muscle control.
Safety, toxicity and potential harms
Whippets are not harmless; they can cause fainting or cardiac arrest when used with other depressants or stimulant drugs. If inhaled directly, the drug can cause frostbite, given that the pressurized cylinders from which they are dispensed can reach temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Asphyxiation is another serious risk. Because nitrous oxide displaces oxygen from blood cells, depresses the central nervous system and can strain the heart, sudden death can occur, especially with prolonged or repeated inhalation. Especially in cases of extreme use, such as use in poorly ventilated areas or inhalation with a bag over the head. Concurrent use of other stimulants or depressants may also increase the risk of sudden death.
The side effects of nitrous oxide can be more serious if you use it too often. Nitrous oxide can affect the prefrontal cortex, which contains the areas of the brain responsible for learning, decision-making, and memory. Neurological damage can occur after chronic use, especially in young adults and teens.
Whippets are not addictive in the classic sense in which drugs are addictive, and do not target or affect the same receptors and brain chemistry. However, when a substance becomes an obstacle to healthy functioning, activities, and relationships, treating it as an addiction can be helpful.
According to an analysis by the National Library of Medicine, some risks of nitrous oxide use include paresthesia, weakness, balance problems, electric shocks to the spine and loss of muscle control.
Safety, toxicity and potential harms
Whippets are not harmless; they can cause fainting or cardiac arrest when used with other depressants or stimulant drugs. If inhaled directly, the drug can cause frostbite, given that the pressurized cylinders from which they are dispensed can reach temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Asphyxiation is another serious risk. Because nitrous oxide displaces oxygen from blood cells, depresses the central nervous system and can strain the heart, sudden death can occur, especially with prolonged or repeated inhalation. Especially in cases of extreme use, such as use in poorly ventilated areas or inhalation with a bag over the head. Concurrent use of other stimulants or depressants may also increase the risk of sudden death.
The side effects of nitrous oxide can be more serious if you use it too often. Nitrous oxide can affect the prefrontal cortex, which contains the areas of the brain responsible for learning, decision-making, and memory. Neurological damage can occur after chronic use, especially in young adults and teens.
A partner system should be used when exercising with whippets. It is not recommended to use the whippets if you are alone, as you may have an adverse reaction without assistance. It is best not to inhale the gas directly, using a plastic bag placed over your head, or in situations where you could be seriously injured if you lose consciousness (e.g. driving a car, in water or at heights). Your surroundings should be well-ventilated, open and not near cigarettes, fire or flammable substances. To avoid frostbite or rapid entry into your mouth and lungs, you can discharge the cylinder into a balloon to allow the gas to heat up and be inhaled more slowly.
Nitrous oxide temporarily inhibits methionine synthase, a B12-dependent enzyme responsible for many important functions in the body. Intense and frequent long-term use can deplete the body's stores of vitamin B12 and lead to serious and unpleasant neurological problems. Users may experience numbness and tingling in fingers, toes, fingers, toes, lips, etc. In more severe cases, there may be numbness in all extremities. Taking B12 supplements, especially when combined with multivitamins and complete amino acid supplements, can help alleviate this problem.
«Nitric oxide» — a toxic industrial gas, is sometimes mistaken for nitrous oxide. Users should be careful they know what they are inhaling. Inhalation of nitrous oxide can cause irreparable damage to the lungs or kill.
Whipped cream chargers: very low gas temperatures can freeze lips and throat if taken directly from the tank or whippet. Releasing the gas into the tank first allows the gas to warm up before administering. Medical nitrous oxide is released slowly.
Whipped cream chargers do not contain oxygen. Oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain injury and suffocation, can result from a lack of oxygen due to pure nitrous oxide continuously inhaled from a mask attached to a gas cylinder.
Never use nitrous oxide in any manner that does not provide an adequate supply of oxygen. Asphyxiation can occur without discomfort. Medical nitrous oxide contains 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. When used as an anesthetic, nitrous oxide is always administered in combination with oxygen.
«Nitric oxide» — a toxic industrial gas, is sometimes mistaken for nitrous oxide. Users should be careful they know what they are inhaling. Inhalation of nitrous oxide can cause irreparable damage to the lungs or kill.
Whipped cream chargers: very low gas temperatures can freeze lips and throat if taken directly from the tank or whippet. Releasing the gas into the tank first allows the gas to warm up before administering. Medical nitrous oxide is released slowly.
Whipped cream chargers do not contain oxygen. Oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain injury and suffocation, can result from a lack of oxygen due to pure nitrous oxide continuously inhaled from a mask attached to a gas cylinder.
Never use nitrous oxide in any manner that does not provide an adequate supply of oxygen. Asphyxiation can occur without discomfort. Medical nitrous oxide contains 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. When used as an anesthetic, nitrous oxide is always administered in combination with oxygen.