Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide, Balloons, NOS) - Origin, Effect And Dangers - Doctor Explains

Summary

This video delves into the history and effects of nitrous oxide, a popular recreational drug known for its short-lived euphoric effects. It traces its origins to 1772, discusses its medical use as an anesthetic, and highlights the risks associated with recreational use, including potential health issues like vitamin B12 deficiency and the danger of overdose. The video offers practical tips for safer usage and emphasizes the importance of moderation.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, was first synthesized in 1772 by Joseph Priestly and quickly became popular for recreational use in Britain.
• 🎉 In the early 1800s, nitrous oxide was a fad among the British upper class and was used by quack doctors claiming it could cure various diseases.
• 🦷 The medical use of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic began with a dental demonstration by Horace Wells in 1844, which eventually gained acceptance by 1863.
• 🍰 Nitrous oxide is also used in the food industry, specifically for making whipped cream, and is sold in gas cylinders to restaurants.
• 🎈 Recreational use of nitrous oxide often involves inhaling it from balloons filled with the gas, which has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially in club and rave settings.
• 🌍 According to the 2014 Global Drug Survey, nitrous oxide is one of the most used recreational drugs worldwide, with significant percentages of Americans and Brits having used it at least once.
• 🌀 When inhaled, nitrous oxide binds to NMDA and GABA receptors in the brain, causing the release of opioids and creating feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potentially hallucinations.
• 🚫 Despite its recreational use, nitrous oxide carries risks, including severe frostbite if inhaled directly from a pressurized container, and potential for overdose.
• 🤯 Short-term effects of nitrous oxide can include euphoria, laughter, and hallucinations, but also negative effects like headaches, dizziness, and paranoia.
• 🚑 Long-term or frequent use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious health issues such as vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, memory loss, and even paralysis.
• ⚠️ Overdose from nitrous oxide is possible and can be life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, due to the inhibition of brain pathways that can affect breathing.

Q & A

What is nitrous oxide also known as?

Nitrous oxide is also known as NOS, laughing gas, nitro, whippets, hippie crack, bus bombs, and balloons.

Who first synthesized nitrous oxide and when?

Nitrous oxide was first synthesized in 1772 by Joseph Priestly.

How quickly did nitrous oxide become popular for recreational use?

It took only 29 years after its synthesis for nitrous oxide to become a craze at British upper-class and lavish parties.

What medical professional first used nitrous oxide as an anesthetic?

The dentist Horace Wells first demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic in December 1844.

What are the medical uses of nitrous oxide today?

Today, nitrous oxide is used as an anesthetic and an anxiolytic, reducing anxiety during inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures.

What is the chemical structure of nitrous oxide?

The chemical structure of nitrous oxide is N2O.

How is nitrous oxide typically inhaled for recreational use?

For recreational use, nitrous oxide is inhaled directly from a canister or balloon, known as a whippet.

What are some of the short-term effects of nitrous oxide use?

Short-term effects of nitrous oxide use can include euphoria, relaxation, calmness, giggles, laughter, hallucinations, headache, dizziness, numbness, sedation, uncoordinated movements, blurred vision, confusion, sweating, fatigue, and feelings of paranoia.

What are the potential long-term health risks associated with nitrous oxide use?

Long-term use of nitrous oxide can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, persistent numbness and tingling, anemia, memory loss, ringing in the ears, incontinence, spasms, birth defects if used during pregnancy, depression, and psychosis.

What are some practical tips to reduce the risk of health problems associated with nitrous oxide use?

Practical tips include using nitrous oxide in a balloon for easier consumption control, not using it alone or in isolated areas, avoiding plastic bags over the head, ensuring no contact with flames or cigarettes if using a large tank, not combining it with alcohol or other drugs, and not standing or dancing while inhaling from a balloon to reduce the risk of passing out.

What is the risk of overdose when using nitrous oxide?

Overdose from nitrous oxide is possible due to its difficulty in dosing, especially when used in balloons or canisters, leading to lowered blood pressure, loss of consciousness, accidents, and potential suffocation from lack of oxygen due to hypoxia.