Could laughing gas lift the fog of depression?

NCT ID NCT07262008

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••