Nitrous oxide (N2O), gas that makes you laugh

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas, was first discovered by the English scientist Joseph Priestly in 1793 and has been in use for more than 150 years. It has remained one of the most commonly used anesthetics in both dental and medical applications.

Nitrous oxide is a small inorganic chemical molecule and can also be known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide. It is a colorless and non-flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used inhalation anesthetic in dentistry and is also frequently used in emergency rooms and outpatient surgical centers. When used alone, it is not capable of reliably producing general anesthesia, however, it can be combined with other inhalation and/or intravenous agents in deep sedation/general anesthesia techniques. As a single agent, however, it offers impressive safety and is excellent for minimal and moderate sedation in anxious dental patients.

Nitrous oxide acts as an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. This differs from other volatile anesthetics, which modulate (typically potentiate) the activity of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-A (GABAA) receptors and inhibit neuronal potassium channels (TREK-1) among other proposed targets. The NMDA receptor is a glutamate-binding, non-selective ion channel involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The GABAA receptor is the principal inhibitory, chloride ion-selective, ligand-gated channel of the central nervous system (CNS). Through various mechanisms, nitrous oxide and GABAA modulators act synergistically to induce amnesia and hypnosis. Nitrous oxide is therefore often referred to as a "volatile sparing agent".

Unlike other anesthetics, nitrous oxide produces a mild analgesic effect at subanesthetic concentrations. The mechanism for this effect most likely involves an interaction with the endogenous opioid system, as it is reversed by administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone.

Nitrous oxide is not intended to make you fall asleep, although some may doze off. The goal is to relax you while keeping you conscious so that you can provide feedback on your anxiety level. The gas is inhaled through a mask worn over your nose. The nitrous oxide will calm you.

Nitrous oxide is a safe, common sedation method suitable for adults and children. However, side effects may occur after use. Most side effects are mild and reversible, causing no permanent damage.

Nitrous oxide is stored in high-pressure gas cylinders as a pressurized liquid. Rapidly opening the valve can cause the released gas to re-liquefy. This liquid can cause cold burns if it comes into contact with skin. Cylinders should only be used in an upright position with the valve at the top.

You can check our central filling stations for the safe use of N2O in hospitals.

Sources:

https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/16/3/87/2897753

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2614651/