Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Prevents Suicidal Behavior, Reverses Learned Helplessness

David PS

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Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been an anesthetic agent for more than 160 years and remains a pervasive agent today, particularly in dentistry 1, 2. Interestingly, its potential as a drug of abuse predates both its own clinical use and the advent of modern anesthesia (3). Indeed, in 1799, the English chemist (and future Royal Society president) Humphry Davy began meticulously documenting the effects of inhaling N2O, noting “sublime emotion connected with highly vivid ideas” (4). After consuming progressively increasing amounts through a specially devised “breathing box,” he elected to share the intense derived pleasure with others. The recorded experience of these sessions, which included famed poets and other elite members of late 18th century British society, are now readily available 4, 5. Davy's contribution also includes experience of near-death overdose.

Today, N2O abuse is alarmingly prevalent, and the recognition of potential adverse events associated with its consumption is critical. The case described herein, involving a young man presenting to the emergency department with impaired neurologic function, illustrates an important central nervous system complication of N2O abuse.
 
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