Nitrous

Category: Dissociative Anesthetic

Chemical name: nitrous oxide

• nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas", is an anasthetic used commonly in surgeries and in dentistry
• nitrous oxide was first synthesised in 1775 and began being used recreationally amongst the upper class in Britain around 1800.
• is inhaled as a gas
• also used as a whipped cream propelant and as an accelerant in motor vehicles

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• works by blocking certain receptors in brain while slightly increasing strength of other receptors
• users commonly experience euphoria and mild hallucinations
• users often experience a hightened threshold of pain
• certain mental functions become inhibited and lessened
• people have reported deeper mental states and connections while tripping on nitrous oxide

• although these effects have not been witnesses in human users, studies with rats being exposed to nitrous oxide over several hours have resulted in Olney's lesions, a form of neurotoxicity
• heavy, long-term usage can result in neurological damage

Effects on body:

Short term:

• as an anesthetic, it reduces the body's ability to percieve pain
• a temporary decrease in motor functions and manual dexerity
• the resultant oxygen deprivation from inhaling nitrous oxide can cause nausea as well as pain in the abdominal region and the inner-ear
  
  

• long term exposure can result in an ongoing feeling of numbness or “pins and needles” in the legs and back.
• can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency which can result in medical complications
• can have reproductive side effects, including inability to get an erection

Effects on behaviour:

Short term:

• reduces anxiety in low doses
• high state can cause temporary lack of mental competency
• can increase suggestability amongst users

• there are no documented long-term behavioural effects caused by nitrous oxide use.

Addiction: there is no physically addictive properties of nitrous oxide; however, its short duration and feelings of euphoria can result in habitual usage amongst some users

Tolerance: although it has not been proven and the reasons remain uncertain, there is suggestion that nitrous oxide has a “reverse tolerance” and produces stronger effects after subsequent uses

Withdrawal Symptoms: there are no documented withdrawl symptoms

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make consuming nitrous completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• It is illegal to produce, distribute and sell nitrous oxide for non-medical uses in many areas including certain states in the U.S., whereas in many others nitrous oxide is carefully regulated and restricted to use in medical or dental settings.
• remember to keep your oxygen levels up: take time to breathe between uses and try to take in some air with your nitrous.
• asphixiation is the most common cause of death relating to nitrous oxide, often from a bag being placed over one's head. Be sure that the drug is being administered safely and by someone who is in a competent frame of mind. Do NOT strap a bag or mask onto your head for a more intense inhalation, as this can (and has) been fatal.
• avoid using in confined areaa such as a closet or a car, as the effects from the exhaled gas can become overwhelming.
• damage from frostbite can result due to the very cold temperature of the gas. To reduce this risk, try not to inhale directly from the tank.
• avoid inhaling nitrous oxide that is designed for automotive use, as it is mixed with sulphur dioxide, a toxic gas, at a concentration of 100 ppm.
• avoid attempting to reinhale nitrous oxide, either by inhaling someone's exhale or by exhaling into a bag and breathing in again, as this increases the risk of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
• when combined with other gasses or fuels, or exposed to extreme temperatures, nitrous oxide can be a powerful explosive, so be sure to handle and store it carefully.