Effect of laughing gas

In contrast to many other anaesthetics, the effect of nitrous oxide is relatively well researched today. When the gas is inhaled, the vitamin B12 present in the body is oxidized. Vitamin B12 (representative of the cobalamin group) is a coenzyme of methionine (amino acid) production.

Due to the inhibition of vitamin B12, methionine cannot be produced in the body for a certain period of time, with the result that important protein components can no longer be produced in the body. These protein building blocks also have a supporting role in the transmission of pain and consciousness. The inhibition of vitamin B12, methionine and the protein building blocks, among other effects, reduces consciousness and the sensation of pain.

This effect lasts as long as the gas is inhaled. After the gas mixture is released, the metabolic processes in the body recover within a few minutes and consciousness and pain return. The exact mechanism of action of nitrous oxide is not known.

It is assumed, however, that the effect is based on the inhibition of the excitatory messenger substances. Glutamate is particularly important here as a messenger substance of certain receptors. Receptors are a kind of switching point and redirect the signals of messenger substances. An inhibition of these receptors probably causes the hypnotic effect of nitrous oxide.

Side effect of laughing gas

Laughing gas is an anaesthetic with relatively few side effects. For this reason, it has been widely used in the past. Like any anaesthetic, however, it also has some risks and side effects, which are rare but which must be taken into account.

Patients may feel light-headed for several hours after a nitrous oxide application. Driving or responsible activities should therefore not be performed on the day of the procedure. Side effects may include headaches, nausea and vomiting for days after the procedure.

It is also important to clarify in advance of a nitrous oxide treatment whether there are any allergies to this type of anaesthetic. Directly after the use of laughing gas, dizziness, light-headedness, but also a short-lasting euphoria can occur. If the gas mixture is overdosed, neurological long-lasting symptoms such as neurological failures, paralysis, speech disorders, gait disorders can occur.

Overdosages practically do not occur in medicine. The danger of overdose is mainly found in the field of drugs, where nitrous oxide is inhaled in high doses because of its sedative and at the same time sometimes intoxicating effect. In case of a systematic and regular overdose, irreparable damage has been observed, such as brain undersupply with permanent neurological damage.