NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. April 25, 2024 – Last month, doctors at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital reached out to Nevada County with concerns about an increase in patients being seen at the emergency department and other settings because of complications from recreational nitrous oxide use. These complications are often neurological, ranging from tingling in the extremities, loss of sensation and significant weakness to long-term neurological damage.
Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas, “noz” or whippets/whip-its) is a colorless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief in medical settings, but is also used recreationally. In medical settings, nitrous oxide is highly regulated and typically administered along with oxygen for safety. When used recreationally, it is often ingested at much higher concentrations.
In response to the concerns from medical providers, Nevada County Public Health and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital have developed educational resources—including a webpage, fact sheet and education toolkit (fact sheet, presentation slides and a social media alert)—with health and safety information about recreational nitrous oxide use, including potential long-term neurological issues related to heavy use.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw an increase in substance abuse for many reasons” said Dr. Tyler Hill, Chief Medical Officer for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. “In Nevada County, we have seen the devastating impact of nitrous oxide abuse. Numerous individuals have required hospitalization due to significant neurological impairment, including the inability to walk and care for themselves on a daily basis. These neurological effects are often irreversible, requiring long-term care of the individuals affected. One of our biggest concerns is the use of Nitrous Oxide in our youth. The ease of access and the ability to purchase Nitrous Oxide in large quantities makes it an even larger challenge for our community. We are asking for everyone’s help on this very serious problem.”
“We appreciate the partnership and collaboration with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and their medical team,” said Dr. Sherilynn Cooke, Nevada County Health Officer. “We care about the health and safety of our community and want to make sure that Nevada County residents have access to information about nitrous oxide and its impact on their health.”
Long-term effects vary from person-to-person and depend on the frequency, amount and length of use. Heavy use of nitrous oxide may result in:
- Memory loss
- Vitamin B12 depletion
- Brain and nerve damage
- Significant paralysis
- Foot drop
- Inability to walk
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Incontinence (inability to control bladder and/or bowels)
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Limb spasms and incoordination
- Potential birth defects (if consumed during pregnancy)
- Weakened immune system
- Disruption to reproductive systems
- Depression
- Psychological dependence
- Psychosis
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of judgement and safety awareness
Anyone interested in treatment for nitrous oxide or other drug use, can visit the Local Resources page of Know Overdose Nevada County’s website under Treatment to find treatment resource or contact Nevada County Behavioral Health at 530-265-1437.
Anyone experiencing the effects of heavy nitrous oxide use, including nerve damage, should consult a medical practitioner as soon as possible, since research shows early treatment improves the chances of recovery.
Residents can learn more about nitrous oxide by visiting www.KnowOverdoseNC.com/nitrous-oxide, including resources, FAQs, and educational toolkit and additional research.