Rebound electroencephalographic responses to nitrous oxide exposure in men.
Journal of neurophysiology May 1, 2025 Petra Valtonen, Stanislav Rozov, Iina Annala et al.
Short-term administration of nitrous oxide (N2O) increases power in the theta frequency range (4-7 Hz) of the electroencephalogram (EEG) after the gas is withdrawn, but does not affect delta frequency (0.5-4 Hz) power. In a study of 14 healthy male participants, those receiving 50% N2O either continuously for 20 minutes or in two 10-minute inhalations showed rapid EEG transitions during gas administration and withdrawal. Power in high-frequency gamma bands increased during N2O, while beta and alpha frequencies decreased. After withdrawal, theta power increased in several electrodes, with negligible differences between the two treatment groups. The effect was reproducible with repeated dosing.