Nitrous oxide could offer rapid relief from severe depression

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, may provide fast-acting relief for depression, including in people who do not respond to standard antidepressants, a study has found.

A single inhaled dose of the gas can reduce depressive symptoms within 24 hours, finds a systematic review and meta-analysis of the topic led by the University of Birmingham.