Quick info

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced synthetically and used in medicine as a narcotic. Nitrous oxide belongs to the group of dissociatives. It is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet smell and has been used in medicine for more than 150 years to relieve pain and as an anesthetic, particularly in dentistry and obstetrics. The substance got its name from its relaxing and sometimes laughter-inhibiting effect.

Effect

Dosage

Risks

Safer Use

Mixed use

Sex

Extender

LSD analogues

Synthesis impurities

Contents

Effect

The "body high" begins a few seconds after ingestion and lasts only about 30 seconds to 5 minutes. It manifests itself as a tingling sensation that starts in the head and face at lower doses, but spreads to the whole body at higher doses. The surrounding sounds are often perceived as muffled or distorted.

In moderate doses, laughing gas leads to euphoria and a state of relaxation. The sense of time changes and ordinary thoughts can suddenly seem particularly fascinating. Some people report dream-like, brief visions. At higher doses, a stronger dissociation can occur - a feeling of separation from one's own body or surroundings. This brief "time out" from reality is experienced as very intense by many users. The short duration of effect often leads to multiple inhalations in succession, which can significantly increase the risks.

Duration

Onset of action:
‍a few
seconds after ingestion.

Duration of effect:
approx. 30 seconds to 5 minutes

Dosage

Nitrous oxide is usually inhaled from balloons or gas cartridges (cream blowers).

‍Inhaled
light: 4-8 g (½ to whole capsule)
medium: 8 - 16 g (1-2 capsules)
strong: 16 - 40 g (2-5 capsules)

Appearance
colorless gas

Risks

  • When combined with alcohol, GHB/GBL or opiates, there is a risk of mutual enhancement of effects. In high doses it can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness.
  • Mixing with uppers (e.g., amphetamine or cocaine) can cause circulatory problems, increase heart rate, and shortness of breath.

Safer Use

  • Never inhale nitrous oxide directly from the capsule or gas cylinder (danger of frostbite in the larynx and bronchial tubes!)
  • Consume nitrous oxide while sitting or lying down (lower risk of injury)
  • Take breaks, preferably in the fresh air, to avoid excessive nitrous oxide concentration.
  • Persons with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases should not consume nitrous oxide, as well as epileptics, persons with otitis media, rib fractures and those who have already had a diving accident.
  • Never consume nitrous oxide before or during activities that require concentration (e.g. driving a vehicle or operating machinery), as unconsciousness and serious accidents may result.
  • If numbness occurs in the extremities or face, or if muscle weakness persists, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
  • Always consume in the presence of a sober trusted person who can help in case of problems or complications and dial the following numbers in case of medical emergencies: Emergency Medical Service - Ambulance: 144 (Switzerland) or Tox Info Suisse in case of intoxication: 145.

 

Mixed use

  • When combined with alcohol, GHB/GBL or opiates, there is a risk of mutual enhancement of effects. In high doses it can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness.
  • Mixing with uppers (e.g., amphetamine or cocaine) can cause circulatory problems, increase heart rate, and shortness of breath.

Cocaine

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Increased risk

We strongly advise against this combination. If possible, stick to a single substance. The health risks are significantly increased—including the risk of overdose, respiratory and circulatory problems, and mental health crises.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use
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Emergency

If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.

Things to know

There are no current articles on this substance

Current warnings

There are no current warnings for this substance

Advisory service