Khaberni - British researchers have revealed the possibility of using laughing gas to treat severe depression, including cases unresponsive to traditional treatments.
Medically known as nitrous oxide, this colorless gas has a slightly sweet smell and has been used for over a century to alleviate pain in medical procedures and dentistry. It is famous for its ability to induce a temporary feeling of relaxation and joy, earning it the nickname "laughing gas".
A major study led by the University of Birmingham, and published in the journal "E-Bio-Medicine", showed that a single dose of 50% concentration gas can lead to rapid improvement in depression symptoms within 24 hours, while repeating the treatment over weeks leads to more sustainable results.
Nitrous oxide is believed to work on glutamate receptors in the brain in a way similar to ketamine, which explains the rapid mood improvement observed after inhalation.
Researcher Kiranpreet Gill said, "Depression is a difficult disease, and traditional treatments often fail for about half of the patients. This study shows that nitrous oxide can provide a quick and notable improvement in symptoms, opening new and innovative treatment horizons."
Side effects are usually minor and temporary, such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and they disappear without medical intervention. Researchers are now conducting a clinical trial in the United Kingdom to determine the best ways to safely use the gas in depression treatment protocols.
