Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Nitrous oxide abuse in traffic – A clinical study of the blood concentrations and driving ability during and after short recreational intake.

This research focuses on 'laughing gas', or nitrous oxide, when it's used for fun, particularly in situations linked to driving. The main goal is to understand how much of the gas gets into a person's blood after they use it recreationally. Scientists are carefully measuring these blood levels over time. Additionally, this study will check if people's driving skills change before, during, and after they've used laughing gas, using a special driving simulator to keep everyone safe. It's a study for healthy adults trying to understand the effects of recreational use of nitrous oxide on blood and driving ability.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Koebenhavns Universitet

Enrolment target

Start

22 Mar 2024

Recreational use while driving a vehicle. Healthy volunteers.

What is this study about?

This study is looking into something called 'laughing gas', which is formally known as nitrous oxide. Some people use this gas for fun, and this research wants to understand what happens when they do. The main thing they're interested in is how much of this gas gets into the blood after someone has used it recreationally. They will carefully follow the levels of the gas in the blood over a short period of time.

Another important part of this study is to see how using laughing gas might affect a person's ability to drive. To do this safely, participants will use a special driving simulator. This is like a very advanced computer game that feels a lot like driving a real car, but without any of the danger. They'll test driving skills before, during, and after a person uses laughing gas.

This research is important because it helps us understand the effects of recreational use of nitrous oxide, especially concerning driving. By looking closely at blood levels and driving skills, doctors and safety experts can learn more about how this substance affects the body and mind, which can then help to inform public health and safety messages. It's not about making judgments, but about gathering accurate information.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how 'laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) affects the body and driving.
It measures gas levels in blood after recreational use.
Driving skills are tested safely using a special simulator.
The research helps understand effects on public safety, particularly regarding driving.
It's for healthy adult volunteers, aged 18 and over.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adult volunteers, meaning people who are generally well and don't have any major health problems. To take part, you need to be at least 18 years old – there's no upper age limit, so people of many ages can apply.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this research. The most important thing is that volunteers are healthy and fit the age criteria. If you have any health conditions or are taking any medications, it's really important to discuss these with the study team to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you willing to have blood samples taken?
Are you comfortable using a driving simulator?
Can you commit to the study visits as explained by the research team?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to attend a specific clinic or research centre. During your visit, researchers will take blood samples to measure the levels of nitrous oxide in your body after you've used it recreationally in a controlled setting. You'll also spend time on a driving simulator, which is a safe way to test your driving skills. These tests will happen before, during, and after you use the nitrous oxide. The total duration of your participation, including all tests and observations, will be explained in detail by the study staff.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a small benefit by contributing to scientific knowledge about recreational nitrous oxide use and driving safety. You won't personally receive a direct health benefit. Potential risks include discomfort from blood draws. While you'll use a driving simulator and not a real car, there's always a possibility of feeling disoriented. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is 'laughing gas'?

'Laughing gas' is another name for nitrous oxide, a gas sometimes used for medical purposes, but also recreationally.

Why are you looking at driving ability?

We want to understand if using laughing gas recreationally affects how well someone can drive, for safety reasons.

Will I drive a real car in the study?

No, you will use a special driving simulator which is a safe, controlled way to test driving skills without being on the road.

Will this study help me with a health problem?

This study is for healthy volunteers and is focused on understanding the effects of nitrous oxide, not treating a specific health problem.

Who can join this study?

Healthy adults aged 18 and over, both men and women, are invited to take part.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.