Learn More About Nitrous Oxide for Depression

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)—often called “laughing gas”—is a colorless gas with anesthetic and pain-relieving effects. It has been used for over a century in medicine and dentistry for sedation and analgesia (pain control).

What nitrous oxide is:

• A gas that depresses the central nervous system.

• Produces relaxation, reduced anxiety, mild euphoria, and pain relief.

• Fast-acting and fast-wearing: effects begin within minutes and fade quickly after stopping inhalation.

How it may treat depression:

In recent years, researchers have studied nitrous oxide as a rapid-acting treatment for depression, especially treatment-resistant depression (when standard medications don’t work).

Insurance Coverage

Most private payers and Medicare do not cover nitrous oxide for non-dental, non-surgical purpose