Psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide for alcoholic withdrawal states.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews April 18, 2007 M A Gillman, F J Lichtigfeld, T N Young
A systematic review of five randomized controlled trials (212 participants) found that psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide (PAN) may improve alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce the amount and duration of sedative medication needed, with better psychomotor function compared to oxygen or benzodiazepine regimens. No significant differences were observed for depression or anxiety one hour after treatment, and no serious adverse effects were reported. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes, and the authors recommend further high-quality trials before routine clinical use.