Subjective and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers.
Behavioural pharmacology February 1, 1992 C.S. Dohrn, J.L. Lichtor, R.S. Finn et al.
In 12 healthy volunteers, inhaling 20% and 40% nitrous oxide produced robust mood changes, including confusion, sedation, euphoria, dysphoria, and stimulation during inhalation, with fatigue, depression, and anxiety increasing after 40% nitrous oxide stopped. Performance on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test was significantly impaired during 40% nitrous oxide but recovered quickly. Sex differences in subjective effects emerged. Eight of 12 subjects liked the 40% concentration, one was neutral, and three disliked it. Peak effect ratings were dose-related.