Could laughing gas help stop suicidal thoughts?
NCT ID NCT03736538
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts in people hospitalized for depression. Fifty adults with major depression and active suicidal ideas will receive either nitrous oxide or a placebo gas, plus their usual treatment. The goal is to see if the gas is safe and helps lower suicidal thinking faster than standard care alone.
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 option to ease suicidal thinking in people with treatment-resistant depression.
What could go wrong
This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 50 people, so results may not apply broadly. The effect may be small or no better than placebo, and side effects are still being studied.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States