Nitrous Oxide Side Effects: General Anesthesia And Recreational Use

Nitrous oxide is a chemical formulation, which includes nitrogen and oxygen. It is also commonly refered to as the ‘laughing gas’. It is a sweet smelling colorless gas, which is used commonly by doctors as General Anesthesia and an analgesic.

Nitrous Oxide Side Effects

Nitrous oxide tends to block signals, transmitted by the neurons of the brain, which in turn is associated with several side effects. Some of the side effects include,

  • Hallucinations, dreamy state of the mind, confusion, hazy memory and auditory hallucinations.
  • Nausea, Dizziness, Numbness
  • Reduced heart rate and reduced respiratory rate

In severe cases it can result in unconsciousness and even death

Side Effects Of Nitrous Oxide For Recreational Use

Recreational users, tend to use the gas frequently, as the ‘euphoria’, due to the direct inhalation of the gas is short lived.

This however, tends to be very dangerous for recreational users.

Inhalation of nitrous oxide, limits the availability of oxygen to the brain, which makes one feel dizzy and light headed. The damage caused due to repeated use of the gas includes muscle spasms, irreversible damage of the limbs and loss of sense of hearing.