RecruitingPhase 2NCT06636357

Nitrous Oxide in the Treatment of Acute Suicidal Ideation

Sponsor

University of Zurich

Enrollment

85 participants

Start Date

Jan 13, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Biomarkers / Blood Suicidal Ideation Suicidality EEG Nitrous Oxide Biomarkers / Hair

Summary

The primary aim of the NITOS study is to investigate the potential rapid antisuicidal effects of N2O in the transdiagnostic treatment of suicidal ideation. On day 1, patients will receive either nitrous oxide (50% N2O balanced with oxygen) or placebo (50% oxygen balanced with air). Seven days after the first inhalation, a second inhalation will be performed. All patients will receive N2O at least once during this trial. While the first inhalation will be double-blind, only the patients but not the raters will be blinded to the second inhalation (day 8). For mechanism of action and prediction, a nested biomarker substudy will employ multimodal techniques including analysis of hair and blood samples, and EEG.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study investigates whether inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can quickly reduce severe suicidal thoughts in people who are acutely suicidal. Nitrous oxide works rapidly on the brain and may offer faster relief than traditional treatments. **You may be eligible if...** - You are experiencing moderate to severe suicidal thoughts right now (confirmed by standardized rating scales) - You have a normal blood homocysteine level (a simple blood marker) - You are able to give written informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of schizophrenia, psychosis, or other serious mental health conditions - You have a drug or alcohol use disorder (nicotine and cannabis are exceptions) - You have used recreational inhaled nitrous oxide in the past 12 months - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You have severe heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, or are critically ill - You have received ketamine, opioids, vagus nerve stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy recently - You take high-dose benzodiazepines daily Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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