Inhaling medical anesthetic gases to get "high" first became prevalent in the early 1900s when alcohol, ether and chloroform were the inhalants of choice. Abuse of anesthetics is not as widespread among young people as "huffing" of household products, because the anesthetics are more difficult to obtain.
Brand or Common Names:
Nitrous Oxide, Ether, Chloroform, Halothane
Slang Terms:
Laughing Gas, Whippets
Medical Uses:
Medical and Dental Anesthesia
Duration of Effects:
2 to 10 minutes
Possible Effects:
Slurred Speech, Euphoria, Nausea, Fainting, Stupor, Rapid Heartbeat, Anoxia, Smooth Muscle Relaxation, Lowered Blood Pressure, Headache, Vasodilation, Myocardial Sensitization, Hallucinations
Methods of Use:
Sniffed, Inhaled
Effects of Overdose:
Damage to Lungs, Liver, Kidneys, Bone Marrow and Brain, Suffocation, Choking, Anemia, Possible Stroke, Death
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Runny Nose, Insomnia, Loss of or Increased Appetite, Depression, Irritability, Headache, Cramps, Nausea, Tremors