Whippits: The Dangers of Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Whippits are a recreational substance that is used worldwide. Sometimes they are referred to as “whippet” or “whip-its.” They may cause permanent neurological and cognitive damage with repeated use. Tweens and teens are particularly vulnerable and are among the largest whippit consumers. Whippits are different from the nitrous oxide blends used in laughing gas for medical procedures and should be treated like addictive substances.

What is nitrous oxide? 

Nitrous oxide is a gas that medical professionals use during procedures. It is a type of short-term sedative that relaxes patients to keep them comfortable. It’s also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide takes effect and wears off quickly, making it ideal for minor medical or dental operations. Typically, medical professionals use 30-70% nitrous oxide blends in laughing gas. 

In addition to its medical uses, nitrous oxide is used in whipped cream canisters as a propellant, pushing the cream out of the tube in its classic fashion. Although innocent in intention, these whipped cream canisters are being used recreationally to induce a high.

What are whippits?

Whippits are a type of recreational inhalant drug, typically made of 100% nitrous oxide. They come in small, pressurized canisters meant for whipped cream. Users inhale the gas to feel temporary euphoric effects as well as lightheadedness and dissociation. The high lasts for only a few seconds to minutes. Users seeking to maintain the high may go through many canisters over the course of a few hours. 

Whippits are also known as whip-its, whippets (not to be confused with the dog breed), nos, nitros, nangs, whip its, hippie crack, and galaxy gas. These all may refer to the little silver canisters that contain nitrous oxide.

How do whippits work?

Users inhale the gas from a whippit typically by filling up a balloon with the gas, then inhaling from the balloon. Nitrous oxide is extremely cold as it exits the canister and may cause frostbite if someone inhales it directly from the container.

After inhaling, the nitrous oxide displaces the oxygen in the user’s lungs. This is known as hypoxia; it’s what creates the euphoric effects. The lack of oxygen depresses the central nervous system (CNS), which slows down brain activity. Less oxygen reaches the tissues in the brain, leading to dissociation and a sense of altered reality or detachment.

Nitrous oxide causes a deficiency of active Vitamin B12 in the body. This vitamin keeps the coating around the spinal cord healthy. Whippits deliver more nitrous oxide to the body than in the case of laughing gas in a medical setting. Consistent whippit use may degenerate the protective cells around the spinal cord and damage the nerves, causing symptoms like weakened muscles and balance issues.

Whippits Side Effects

Some of the short-term effects from whippits include:

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Imbalance
• Drowsiness

The high does not last long and may be addictive, so some users will go through multiple whippits in one sitting. It’s possible to build a tolerance over time.

Serious Side Effects

Reducing oxygen to the brain during repeated use is dangerous. Call 911 if any of these symptoms occur:

• Seizures
• Blue-tinged fingernails 
• Slowed breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Symptoms of Long-Term Whippit Use

Continuous whippit use affects the body’s levels of Vitamin B12. This is the vitamin responsible for protecting what’s known as the myelin sheath surrounding the spinal column. Chronic whippit consumption lowers B12 levels and may result in spinal cord injury, leading to serious symptoms such as:

• Tingling or numbness
• Trouble walking
• Anemia
• Memory loss
• Confusion

There are case studies of users damaging their nervous systems permanently from repeated whippit use, causing issues such as numbness in their hands and/or feet, imbalance, and cognitive problems. Discontinuing use may improve these symptoms, but there is a chance the damage is permanent. 

Are whippits legal?

Whippits are legal as there are legitimate uses for them in the food industry. However, some states are implementing regulations for their sales. For example, in the state of New York, whipped cream canisters may not be sold to anyone under the age of 21.

Just because something is legal does not mean it’s safe. Whippit use in tweens and teens may result in permanent cognitive or neurological damage. Oxygen deprivation may result in an interruption of their normal development.

Call the Missouri Poison Center

Whippits are not new to the market, but may be to someone you know. If you have questions about whippits, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your poison-related calls.

If you or someone you know has inhaled a whippit and is experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, move them to an area with fresh air, give them some water to drink, and call the Missouri Poison Center.

If someone has used a whippit and has lost consciousness, is short of breath, or is nonresponsive, call 911 right away.