Nitrous oxide side effects

In cases of severe abuse, published studies have described chronic symptoms such as impairment of the nervous system, tingling and/or numbness of the hands and feet, and uncontrolled muscle twitching and movement. These side effects may be related to the depletion of vitamin B12 and folate caused by nitrous oxide abuse. They are usually reversible if nitrous use is stopped. 

Individuals with certain chronic illnesses and medical conditions may also suffer severe and potentially fatal side effects from the use of nitrous oxide. For example, anyone with a history of pulmonary hypertension, asthma, airway obstruction, head injury, or chest infection should not take nitrous under any circumstances. 

Finally, nitrous oxide is not used in the United States but is a common analgesic in many developed countries. A 50-50 blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen is the most commonly used mixture. Women can self-administer the medication or receive it continuously under medical supervision. Women report significant pain relief. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, and poor recall of labor. ... 

For more than 150 years, nitrous oxide has been clinically used for anaesthesia and pain treatment all over the world. Owing to the multitude of patients to be treated, nitrous oxide can be regarded as one of the pharmaceutical products broadest examined with regard to its spectrum of side effects and resulting... 

The sulfonation product is then nitrated. Reaction conditions can be chosen such that the a-position is preferred [118]. The directing effect of the suifonic acid groups promotes substitution at the desired position. However, nitration of the naphtlvdciw nucleus has a much greater tendency to lead to side reactions (e.g., oxidations) than is the case with the benzene series, so that when the nitrated mixture is diluted with water, nitrous gases are evolved. 

---