You are here:. Is nitrous oxide a problem for you? What is nitrous oxide? Body Content 1. It is also sometimes referred to as an inhalant or a volatile substance. Nitrous Oxide N2O. Body Content 2. Effects depend on Body Content 3. How nitrous oxide affects your body Tap on a body part to learn more of the effects nitrous oxide places on your body. General information Effects of nitrous oxide. Immediate effects The effects may start to be felt immediately and can last from 2 — 3 minutes; some effects may last up to 30 — 40 minutes.
Effects of prolonged use used more than once a week may include: memory loss vitamin B12 depletion long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage anaemia incontinence numbness in the hands or feet limb spasms potential birth defects if consumed during pregnancy weakened immune system disruption to reproductive systems Psychological effects may include: depression psychological dependence psychosis.
Mixing nitrous oxide and alcohol can cause: Confusion Feeling heavy or sluggish Reduced concentration Loss of body control Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol can also increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death.
This can lead to fatal oxygen starvation. It is much safer to use a balloon. Parliamentary briefing on tackling the misuse of Nitrous Oxide. No laughing matter: how the anti-nitrous oxide campaign is a waste of time and money.
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Name Email address I would like to receive: Latest news and developments Events Volunteer Opportunities By checking this box I consent to the use of my information provided for email marketing purposes. Home Nitrous Oxide Laughing Gas. Nitrous Oxide Laughing Gas. Previous: Methoxetamine. Next: Buprenorphine. What is nitrous oxide? What does nitrous oxide look like and how is it used? How does nitrous oxide work as a drug in the body and brain?
What are the effects of nitrous oxide? Does nitrous oxide have any medical uses? What are the risks of using nitrous oxide? Can they be avoided or reduced? These risks are unlikely with the common balloon method. Avoidable dangers If used in a risky way, it is easy to starve yourself of oxygen when using nitrous oxide because the reflex that forces you to breathe if you hold your breath does not kick in if you are able to breathe out carbon dioxide.
You may feel no discomfort right up to the moment when you black out. Brain damage and death can occur soon after. Because the gas reduces anxiety and coordination before causing unconsciousness, it may be impossible to escape from such a situation even if you realise your mistake. Any attempt to fill a car, room, or bag over your head with nitrous oxide could cause fatal oxygen starvation.
The gas is inhaled, typically by discharging nitrous gas cartridges bulbs or whippets into another object, such as a balloon, or directly into the mouth. There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk. The following effects may be felt almost immediately and can last for a few minutes: 2,4,5.
There is no current evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks. However, it is possible that combining the gas with stimulants and other drugs places additional pressure on the heart, increases blood pressure and may disrupt heart rate.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that combining nitrous oxide with other drugs such as cannabis , ketamine , LSD , magic mushroom and salvia can cause intense dissociation. When inhaling directly from tanks or whippets bulbs , the gas is intensely cold C degrees and can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat including vocal cords. Releasing the nitrous oxide into a balloon helps to warm the gas and normalise the pressure before inhaling. People can also harm themselves if they use faulty gas dispensers, which may explode.
There are no significant withdrawal symptoms apart from cravings to use more nitrous. Getting sufficient oxygen may also prevent a headache, which is another possible side effect of laughing gas. You should be able to drive yourself home after receiving nitrous oxide at a dental appointment.
This may take about 15 minutes, according to the California Dental Association. To prepare your body for nitrous oxide, eat light meals before you receive the gas. This can prevent nausea and vomiting. Also, avoid heavy meals for at least three hours after receiving the gas. Be alert to signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction after inhaling nitrous oxide. They can include:. Any side effect from nitrous oxide typically reverses itself quickly.
In any event, talk to your dentist if you develop any unusual symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide or if a side effect continues for hours or days after a procedure. Based on your medical history, your doctor can determine whether this is an appropriate sedation method for you. While there are no known long-term side effects, misusing nitrous oxide or long-term exposure to the gas in a work environment may cause long-term complications.
Toxic exposure may lead to a vitamin B deficiency or anemia. A severe vitamin B deficiency can cause nerve damage, resulting in tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, and limbs. Nitrous oxide is also a safe drug for toddlers and children.
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