What Gas Do They Give You for Pain?: Understanding Nitrous Oxide

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the use of 'laughing gas,' or nitrous oxide, dates back almost 100 years and is still widely used in many medical settings today. This colorless and odorless gas is a common answer to the question, what gas do they give you for pain? and provides a valuable option for managing anxiety and discomfort during various procedures.

Quick Summary

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a fast-acting, self-administered analgesic and anxiolytic agent used in medicine. It helps manage mild to moderate pain and anxiety during procedures like dental work and childbirth, with rapid onset and quick recovery.

Key Points

Nitrous Oxide is the Main Gas: The primary gas used for managing pain and anxiety in many medical settings is nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
Fast Acting and Reversible: The effects begin within minutes of inhalation and wear off quickly after the mask is removed, allowing for a rapid recovery.
Patient-Controlled: In many cases, such as during labor, the patient self-administers the gas, providing a sense of control over their pain management.
Works by Modulating Perception: Rather than eliminating all sensation, nitrous oxide works by dulling pain perception and reducing anxiety through its effects on the central nervous system.
Not for All Procedures: Nitrous oxide is ideal for mild to moderate pain and is not a substitute for stronger analgesia or general anesthesia in major procedures.
Specific Contraindications: It is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, including severe respiratory issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, or recent trauma involving closed air spaces.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), popularly known as “laughing gas,” is a gas compound used in medicine for its mild sedative and analgesic properties. Unlike stronger general anesthesia that renders a patient unconscious, nitrous oxide keeps the patient awake and aware but in a state of deep relaxation and reduced sensitivity to pain. This makes it an ideal option for short-duration or minimally invasive procedures.

Administered as a mixture with oxygen through a small mask or mouthpiece, it is particularly favored for its rapid onset and elimination from the body. The effects are typically felt within a few minutes of inhalation and wear off almost immediately once the mask is removed. This means patients can often resume normal activities, like driving, shortly after their appointment, unlike with other forms of sedation.

How Nitrous Oxide Works to Relieve Pain

Nitrous oxide primarily affects the central nervous system to produce its desired effects. While its exact mechanism is complex, it is known to influence several key neurotransmitter systems in the brain:

Modulates Pain Perception: Nitrous oxide interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, similar to how pain medications like morphine work, to alter the perception of pain. It doesn't eliminate pain completely but significantly dulls it, making it more manageable.
Reduces Anxiety: The gas has an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect by influencing neurotransmitters like GABA. This induces a sense of calm and well-being, which is especially beneficial for patients with medical or dental phobias.
Creates Euphoria: The gas can also induce a sense of mild euphoria or giddiness, which is where its nickname “laughing gas” comes from. This feeling helps distract patients from the discomfort of a procedure.

Common Applications of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is used across several medical fields where mild sedation and pain relief are beneficial without the need for full unconsciousness. These applications often involve the patient being awake and able to follow instructions.

Dentistry: It is a staple in dental offices to help patients, especially children and those with dental anxiety, relax during cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Its fast-acting nature and quick recovery make it convenient for both simple and complex procedures.
Labor and Delivery: Nitrous oxide has become a popular alternative for labor pain management, particularly in Europe and Canada, and its use is increasing in the U.S.. It is self-administered by the laboring mother, providing her with control over her pain relief. It helps reduce anxiety and takes the "edge off" contractions, though it doesn't offer the total pain block of an epidural.
Minor Surgical and Medical Procedures: Nitrous oxide can also be used for other short, minimally invasive procedures, such as wound care, IV starts, or certain dermatological procedures, to reduce discomfort and anxiety.

Potential Side Effects and Contraindications

When administered correctly by a trained professional, nitrous oxide is generally considered safe. However, like any medication, it does have potential side effects and is not suitable for everyone.

Common Side Effects:

Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or light-headedness
Headaches
Tingling sensations in arms and legs

These side effects typically resolve quickly once the administration is stopped. Healthcare providers can also help manage them with oxygen.

Contraindications (Who Should Avoid It):

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Nitrous oxide can inactivate vitamin B12, and prolonged use can lead to serious neurological issues in deficient individuals.
Certain Respiratory Conditions: Patients with severe respiratory conditions like COPD or emphysema should avoid nitrous oxide.
Traumatic Head or Facial Injuries: The gas diffuses more rapidly into closed spaces than nitrogen, so it's contraindicated in cases like pneumothorax or recent eye surgery involving a gas bubble.
First Trimester of Pregnancy: While used for labor, it's generally not recommended during the first trimester due to its effect on vitamin B12 and folate metabolism.
Inability to Self-Administer: For procedures where self-administration is key, such as in labor, patients who cannot hold their own mask are not candidates.

Comparison of Pain Relief Methods


Method	Delivery Mechanism	Pain Relief Level	Onset/Duration	Mobility	Key Benefits	Key Drawbacks
Nitrous Oxide	Inhalation via mask/mouthpiece	Mild to moderate; reduces anxiety	Rapid onset (1-2 min), wears off quickly	Can remain mobile	Patient-controlled, non-invasive, quick recovery	Doesn't eliminate all pain, can cause nausea
Epidural	Injection in lower back	Complete block for lower body	Takes about 30 minutes, lasts continuously	Limited mobility	Most effective for labor pain, minimal effect on alertness	Can cause low blood pressure, headaches, and prolonged recovery
IV Sedation	Intravenous injection	Moderate to deep; reduces consciousness	Rapid onset, prolonged grogginess	Limited mobility	Useful for more invasive procedures, amnesia effect	Requires IV, longer recovery time, requires caregiver transport
Local Anesthesia	Injection at the site of procedure	Numbing of a specific area	Immediate effect, wears off slowly	Full mobility	Targeted pain relief, minimal systemic side effects	Does not reduce anxiety for the procedure as a whole

Conclusion

For those asking, "What gas do they give you for pain?", the most common answer is nitrous oxide, a well-established and safe option for managing mild to moderate discomfort and anxiety in controlled medical settings. Its rapid onset and quick recovery make it a convenient choice for a range of procedures, from dental work to childbirth. However, it is not a cure-all and is not suitable for all patients. It is crucial to discuss all pain management options with a healthcare provider to determine the best and safest approach for your specific needs.

For more detailed information on specific medical procedures and anesthetic options, consult an authoritative source such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary gas used for mild pain relief and anxiety reduction is nitrous oxide, more commonly known as "laughing gas".

Nitrous oxide works by affecting the central nervous system to dull the perception of pain and reduce anxiety, creating a feeling of relaxation and mild euphoria.

No, nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep. It keeps you conscious and able to respond to your doctor's instructions while reducing your pain and anxiety.

While generally safe, nitrous oxide is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided by those with a known vitamin B12 deficiency, certain respiratory conditions, or those who are in their first trimester of pregnancy.

The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly, usually within minutes of stopping inhalation. This allows patients to recover rapidly and potentially resume normal activities shortly after a procedure.

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, and headaches, which typically disappear as soon as the gas is stopped.

Yes, nitrous oxide is a common option for pain relief during labor and delivery in many countries. It is often self-administered and provides a sense of control while taking the "edge off" contractions.

When used in a clinical setting under professional supervision, nitrous oxide is not considered addictive. However, psychological dependence can occur with regular, recreational abuse.