The reinforcing effects of brief exposures to nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers.
Drug and alcohol dependence November 1, 1996 J P Zacny, J M Klafta, D W Coalson et al.
Brief exposures (about 1.5 minutes) to nitrous oxide at concentrations of 20-80% in oxygen did not function as reinforcers in 11 healthy volunteers with modest lifetime psychoactive drug use. In a choice procedure, subjects sampled each concentration and placebo oxygen, then chose between them. 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% nitrous oxide were chosen by five, four, three, and three subjects respectively, none exceeding chance levels. All concentrations produced psychoactive effects, with concentration-related subjective effects. The authors conclude that nitrous oxide inhaled in a manner similar to recreational use does not act as a reinforcer across a wide range of concentrations in this population.