Nitrous Oxide Withdrawal and Risks
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 2 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
The FDA warns people not to inhale nitrous oxide from any canister, tank or charger. Regular use can cause lasting nerve, spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping. See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, weakness or trouble walking. Call 911 for loss of consciousness.
Quick answer
There’s very little research on nitrous oxide withdrawal, so we can’t give a reliable timeline. What is well documented is harm: the FDA says inhaling it can cause loss of consciousness, blood clots, numbness, tingling, limb weakness, trouble walking, paralysis, psychiatric symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency and death, and that regular use can cause lasting spinal cord or brain damage even after stopping. If you have numbness or tingling, see a doctor.
Nitrous oxide withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping | Days to weeks (withdrawal not well studied) | Cravings; Low mood or anxiety (reported by some people) | Unknown | — |
| Nerve symptoms (not withdrawal) | Can persist or appear after stopping | Numbness, tingling; Limb weakness, trouble walking; Bladder or bowel problems | Severe | Numbness, weakness or trouble walking: see a doctor urgently; Loss of consciousness (call 911) |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
The FDA’s nitrous oxide advisory lists abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency and, in some cases, death. It says some people who regularly inhale nitrous oxide have prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping. We didn’t find good evidence on a withdrawal syndrome, so we’re not giving one.
After stopping: Days to weeks (withdrawal not well studied)
- Cravings
- Low mood or anxiety (reported by some people)
Nerve symptoms (not withdrawal): Can persist or appear after stopping
- Numbness, tingling
- Limb weakness, trouble walking
- Bladder or bowel problems
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- How much and how often. The FDA says some people who regularly inhale nitrous oxide have prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage.
- Vitamin B12. Nitrous oxide can cause B12 deficiency, which a doctor can test for.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Any numbness, tingling, weakness, balance problems or trouble walking.
- Mood changes, paranoia or hallucinations.
- Call 911 for loss of consciousness or trouble breathing.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
There’s no evidence-based taper for nitrous oxide. Stopping is the goal; get medical checks for nerve damage.
Tips for getting through it
- Tell your doctor how much you used so they can check B12 and nerves
- Find support at SAMHSA 1-800-662-4357
- Remove canisters from your home
Frequently asked questions
Is there nitrous oxide withdrawal?
Research is very limited. Some people report cravings or low mood.
Can whippet damage be reversed?
The FDA says some people have lasting damage even after stopping. See a doctor early.
Is Galaxy Gas safe?
No. The FDA warns against inhaling any nitrous oxide product.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Day-by-Day Check-ins board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
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Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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