Prolonged use of nitrous oxide?

Question

I have a friend who used nitrous oxide almost every weekend for recreational purposes. I try to talk him out of it, but he states its perfectly safe. Since even dentist administer it to there patients.

Does anyone know the long term effects of nitrous?

True medical answers or personal experience only.

Do not answer if you are only going to bolster the enjoyment some people feel at the abuse of this drug.

Answer 1

Long term effects of nitrous itself are minimal, as it is a very insoluble gas and leaves the body quickly.

The danger with nitrous is that you can get a hypoxic gas mixture, which can kill you.  The rapid absorption of nitrous from the alveoli can cause them to collapse.  Repeated hypoxic events can cause problems with any body system, most importantly, the brain, heart and kidneys.

Dentists give a mixture of nitrous and oxygen, not pure nitrous.

Answer 2

Pangolin is right your "friend" should listen to her.