France 3 Paris Île-de-France interviewed Professor Amine Benyamina, psychiatrist-addictologist at the Paul Brousse hospital (AP-HP), in Villejuif (Val-de-Marne).
Monday, September 20, around 9:30 p.m., a motorist had hit five pedestrians on the avenue des Champs-Élysées, in Paris. Three of them were then hospitalized in serious condition. The driver, shocked, had been transported to the Kremlin-Bicêtre hospital (Val-de-Marne) before being placed in police custody for endangering the lives of others. The first elements of the investigation revealed that the driver had inhaled nitrous oxide – more commonly known as “laughing gas” – a product best known for its diversion, mainly by young minors, for its euphoric side.
Explanations on its effects with Professor Amine Benyamina, psychiatrist-addictologist at the Paul Brousse hospital (AP-HP), in Villejuif (Val-de-Marne).
What is the original use of nitrous oxide?
Originally, in medical practice, this laughing gas is used in anesthesiology, in premedication. It is mainly specialists who use it. It is also found in the fields of pastry and car mechanics (the steel tubes that contain it are easily purchased for sale in supermarkets. It is used in the kitchen for whipped cream siphons, editor’s note).
What are the dangers of high doses?
At high doses and repeatedly, there is a risk of cardiac arrest or even epileptic seizures. In acute form, there are problems that can occur on the neurological level – since it is a neurotoxic substance. High dose and repeated use can also cause anxiety in the person. Nitrous oxide can sometimes lead to confusion, but it depends on the person and the possibility of consuming other associated substances.
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Is nitrous oxide listed as a narcotic?
No. It is a product that is diverted. It will probably become so at one time or another if we continue to collect data in this direction.
Does laughing gas have an addictive effect in the same way – for example – as cigarettes?
We find some slightly addictive symptoms, weak, but existing, in regular users. The mechanisms that cause this addiction remain at present quite obscure. But we realize that some take a liking to the product and renew the experience. This is still a line of research.
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