The symptoms of overdose include:

• hallucinations
• drowsiness and coma.

Some inhalant-related deaths are thought to have been caused by a condition called ‘sudden sniffing syndrome’. This is a type of heart failure that can strike if the user attempts any physical exertion after inhaling.

Users have also been accidentally killed by engaging in risky behaviours, such as jumping off high buildings while under the influence.

• feeling disoriented
• decreased coordination
• visual distortions
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• headaches
• bloodshot eyes
• increased confidence leading to risky behaviour
• hallucinations
• blackout, convulsions, coma

Sudden sniffing death

• lowered inhibitions
• feeling of wellbeing
• excited, euphoric, giggling and laughing
• stimulation
• initial rush or high
• get “off my head”
• nitrites enhance sexual experience
• decrease social anxiety
• common peer group activity

Glue, gas, sniff, huff, chroming, poppers