1 paper and 0 clinical trials exploring nitrous oxide as a treatment for older adults.
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a rapid-acting NMDA receptor antagonist with emerging evidence for antidepressant efficacy in treatment-resistant depression. Delivered as a 50% N₂O/50% O₂ inhalation mixture over one-hour sessions, it produces rapid mood improvements that can persist for days to weeks. Its established safety record in anesthesia, short session duration, minimal recovery time, and low cost position it as a potentially scalable alternative to IV ketamine and esketamine, though the psychiatric evidence base remains early-stage and no formal psychiatric indication exists. Key open questions include optimal dosing frequency, long-term durability, and the mechanism by which NMDA antagonism without intense psychedelic phenomenology produces antidepressant effects.
Full Nitrous Oxide profilePsychedelic research involving older adults is gaining traction, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of compounds such as psilocybin and MDMA. Recent studies suggest promising safety profiles and efficacy, paving the way for future clinical applications in this demographic.
Full Older Adults profileNo clinical trials have been tagged with both Nitrous Oxide and Older Adults yet.
Trials are continuously being added as new studies are registered.