Anesthetic gases abuse

Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, is one of the most common abused inhalants. It is an anesthetic gas. Inhalation can produce euphoria, dreaminess, tingling, numbness, as well as visual and auditory hallucination. Such effects arise from administering the gas diluted in oxygen, usually 30-35% mixed in oxygen. Inhalation of 100% N2O can cause asphyxiation and death. Many volatile organic compounds that have anesthetic properties can produce exhilaration and euphoria. These include diethylether, chloroform, and halothane. High doses of these substances can produce unconsciousness. 

Nitrous oxide (CAS 10024-97-2) A CNS depressant. Hematopoietic effects from chronic exposure include megaloblastic anemia. Substance abuse has resulted in neuropathies. May have an adverse effect on human fertility and fetal development. See also p 282. 50 ppm Coloriess gas. Sweet odor. Not combustible. Widely used as an anesthetic gas in dendstiy, and a popular dmg of abuse. 

Anesthetics Nitrous oxide (NzO) or laughing gas, the most abused of the gases. Liquid anesthetic contains halothane and enflurane local anesthetic contains ethyl chloride. Vegetable oil cooking spray and whipping cream cartridges also contain nitrous oxide. 

Nitrous oxide is a relatively potent analgesic but a weak anesthetic, in use since 1842. At body temperature, its blood/gas partition ratio is only 0.47. It is excreted unchanged via the lungs. Because of the large mass of gas delivered to the patient, important physicochemical problems arise. Its ability to diffuse into and expand any air-filled cavity continues to produce new reports. Nitrous oxide is occasionally abused (1). 

---