Could laughing gas lift the fog of depression?

NCT ID NCT07262008

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Women's College Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tests whether inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can reduce depression symptoms in 120 adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Participants will receive either nitrous oxide plus a placebo or oxygen plus a mild sedative, and their mood will be tracked for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this quick, one-hour treatment can provide lasting relief.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a fast-acting, short-term option to ease depression symptoms in people who haven't responded to other treatments.
What could go wrong: This is still an early Phase 3 trial with only 120 people. The effect may be small or temporary, and laughing gas can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health)

Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
Toronto General Hospital (UHN)

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
Toronto Western Hospital (UHN)

Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
Women's College Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada

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