Psychosis and delirium as manifesting symptoms of chronic and heavy nitrous oxide use in a 37-year-old Samoan male patient: a case report

Author : Xiaowen (Sylvia) wang, Gregory Rose, Rick Peter Fritz Wolthusen

Abstract :Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a clear gas used in the food industry as well as in clinical settings as an analgesic and anesthetic agent. It is also a commonly used recreational drug due to its anxiolytic and euphoric effects. In our submission, we discuss the case of a 37-year-old male with a long-standing history of N2O use who was brought to the emergency department for psychotic symptoms that soon after presentation expanded to symptoms of delirium. Our case reports add to the literature about N2O-induced psychiatric presentations, particularly by focusing on a patient from an underrepresented population. We outline his clinical presentation, discuss the presenting physical and psychiatric symptoms and management options based on existing literature and knowledge. The patient’s information is adequately de-identified in this case report

Keywords :Nitrous oxide, recreational drug, psychosis, delirium, case report, psychiatric symptoms, substance abuse, emergency medicine, underrepresented population, N2O toxicity

Conference Name :International Conference on Emergency Psychiatry and Mental Wellness (ICEPMW-25)

Conference Place Wellington, New Zealand

Conference Date 11th Jul 2025