Laughing gas Shows Promise โฃasโ a Rapid Treatment for Depression
You may know laughing gas from the dentistโค or, sadly, fromโ recreational use. But scientists have now discovered that, when administered in a clinical โฃsetting, it can surprisingly adn effectively alleviate major depression.
Researchers from the University โฃof Birmingham have reviewed existing studies on nitrous oxide and depression, and the results are striking: individuals experiencing severe depression reported feeling substantially better โwithin 24 hours โof treatment with laughing gas.
Why is this so fascinating?
antidepressants are a โcommon treatment โfor depression, but they don’t work for everyone. Roughly half of patients experience only limited benefit, necessitating the exploration of choice therapies.
Laughing โgas offers a key advantage: speed. Conventional antidepressants often require weeks toโ show noticeable effects. In contrast, improvements can be observed within a day of nitrous oxide treatment. โฃWhile the initial effect may fade after a week,repeated treatments appear to prolong the benefits.
How does it workโฃ in the brain?
Nitrous oxide impacts specific โreceptors in โthe brain that regulate glutamate,โข a crucial neurotransmitter responsible forโข interaction between brain cells. This mechanism is similar to that of ketamine, another fast-acting antidepressant (though one with a potential forโ abuse). By influencing these receptors, mood can improve rapidly.
What about side effects?
Participants in studies experienced mild sideโค effects like nausea, dizziness, or โheadaches. These symptoms were temporary and resolved on their โขown, with no serious complications reported. Though, researchers emphasize that the long-term effects of nitrous oxide treatment remain โunknown and require further inquiry.
Currently,researchers are planning the first official โhospital โtrial to assess the safety and efficacy of offering nitrous oxide toโ individuals with depression who haven’t responded to conventional medications. it’s possible that, within a few years, laughing gas could become a viable treatment option for those with limited alternatives.
