It could save their life. Nitrous oxide NOS is a colourless gas sold in canisters, usually inhaled using a balloon. Quick info. How the drug works varies from person to person. How it looks, tastes and smells What does it look like?
You may have seen these metal canisters lying around in streets outside bars and nightclubs. How do people take it?
Nitrous oxide is inhaled. How it feels How does it make you feel? The risks Physical health risks It is very dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister, and doing it in an enclosed space is also very dangerous. Never place a plastic bag over your head. Other risks include: Dizziness, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously.
Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. The harms created by an underground market would be likely to far outweigh the health risks of NOS itself.
Ruth Nichol Wellington-based journalist. Articles on a public health approach to drugs in Aotearoa New Zealand are regularly published here. Sign-up for notifications. High Alert reports a large increase in the availability of ketamine nationwide. Ruth Nichol takes a look at the drug known as Special K, K a Spikes in synthetic cannabinoids harm can happen at any time, and we continue to see incidents that leave in their wake a trail of casualtie Sign up now!
The Level. Sign up to get an email notification every time a new online article is uploaded. Keep up to date with the issues. Matters of Substance. Nangs - what you need to know 18 June What is nitrous oxide? How is NOS used outside medical settings? What are the risks of using NOS?
According to Drug Foundation programme lead, Emily Hughes, other possible harms of nitrous oxide include: falling over and hurting yourself after becoming temporarily lightheaded or dizzy burning yourself from the cold gas when opening a canister.
Is nitrous oxide a gateway drug to other more harmful drugs? It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from.
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Is nitrous oxide a problem for you? What is nitrous oxide? Body Content 1. It is also sometimes referred to as an inhalant or a volatile substance. Nitrous Oxide N2O.
Body Content 2. Effects depend on Body Content 3. How nitrous oxide affects your body Tap on a body part to learn more of the effects nitrous oxide places on your body. General information Effects of nitrous oxide. Immediate effects The effects may start to be felt immediately and can last from 2 — 3 minutes; some effects may last up to 30 — 40 minutes. Effects of prolonged use used more than once a week may include: memory loss vitamin B12 depletion long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage anaemia incontinence numbness in the hands or feet limb spasms potential birth defects if consumed during pregnancy weakened immune system disruption to reproductive systems Psychological effects may include: depression psychological dependence psychosis.
Mixing nitrous oxide and alcohol can cause: Confusion Feeling heavy or sluggish Reduced concentration Loss of body control Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol can also increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death. If you can't wake someone up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a drug related fall — call an ambulance immediately Always phone triple zero for an ambulance and tell the operator that the person has overdosed the police will usually not come unless the person dies or becomes violent.
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