@article{ref1,
title="Alarming increase in poisonings from recreational nitrous oxide use after a change in EU-legislation, inquiries to the Dutch Poisons Information Center",
journal="International journal on drug policy",
year="2021",
author="van Riel, A. J. H. P. and Hunault, C. C. and van den Hengel-Koot, I. S. and Nugteren-van Lonkhuyzen, J. J. and de Lange, D. W. and Hondebrink, L.",
volume="100",
number="",
pages="103519-103519",
abstract="BACKGROUND: After the change in EU-legislation in 2014, recreational use of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) increased in the Netherlands from 2015 onwards. We studied the effect on N(2)O poisonings during an 11 year period. <br><br>METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed on the incidence rate of N(2)O poisonings, relative to all recreational drug poisonings reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC) from 2010-2020. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of heavy use, frequent use, co-exposures, and toxicity in 2019 and 2020. <br><br>RESULTS: 433 N(2)O poisonings were included. The incidence rate increased exponentially from 0.12% in 2010 to 11% in 2020, with an average monthly rate of 3.8%. In 2019 and 2020, 79% of the patients indicated heavy use, frequent use or both, and 42% used from large cylinders. Chronic toxicity (signs of peripheral neuropathy) was reported in 38% of the patients. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The rate of N(2)O poisonings increased alarmingly in the Netherlands. An increasing proportion of patients reported problematic heavy or frequent use, accompanied by chronic toxicity.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0955-3959",
doi="10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103519",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103519"
}