Inhalant and whippet use

Overview

Inhalants are breathed in from aerosols, glue, gas, or whipped cream chargers (nitrous oxide).

They can stop the heart suddenly and cause nerve damage and memory problems.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Using inhalants
• Sniffing or huffing chemicals, or using whippets

Less common

• Numbness

Look up a symptom: Bumpy red rash around the mouth or nose · Dizziness · Headache · Numb or tingling leg or foot · Sniffing or huffing chemicals, or using whippets

When to get medical care

Causes

Chemicals.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Teens
• Teens 12 to 15: Most common age to start

Possible complications

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Diagnosis

Exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• B12 level:

Treatment

Get support.

Self-care

• Talk with someone you trust
• Get help to quit

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Talk with teens about it

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an addiction medicine doctor or a licensed counselor.

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Free, private treatment referrals 24/7: 1-800-662-4357.
• FindTreatment.gov: A government search tool for treatment centers near you.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens: Most common users.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Help is available.

Quitting helps the body heal.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Inhalant and whippet use