The Government is working on a potential next step for addressing recreational nitrous oxide use

New Medsafe advice says nitrous products -- or nangs -- sold for recreational use, now fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act, meaning potential fines or jail time.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, says the rising use of the drug is a trend seen globally in countries like Australia and the UK.

He says the consequences -- including altered consciousness -- are not trivial.

Dr Reti says it also causes mental health disability, and nerve damage -- some of which can be irreparable -- normally seen as a weakness of the limbs.