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Nitrous Oxide

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Substance

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a synthetic anesthetic.

group

Dissociatives

Forms of appearance

colorless gas.

Consumption patterns

Nitrous oxide is inhaled from balloons or similar items.

Effect

Be careful when mixing substances!

  • GHB / GBL

  • cocaine

  • Methamphetamine

  • Amphetamine (Speed)

Substance groups

Relaxation, euphoria, changes in visual and auditory perception, loss of the sense of time.

Onset of action

a few seconds after ingestion.

Duration of effect

30 sec. – 4 min.

Risks and side effects

Mild nausea, headache; with excessive consumption, unconsciousness, drop in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, in the worst case death from respiratory paralysis. Risk of suffocation due to insufficient oxygen supply, increased risk of injury from falls while "passing out".

Long-term risks

Prolonged use of nitrous oxide puts a strain on the nervous system and leads to a vitamin B12 deficiency (risk of impaired cell function and temporary infertility). Addiction with psychological symptoms is possible.

Safer Use

  • Never inhale nitrous oxide directly from the capsule or gas cylinder (risk of frostbite in the larynx and bronchi!).

  • Consume nitrous oxide while sitting or lying down (lower risk of injury).

  • Take breaks, preferably in the fresh air, to avoid excessively high nitrous oxide concentrations.

  • People with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases should not consume nitrous oxide, nor should people with epilepsy, middle ear infections, rib fractures, or those who have had a diving accident.

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