Inform antenatal staff, or your local doctor, of any drug use and attend regular antenatal check-ups. Visit www. For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week, call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from. The Ministry of Health wishes to advise that this website may contain names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased.
It may also contain links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 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 Nitrous oxide is used for anaethesia, and relieving pain. It can also help relieve anxiety. It is given to women in labour, in ambulances, emergency departments and in dentistry.
The gas used is a typically a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. If the user of nitrous oxide is in good health, understands the risks, and avoids dangerous methods, nitrous oxide is one of the least risky drugs. However, people have died from oxygen starvation when using unsafe methods to try to breathe large amounts of nitrous oxide for extended periods of time.
Inhaling nitrous oxide in a dangerous way will not cause any warning symptoms until the user suddenly becomes unconscious. Then brain damage, followed by death, can occur within minutes. There are hints that using nitrous oxide during pregnancy might pose a risk to the developing foetus although of course it is used safely during birth. Obstetric nurses exposed to high levels of the gas at work seemed to have more babies with abnormalities , although this possible connection is not yet clearly understood.
Nitrous oxide could potentially worsen some mental health problems, or trigger a relapse, although there is no specific evidence of this.
Additionally, people with heart conditions or abnormal blood pressure may be at higher risk as the drop in oxygen levels caused by inhaling nitrous oxide raises the heart rate and can cause arrhythmias skipped heartbeats. These are not usually a problem, but could cause cardiac arrests and similar emergencies in susceptible people. There is no current evidence demonstrating that nitrous oxide used with other drugs increases the risks. However, it is possible that risks could be greater with stimulants and any other drugs that put pressure on your heart, as effects on blood pressure and heart rate could be unpredictable.
Nitrous oxide can, allegedly, briefly multiply the effects of psychedelics like LSD acid and psilocybin magic mushrooms , or bring the effects back strongly when the drug is wearing off, which could be very frightening if unexpected. Because the effects of nitrous oxide are pleasurable but short-lasting, people are often tempted to take it repeatedly over a short period of time.
Very occasionally people become psychologically addicted to nitrous oxide and find it difficult to resist taking it every day. People with mental health issues may be at additional risk of addictive behaviours. Nitrous oxide is not particularly addictive compared to other drugs, and addictions usually require a combination of a psychological vulnerability such as low moods or worries that the drug briefly relieves , and easy access to the gas.
Stressed dentists and anaesthetists who work with the substance have become addicted. Although addiction is unlikely, if it does occur it can be very harmful. It has been found that nitrous oxide can be physically and mentally damaging when taken many times each day for long periods as it gradually inactivates the vitamin B12 reserves in the body. Individuals who inhaled large amounts of nitrous oxide daily for long periods have suffered nerve and brain damage because vitamin B12 is essential for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.
The symptoms of such damage vary, and have included severe weakness of the arms and legs in some, and in a handful of cases, episodes of mental illness. Treatment with high doses of B12 is effective, but some damage can be irreversible.
It is likely that less severe vitamin B12 deficiencies caused by nitrous oxide overuse go undiagnosed, but cause milder symptoms, such as depression, forgetfulness and tiredness.
Using a balloon, with caution, is the least risky way to use nitrous oxide. 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. Similar to adults, children and toddlers who receive nitrous oxide may experience short-term side effects, such as:. Your child may also appear a little disoriented and irritable after receiving the gas. This can occur due to long-term exposure or from receiving too much of the gas. An increase in blood pressure may also occur. This can raise the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Brain damage is also a possibility when a person receives a large dose of nitrous oxide without sufficient oxygen.
Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure. It can cause a spasm of the throat muscle and stop a person breathing.
Nitrous oxide is often taken in combination with other drugs. So its effects can be unpredictable, as it depends on what other drugs are being taken with it. It is a short acting drug which can lead to people to frequently re-dose and end up using more than they intended.
It is very dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister, and doing it in an enclosed space is also very dangerous. People have died this way. Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is especially dangerous as it can increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents. It may be possible to become psychologically dependent on nitrous oxide, meaning that users develop an increased desire to keep using it despite the harm it may cause, but the evidence on this is limited.
In anecdotal reports, some people have reported developing cravings or feelings that they want to continue using nitrous oxide.
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