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by Mastodon on July 15th, 2008

Mastodon

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Why does laughing gas make you laugh?

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  • by xprofessor on July 15th, 2008

    xprofessor

    Nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') is commonly used as one component of general anesthesia. By itself, however, it isn't very potent. Inhalation of the gas, mixed & diluted with air or oxygen, tends to produce only partial anesthesia -- in effect the subject gets 'high'. This induces laughing in some people.

    After its discovery in the 1800s people would inhale it at parties to enjoy the euphoric altered state of consciousness. Indeed it was on one such occasion that somebody injured himself and realized its pain-killing effect.

    It's still abused today as an illicit recreational drug, though it poses dangers of loss of consciousness with consequent falling injuries, nausea & vomiting, asphyxia and other potentially serious consequences including death.

    When used in strictly medical applications, it doesn't make people laugh -- they sleep.

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