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Study on the Effects of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen on Driving Ability in Healthy Volunteers After Recreational Use

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on understanding the effects of the recreational use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," on driving ability. The study involves healthy volunteers who use nitrous oxide while driving a vehicle. The main goal is to learn how quickly nitrous oxide is eliminated from the body by measuring its concentration in the blood after a short recreational intake.

Participants in the study will inhale a medicinal gas called Kalinox, which is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Another medicinal gas, Medicinsk Oxygen “Strandmøllen”, which contains only oxygen, will also be used. The study will observe the effects of these gases on driving ability before, during, and after their use, using a driving simulator to mimic real driving conditions.

The study aims to provide insights into how nitrous oxide affects driving performance and how long it stays in the body. This information could be important for understanding the risks associated with using nitrous oxide while driving. The trial will help determine the blood concentration levels of nitrous oxide and assess driving ability under its influence.

The research process

The trial runs in 6 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, eligibility is confirmed based on specific criteria. Participants must be at least 18 years old, hold a Danish driving license for at least one year, have driven at least 200 km in the past year, provide informed consent, and be able to read and understand Danish.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    An initial assessment is conducted to ensure all criteria are met. This includes verifying driving experience and understanding of the study requirements.

  3. Step 3

    Recreational intake of nitrous oxide

    Participants will inhale a medicinal gas called nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. This is done through a process called inhalation, where the gas is breathed in. The gas is compressed and administered in a controlled environment.

  4. Step 4

    Blood sample collection

    Blood samples are collected to measure the concentration of nitrous oxide in the body. This helps in understanding how the gas is eliminated from the body over time.

  5. Step 5

    Driving simulation

    Participants will engage in a driving simulation to assess driving ability before, during, and after the intake of nitrous oxide. This is done using a medium-fidelity driving simulator to ensure safety and accuracy in measuring driving performance.

  6. Step 6

    Completion of study

    Upon completion of all assessments and simulations, participation in the study concludes. Results from the blood samples and driving simulation are analyzed to understand the effects of nitrous oxide on driving ability and its elimination from the body.

Who can join the trial?

5 criteria

  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Must have had a Danish driving license for at least one year.
  • Must have at least 200 km of driving experience in the last year.
  • Must provide informed consent, which means you agree to participate after understanding the study.
  • Must be able to read and understand Danish.

Who cannot join the trial?

2 criteria

  • People who use substances for fun while driving a vehicle cannot participate.
  • Only healthy volunteers are allowed to join the study.
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Investigated drugs

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that is sometimes used for recreational purposes because it can make people feel relaxed and happy. In this clinical trial, the researchers are studying how nitrous oxide affects the body, especially how it is processed and eliminated from the blood after being inhaled. The goal is to understand how nitrous oxide might impact a person's ability to drive safely after using it. This information is important for determining how long someone should wait before driving after using nitrous oxide recreationally.

What is already known about the treatment

Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide is typically administered as a gas through inhalation, often using a mask or a balloon. In the context of this study, it is being examined for its effects on driving ability and blood concentration levels after short-term recreational use. While nitrous oxide is commonly known for its use in medical settings as an anesthetic and analgesic, this study focuses on its non-medical, recreational use. The main goal is to understand how quickly the body eliminates nitrous oxide after inhalation. At the molecular level, nitrous oxide acts by modulating neurotransmitter release in the brain, which can alter perception and mood. It is classified pharmacologically as a dissociative anesthetic.

Investigated diseases

Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use – Recreational nitrous oxide use involves inhaling nitrous oxide gas for its euphoric effects. The gas is rapidly absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream, leading to a quick onset of effects. Users may experience a sense of euphoria, dizziness, and altered perception. The effects are typically short-lived, lasting only a few minutes. As the gas is eliminated from the body, normal sensory and motor functions gradually return. Repeated use can lead to temporary impairment of coordination and cognitive functions.
Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2023-509993-49-00Estimated enrolment12 patientsSponsorKoebenhavns Universitet

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