TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Alarming increase in poisonings from recreational nitrous oxide use after a change in EU-legislation, inquiries to the Dutch Poisons Information Center
JO  - International journal on drug policy
A1  - van Riel, A. J. H. P.
A1  - Hunault, C. C.
A1  - van den Hengel-Koot, I. S.
A1  - Nugteren-van Lonkhuyzen, J. J.
A1  - de Lange, D. W.
A1  - Hondebrink, L.
SP  - 103519
EP  - 103519
VL  - 100
IS  - 
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0955-3959
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103519
ID  - ref1
ER  -