NEVADA COUNTY, Calif., April 25, 2024 – Last month, doctors at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital reported an increase in patients presenting to emergency departments and other facilities due to complications from recreational nitrous oxide use. We expressed our concerns and contacted Nevada County. These complications are often neurological and can range from tingling in the extremities, loss of sensation, and significant weakness to long-term neurological damage.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas, also known as “noz” or whippet/whip-it) is a colorless gas commonly used for sedation and pain relief in medical settings, but also for recreational purposes. In medical settings, nitrous oxide is highly regulated and is usually administered with oxygen for safety. When used recreationally, it is often ingested in much higher concentrations.
In response to concerns from health care providers, the Nevada County Department of Public Health and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital have created educational resources (webpages, fact sheets, educational toolkits (fact sheets, presentation slides, social media alerts) containing health and safety information. ) etc.) were developed. About recreational use of nitrous oxide. This also includes potential long-term neurological problems associated with heavy use.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in substance abuse for a variety of reasons,” said Dr. Tyler Hill, chief medical officer at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. “In Nevada County, we have seen the devastating effects of nitrous oxide abuse. Many patients require hospitalization due to severe neurological deficits, including the inability to walk and perform daily self-care tasks. The effects are often irreversible and long-term care is required for affected individuals.One of our greatest concerns is the ease of access to nitrous oxide in adolescents. The availability of nitrous oxide makes it even more of a challenge for our community, and we're asking for your help on this very serious issue.”
“We appreciate the partnership and collaboration with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and its medical team,” said Dr. Sherilyn Cook, Nevada County Health Officer. “We care about the health and safety of our community and want to ensure that Nevada County residents have access to information about nitrous oxide and its health effects.”
Long-term effects vary from person to person and depend on frequency, amount, and duration of use. Using large amounts of nitrous oxide can result in:
- amnesia
- Vitamin B12 depletion
- brain and nerve damage
- severe paralysis
- foot drop
- Unable to walk
- tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- incontinence (inability to control bladder and/or bowels)
- numbness in hands and feet
- Limb spasms and loss of coordination
- Possibility of birth defects (if taken during pregnancy)
- decreased immunity
- disruption of the reproductive system
- depression
- mental dependence
- mental illness
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of judgment and safety awareness
Anyone interested in treatment for nitrous oxide or other drug use can find treatment resources by visiting the Local Resources page under Treatment on the Know Overdose Nevada County website or by contacting Nevada County Behavioral Health at 530-265-1437).
People experiencing effects of heavy nitrous oxide use, including nerve damage, should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as studies have shown that early treatment increases the chances of recovery.
Residents can learn more about nitrous oxide, including resources, FAQs, educational toolkits and additional research, by visiting www.KnowOverdoseNC.com/nitrous-oxyde.
