How is nitrous oxide taken

This balloon method seems to be relatively low risk. Nitrous oxide is also found in supermarket cans of whipped cream, although it is not as easily inhalable from this source. Other sources of nitrous oxide include full sized gas cylinders, intended for medical or industrial use. Using these is high risk outside of the medical context.

Breathing the pure gas directly from a tank using a mask on your face may be fatal because it can cause oxygen deprivation. Opening a tank in a car or small room could do the same. Filling a bag with the gas from a tank and putting it over your head can kill easily. Tanks of nitrous oxide intended for use in cars can contain other substances like sulphur dioxide which could cause harm. The mode of action of nitrous oxide is still unclear. It has been suggested that its general anaesthetic actions are due to blockade of the NMDA subtype of the glutamate receptor and its analgesic actions may come from stimulation of opioid receptors but neither of these are yet proven in humans.

When someone inhales nitrous oxide, the gas rapidly dissolves into the bloodstream, and hits the brain within seconds. Effects vary between people and are rarely quite the same twice, but a rush of dizziness and euphoria is normal, and people often burst out laughing. Sound is oddly distorted, voices and music often turning into a throbbing roar like a helicopter.

Hallucinations are possible, from simple moving bright dots to complete detailed dreamscapes, although most users do not experience complex hallucinations. The gas is an anaesthetic, so coordination and awareness are strongly affected and users may fall over if they are not sitting or lying down.

The experience ends almost as swiftly as it began, with the peak lasting just seconds and the user back to normal within about 2 minutes. Nitrous oxide also reduces anxiety and pain.

Additionally, when inhaled recreationally in the usual and least risky way, from a balloon, the gas in the lungs displaces air, temporarily preventing much or any oxygen getting into the blood.

This may cause the heart to beat faster, and limbs to feel tingly or heavy. Nitrous oxide is used for anaethesia, and relieving pain. It can also help relieve anxiety. It is given to women in labour, in ambulances, emergency departments and in dentistry. The gas used is a typically a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. If the user of nitrous oxide is in good health, understands the risks, and avoids dangerous methods, nitrous oxide is one of the least risky drugs.

However, people have died from oxygen starvation when using unsafe methods to try to breathe large amounts of nitrous oxide for extended periods of time. Inhaling nitrous oxide in a dangerous way will not cause any warning symptoms until the user suddenly becomes unconscious. Then brain damage, followed by death, can occur within minutes. There are hints that using nitrous oxide during pregnancy might pose a risk to the developing foetus although of course it is used safely during birth.

Obstetric nurses exposed to high levels of the gas at work seemed to have more babies with abnormalities , although this possible connection is not yet clearly understood.

The two gases are not related. It is a colourless gas that some say is slightly sweet smelling and tasting. It can also come as crackers with balloons attached or in large canisters which are different colours that are used to fill balloons.

The gas needs to be discharged from the canister large and small to another object such as a balloon. Larger Nitrous Oxide containers are also used to release gas directly into a balloon. There are always risks with drugs, it is safer not to use.

It is important to note that each person will react differently to a substance, including Nitrous Oxide. Effects can be based on a number of factors depending on; how much is taken and the dose which sometimes can be unknown, personal factors such as the persons mental health, if the person has consumed the substance before and if other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication are used at the same time and the setting it is used in.

Effects start almost immediately peaking at about seconds after use, but the effects are short lived meaning they don't last long. Further research is needed in relation to the short and long term risks. We know that risks are increased based on the below factors:. Taking Nitrous Oxide directly from the canister without a balloon can increase harms. It is dangerous to inhale Nitrous Oxide directly from a canister.

Inhaling directly from a canister can cause frost bite to the mouth and nose as well as cause damage the throat and lungs which can be risky. Gas within the canisters is extremely cold and needs to be warmed before inhaling. Other types of dissociatives Ketamine Methoxetamine. Effects of nitrous oxide There is no safe level of drug use. If a large amount of nitrous oxide is inhaled it can produce: 2,4,7 loss of blood pressure fainting heart attack.

Mixing with other drugs There is no current evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks. Health and safety When inhaling directly from tanks or whippets bulbs , the gas is intensely cold C degrees and can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat including vocal cords. Getting help If your use of nitrous oxide is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.

Path2Help Not sure what you are looking for? Find out more. Nitrous oxide-oxygen: a new look at a very old technique. Journal of the California Dental Association , 31 5 , Drugs and Drug Abuse. Effects of prolonged use used more than once a week may include: memory loss vitamin B12 depletion long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage anaemia incontinence numbness in the hands or feet limb spasms potential birth defects if consumed during pregnancy weakened immune system disruption to reproductive systems Psychological effects may include: depression psychological dependence psychosis.

Mixing nitrous oxide and alcohol can cause: Confusion Feeling heavy or sluggish Reduced concentration Loss of body control Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol can also increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death.

If you can't wake someone up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a drug related fall — call an ambulance immediately Always phone triple zero for an ambulance and tell the operator that the person has overdosed the police will usually not come unless the person dies or becomes violent.

You should also: if the person is unconscious, put them on their side, in the recovery position stay with the person try not to panic check their breathing, clear their airway do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they stop breathing If the person has been mixing nitrous oxide with other drugs, tell the NSW Ambulance paramedic exactly what they have taken.

For counselling and support services for CALD communities call 02 Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service NYDAS works within a holistic model of care to address a range of issues for young people 12 years of age related to their alcohol and other drug use. Call 02 or 02 Call 13 11 26 ahmrc. Counselling is offered by web, email or call 55 Visit tafensw.

Follow the links to student services, careers and counselling. Use the search option to access a directory of NSW youth services. You can also call 02 Body Content 4.