What is Nitrous Oxide.
There has been a lot of talk in the media and in communities about Nitrous Oxide. It seems to be a huge subject now and there are lots of scare stories, with worried parents contacting helplines and drug teams for information. So, what is it?
Nitrous Oxide is a gas that has a number of industrial uses and is used clinically as an anaesthetic gas. It is most commonly called ‘laughing gas’.
It is a colourless gas that some say is slightly sweet smelling and tasting. It can be found in different forms such as whipped cream chargers, ‘whippets’, which are small silver cartridges. It can also come as crackers with balloons attached or as balloons that have been filled with the gas.
It is inhaled, sometimes referred to as ‘nagging’.
Effects
Below are common effects that people who use Nitrous Oxide may experience. Any of these effects start almost immediately, peaking at about 10-30 seconds after use, but they are short-lived, meaning they don’t last long
- It can cause ‘dissociative effects’ e.g. feelings of being unreal, unable to control actions, disconnection from self, trippy
- Feelings of euphoria and giddiness and a desire to giggle or laugh
- A sense of relaxation, calmness, and wellbeing
- Headache, dizziness, or blurred vision
- Loss of balance, unsteadiness, or disorientation
- Irritated respiratory tract – the part of the body that helps a person breath
- Tight chest after heavy use or for those with conditions such as asthma
- Nausea
- Short-lived paranoia
- Effects on sound or visuals – visual patterning or hallucination where you see, hear or feel things that are not there
- A change in blood pressure
- Sudden death due to a lack of oxygen
Possible long-term effects that can arise from any level of use.
- Depression and changes in mood
- Red blood cell problems due to frequent use, resulting in anaemia
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin B 12 deficiency due to heavy and regular use, with the risk of nerve damage
Other known risks
- The quality and purity of the nitrous oxide could vary depending on the source
- There is a risk that people could confuse nitrous oxide with more toxic or potent gases or volatile substances
- People with heart, blood pressure or mental health concerns could be at greater risk. Nitrous Oxide can cause a drop in oxygen levels which could increase heart rate
- Inhaling directly from a canister can damage the throat and lungs
- People risk falling or accidents after use
- People risk being deprived of oxygen if too much nitrous oxide is inhaled or if a person uses continuously without taking breaths
- People have died from suffocation or lack of oxygen
- Using with other drugs increases the risks, including using with alcohol or prescription medication. It is possible that nitrous oxide ingested at the same time as stimulants has a greater effect on blood pressure and heart rate.
Withdrawal
Nitrous oxide could be used in a compulsive way. However, there are no significant withdrawal symptoms known at present other than the desire to use more nitrous oxide.
Dependence
Currently there are no reports of nitrous oxide dependence in the literature. There is anecdotal evidence of psychological dependence.
It is important to note that everyone will react differently depending on other substances taken [ cannabis, alcohol, prescription medicines], the number of capsules used, the height and weight of the person.
It is much safer to just not use.
If you’re interested in having a free workshop on Nitrous Oxide in your workplace, community group or school, please contact Ciara Faughnan, CCRAS Drug Education Co-ordinator at 086-1730966 or ciara@ccras.ie .