Nitrous oxide health risks

Short-term risks

• Dizziness, headaches, nausea and tingling in hands and feet (Trimbos Institute).
• Near-loss of consciousness, which can lead to falls and injuries.
• No oxygen. Medical nitrous oxide is always given mixed with oxygen; recreational use isn’t.
• Frostbite. Dutch burns centres have reported severe freezing injuries in people filling balloons from large tanks.
• Traffic. Perception and coordination are impaired.

Long-term risks: B12 and nerve damage

Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12, which your nerves need. Heavy or repeated use can damage the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, causing numbness, weakness and difficulty walking. The Trimbos Institute warns that excessive use can lead to nerve damage and, at worst, paralysis. Taking extra B12 while continuing to use does not appear to reduce the risk, according to DrugsInfo.

Dependence

Frequent users report craving and tolerance, and the RIVM sees growing signs of addiction in a small group of users.

Getting help in Amsterdam

• 112 — emergencies.
• A GP (huisarts) or out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) — for tingling, numbness or weakness after use. Visitors can also go to a hospital emergency department.
• DrugsInfo Infolijn: 0900-1995 — anonymous advice in Dutch, Monday to Friday 9:00–17:00.