How does “Laughing Gas” work?
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is simply a gas which you can breathe in. It’s colorless, sweet-smelling, and nonirritating. It was discovered in 1772. Can only safely be used for short periods of time (because the lack of oxygen in pure N2O can lead to unconsciousness and even death) – but that it’s safe to use for longer periods of time if you mix it with oxygen (O2) (1) a tingling sensation, especially in the arms and legs, or a feeling of vibration (“parasthesia”), quickly followed by (2) warm sensations, and (3) a feeling of well-being, euphoria and/or floating (“drift”). During heavier sedation, hearing may dissolve into a constant, electronic-like throbbing. (4) At a deeper level of sedation again, sleepiness, difficulty to keep one’s eyes open or speak (“dream”) can occur. Should nausea set in, it means you’re definitely oversedated!
