Nitrous oxide is a type of anesthetic, a substance that is used to treat pain. If used in the right dose, it can reduce pain without causing unconsciousness. This gas is commonly known by its street name, “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is used primarily by dentists to keep patients comfortable during painful dental procedures. It can also be mixed with other drugs as a general anesthetic. When it is administered by medical personnel, nitrous oxide is safe and effective anesthesia.
In recent years, many people, particularly adolescents and young people, have been abusing this drug for recreational purposes. These people use the gas solely to obtain a ‘high’, and not to treat any medical condition. Nitrous oxide is an inhalant that can be dangerous if used out of its medical context. This inhalant contains dangerous vapors which can lead to irritating physical and psychological effects when breathed in. Vapors from this gas can produce psychoactive and mind-altering effects when it is inhaled through the mouth or nose.
