Nitrous oxide is used by dentists to control pain during a procedure. However, it is increasingly being abused as an inhalant. This is causing concern among many families, including one in Kentucky that recently lost their son to nitrous oxide abuse.
Researchers say the drug’s popularity is rising because it is easy to get and cheap. It can cause long-term harm, though.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas used to produce sedation and analgesia. It is administered through a mask and usually takes effect within minutes, producing a feeling of light-headedness, tingling in the arms and legs, warmth, euphoria, and sometimes hallucinations. The effects wear off just as quickly once the gas is discontinued, allowing patients to drive themselves home after their procedure.
It works by reducing anxiety, thus encouraging patients to cooperate during procedures, which ultimately minimizes treatment time and allows for more efficient care. It also blocks pain signals in the brain by blocking a neurotransmitter receptor called GABAA.
Nitrous oxide misuse can also cause hematologic abnormalities resembling megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia and may contribute to pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (2,3). In 2023, Michigan poison center cases, ED visits and EMS responses related to nitrous oxide Russellville KY misuse were four to five times greater than in 2019. In addition, Oregon now requires IDs for anyone buying canisters of the drug, and California has banned recreational use of the drug.
How does nitrous oxide work?
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been used for nearly 250 years and is known to produce rapid but short-lived feelings of euphoria, relaxation, calmness and a sense of detachment. It works by blocking the actions of certain neurotransmitters, particularly the NMDA glutamate receptor.
Nitrogen oxide is sold in cylinders for medical and dental use and as aerosol propellant for whipped cream, or in 'head shops'. Larger cylinders intended for industrial or food processing purposes can also be purchased from legitimate suppliers. The illicit market for nitrous oxide is lucrative, and restrictions on supply could increase theft and encourage the availability of methods for home production.
Regular and heavy use of nitrous oxide can cause dose-dependent chronic toxicity, including neurological symptoms such as confusion and hallucinations and disorders of the blood such as anaemia. It can also cause irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a pocket-sized device called a 'cracker', which has a holder for the cylinder and a lid. A pin is pushed into the foil cap, piercing it -- or 'cracking' it open. The gas is then released into a balloon.
What are the risks of using nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is widely used for partial sedation in dentistry and in some surgical procedures. However, its use as a recreational drug has skyrocketed in recent years, fuelled by its availability and affordability. It has become a popular choice for people at parties, raves and music festivals.
People who inhale to nitrous oxide Russellville KY directly from cylinders or containers risk serious damage to their throats and lungs. They also risk death by accidental asphyxiation. Those who inhale using a face mask or plastic bag over their heads face an even greater risk.
Regular or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to irreversible chronic toxicity, particularly in the brain and heart. This is thought to be due to the irreversible inactivation of vitamin B12.
How can I avoid the risks of using nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is safe to use for dental treatment when dispensed by a trained dentist. However, it is important to follow instructions and never inhale directly from the canister or with a bag over your head. Inhaling nitrous oxide in this way can damage your throat and lungs, and people have died from suffocation.
If nitrous oxide is abused it can create short highs, but can also cause long-term effects such as psychosis and brain damage. It can also deplete vitamin B12, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
It is recommended that people who use nitrous oxide regularly take vitamin B12 supplements to avoid deficiency. It is also important to take the time to recycle used nitrous oxide canisters. If you are at a music festival or other event, try to find bins for them, or ask the organisers if they can be collected after the event. You can then contact a scrap metal company to recycle the canisters.