Nitrous oxide, which is commonly known as laughing gas and sometimes referred to as just ‘nitrous’ or ‘nos’, is widely seen as a low-risk substance. It is commonly used in medical settings after all, and that laughing gas effect is generally seen as just that – a bit of a giggle when used recreationally.
Nitrous oxide is used under strictly controlled conditions when it is being deployed in medical situations, however. There are always risks, and these can increase when the substance is misused. Relatively common risks can include asphyxia and suffocation, an increased chance of accidents, mental health issues and even frostbite.
But can nitrous oxide cause paralysis?
The short answer is yes. This may be a slightly lesser-known issue, but it is a real and very serious risk that many people don’t know about. In this article, we’ll take a look at how nitrous oxide use can lead to paralysis and some of the other risks involved.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief in legitimate medical settings. It is commonly used in dentistry but is also used as painrelief by ambulance crews and first responders. This makes it ideal for situations that require rapid pain relief with ease of delivery.
It can also be mixed with oxygen to produce a substance called Entonox. Widely known as ‘gas and air’, this is commonly used to manage pain during childbirth and in some relatively minor medical procedures.
While it has legitimate medical uses, nitrous oxide has been a Class C controlled substance in the UK since 2023. Those found in unlawful possession can face an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment and – for serious repeat offenders – up to two years in prison.
Nitrous oxide is still frequently perceived as a low-risk recreational drug, but it can pose a number of risks, especially when used outside of medical supervision.
How Nitrous Oxide Affects the Body
Nitrous oxide works in a number of different ways. The anaesthetic effects work on NMDA receptors in the central nervous system. The painkilling effects work on opioid receptors in a way that resembles morphine, but nitrous oxide is far less potent. Nitrous oxide works through inhalation and can also cause dissociation and euphoria – hence its reputation as laughing gas or ‘happy gas’.
One of the main potentially harmful side effects of nitrous oxide is that it can inactivate the vitamin B12 in the body. This is an essential nutrient that helps your body make red blood cells and keeps the central nervous system working as it should. A vitamin B12 deficiency can be a serious issue that can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
According to the NHS, these can include neurological symptoms such as problems with balance and coordination, numbness, muscle weakness, incontinence and psychological issues ranging from mild depression and anxiety to confusion and even dementia.
Can Nitrous Oxide Cause Paralysis?
The fact is that yes, nitrous oxide use can in rare cases cause paralysis – particularly with heavy or repeated use.
The reason for this is the previously mentioned issue of B12 depletion, which can have a number of serious health consequences. Nitrous oxide impairs vitamin B12 function by oxidising the cobalt atom at its core. Because this vitamin is so vital, blocking its effects can cause a number of serious issues. These can include neurological disorders with symptoms of encephalopathy (a disturbance of brain function), peripheral neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, loss of coordination and weakness), and myelopathy (an injury or loss of function of the spinal cord).
These can all be very serious issues, with long-term and potentially permanent impacts. Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to nitrous oxide use can cause degeneration of the spinal cord and, in some cases, can lead to impaired mobility and even cause paralysis.
Other Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide Use
One of the main health risks associated with nitrous oxide use is an increased risk of accidents. There are other safety risks, though, especially if the gas is inhaled directly from a canister. The gas inside canisters or bulbs is kept extremely cold (around -40°C) and is highly pressurised. This can lead to a risk of frostbite, and the high pressure can also cause damage to lung tissue if inhaled directly from the container.
Inhaling or ‘huffing’ nitrous oxide can cause oxygen deprivation or hypoxia. This can cause light-headedness and fainting, but at the more serious end of the spectrum it can trigger seizures, cause permanent brain damage and can sometimes be fatal.
Heavy or long-term misuse has been linked to psychological symptoms including memory loss, psychosis, vivid hallucinations and intense paranoia. Users can also develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
Signs of Nitrous Oxide Dependence
Nitrous Oxide does not lead to physical dependence like alcohol or opioids but can lead to psychological dependence. Some signs that a psychological dependence may be developing could include:
- More frequent or heavier use
- Compulsive use
- Using nitrous oxide alone
- Using the drug as a coping mechanism
- Becoming fixated on using nitrous oxide
- Prioritising it over other activities
- Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
Getting Help
If you are worried about your nitrous oxide use, help is always available. You can seek help for any psychological dependence you might have developed, but vitamin B12 deficiency and accompanying nerve damage may require medical attention as well as addiction support. Most nitrous oxide effects are reversible with early treatment, but prolonged use of the drug can cause permanent damage. It is always best to seek help as soon as you are aware that there might be a problem.
Contact Cassiobury Court if you need confidential advice on nitrous oxide use – especially if you are experiencing difficulty in stopping using the drug or are starting to experience physical symptoms like tingling or numbness, which could be an indication of nerve damage.
Nitrous oxide dependency can be successfully treated like other drug addictions with the right support and strategies in place.
