NITRONOX

HOW DOES THE NITROUS AND OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM WORK?

The nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia system delivers a safe mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen which is inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask, providing you control over self-administration. Your provider will ask you to breathe normally through your mouth, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the gas mixture. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within 5-10 minutes after the last inhalation of the N2O/O2 mixture. 

 

WILL THIS PUT YOU TO SLEEP?

No. The provided nitrous oxide and oxygen ratio is not strong enough to provide anesthesia and put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the providers may have. 

 

HOW WILL I FEEL WHILE USING NITROUS OXIDE?

Most patients will say it makes them feel relaxed, and their arms and legs feel light. Some patients feel tingling in their extremities and report feeling like they are floating, and/or sinking. As nitrous oxide is often called “laughing gas”, some patients will feel giggly when the gas mixture takes effect. Moreover, your voice may temporarily change during the administration of nitrous oxide since vocal cords are affected by nitrous oxide. 

 

HOW FAST DOES IT TAKE EFFECT AND LAST?

For most patients, the calming, relaxing effects of nitrous oxide will be felt within a minute or two or after a couple of deep inhalation/exhalation cycles. Effects may vary from patient to patient. Once you stop inhaling the gas mixture, you will start feeling back to normal within 5-10 minutes. 

 

CAN I DRIVE HOME AFTER RECEIVING NITROUS OXIDE?

This is dependent upon the procedure performed, but in general, the effects of nitrous oxide and oxygen on their own are completely out of your system within a few minutes. It is reasonable that you can safely go home about 10 minutes after ceasing use of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

 

DOES NITROUS OXIDE ELIMINATE PAIN?

Nitrous oxide does not eliminate pain. This is important to understand and to set your expectations. This will also not replace an anesthetic which is often used to numb locally (if required). Nitrous oxide is intended to take the edge off, help you relax, make you feel more comfortable, and reduce anxiety. This is not something you would use for extremely painful procedures.

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IS NITROUS OXIDE SAFE?

Nitrous oxide has been used for over 100 years and has a long-standing safety record. When the NitroNox device is used, you are awake (conscious), responsive, and breathing normally on your own. 

 

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects are usually minimal. With a self administered protocol, you are in total control minimizing side effects. Side effects that can occur in some patients are dizziness and nausea. If you do not like how you are feeling, stop inhaling the N2O/O2 mixture and breathe room air. This should quickly reverse any negative effects. 

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BENEFITS + ADVANTAGES

• Provides comfort and reduces anxiety

• Self-administered

• Fast acting

• Quick recovery

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