Could laughing gas help stop suicidal thoughts?

NCT ID NCT03736538

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder mood disorder Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER MOOD DISORDERS SUICIDAL IDEATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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