7 Reasons Why Nitrous Oxide is Better Than Drugs

Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas (N2O), is a colorless, odorless, slightly sweet gas that is used as an anesthetic (pain reducer), analgesic(pain reliever) and anxiolytics (anxiety reducer). For nerd types like me, nitrous oxide has a molecular weight of 44.013g/mol. Nitrous has been used for centuries for medical procedures. While is isn’t addictive, nitrous oxide is dangerous as it can replace oxygen in the blood and at high levels can suffocate a person.

Why is Nitrous so effective?

1) It works fast! Nitrous oxide is highly lipid soluble and rapidly absorbs and is distributed throughout the body, particularly the vessel-rich regions, including the brain, heart, kidney, splanchnic circulation, and endocrine glands. The onset is quick, unlike sedation methods with pills which can require one hour to work.

2) Nitrous oxide effects goes away pretty fast. When nitrous oxide administration is discontinued, nitrous oxide is released into the alveoli, diluting the alveolar gases. Nitrous oxide is eliminated by the lungs, with some minimal diffusion through the skin. Nitrous oxide is not changed by enzymatic action in human tissue (like the liver or kidneys), and 99.9% of absorbed nitrous oxide is eliminated unchanged out of the lungs.

3) There are no after-effects such as prolonged sedation where one needs a ride home. If someone gets too much nitrous, then the side effects are nausea, headache and vomiting.

4) Nitrous puts you on a relaxed, chatty mood. Nitrous oxide is effective as a sedative because it relaxes patients with the pleasurable feelings it emits. Nitrous oxide's usefulness also stems from how quickly it works and that its effects are reversible. For those and other reasons, nitrous oxide is widely considered to be a safe sedation method.

5) Nitrous oxide does not make you laugh.

6) If it’s not mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide will suffocate you. High concentrations will replace oxygen in the blood, causing death by asphyxia.

7) Nitrous oxide is not addictive.

Who needs to stay away from nitrous?

Nitrous oxide is not safe in the first trimester of pregnancy, for people who have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency, or a cobalamin deficiency. Additionally, if you are receiving treatment using bleomycin sulfate or have a history of emotional issues or drug addiction, laughing gas may not be recommended.

This blog is not meant to offer any advice, to diagnosis or suggest treatment recommendations for any condition, health related or otherwise. It is for entertainment purposes only.