Nitrous Oxide can be dangerous if used improperly and it is not meant to be used recreationally.
But to say “breathe it and it’ll damage or kill you” is not quite accurate. Otherwise we would see quite a number of dentists having serious malpractice problems.
PS-- I’m not sure, but I believe links to Erowid have been deleted before by moderators on this board. I don’t agree with them for doing so, but it is their call.
I didn’t say breathing nitrous oxide will damage or kill you. I said breathing NO[sub]2[/sub], nitrogen dioxide, will damage or kill you.
FWIW, my dentist says that the gas currently used is a mixture of nitrous oxide and other gases, so that the gas can be quickly and easily flushed from the system by oxygen when the mask is removed.
Even a couple of decades ago, however, a purer (or even pure) N[sub]2[/sub]O was used. The reason I asked my current dentist about nitrous is because around that time I had a dentist give me gas. And I remember leaving his office, and I remember taking a drink of water from the fountain at the end of the hall, and I remember waiting for the elevator. But I didn’t remember any of the parts in between. That’s why they dilute it now.
I’m also one of those who get what feels like a fit of the giggles from the stronger stuff, but not the weaker mixture used today.
My dentist uses Nitrous Oxide on me routinely, because without it I have involuntary clenching responses that forces him to either frame my jaw open (which makes it very sore for a few days), or try to hold it open with his fingers, which is difficult. So I opt for the nitrous.
I’ve never felt particularly funny while under the influence. It’s simply relaxing. I stop worrying, and watch the television mounted over the chair. When the dental work is done, the nitrous comes off, and within a minute or so I feel completely normal. It’s not a big deal. And it’s not that the effect is small - it’s a pretty intense high, I suppose. You feel quite peaceful and pleasant. But I’ve never been struck with giggle fits or even had any feeling of having a heightened sense or humor.
sorry to ressurect an old thread but I didn’t know the answer (that makes me cross!) and it hadn’t been answered in the thread and so I had a look around. The immediate effects of N2O are known (blosking of a neurotransmitter), why that produces anaesthia is not. It seems to be in same class as PCP and Ketamine as far as effects and action goes.
from http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/1072743881.Me.r.html
Many years ago, I think when getting a filling, the dentist strapped me in and put the mask on my face for the nitrous.
I instantly started chuckling, and could not stop. Well, I couldn’t stop until the doctor pointed out he hadn’t started the nitrous flowing yet.
It was purely suggestion that made me laugh. And damn, I felt like dumbass.
When I finally was huffing the crap, I was higher that shit. I hallucinated the ceiling going on forever, and my limbs felt like they were moving in circular motions, but I knew they were not. No laughing, though.
Well, it’s certainly true that in large enough quantities N2O is harmful, but sheesh, so is damn near everything, including water.
I’ve experimented with most illegal substances, at least the ones that don’t require needles, and I’d have to say it’s the most benign I’ve ever come across. And aside from one or two others, it’s the only one I’d try again. Zero aftereffects from incidental use, assuming you get plenty of O2 along with your N2O.
There are some anecdotal cases of people who use it heavily, daily, for months experiencing paralysis due to some sort of nitrous-induced malnutrition - it breaks down some essential nutrient for nervous system function. I would wager that the neuropharmacology is related to the chemistry of this effect.
I certainly don’t recommend experimenting with it, however, since it’s far too easy to asphyxiate yourself. The best way to enjoy it is to find a dentist who uses it, and see him regularly.
And stop brushing.