5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Nitrous oxide shows rapid reductions in depressive symptoms but effects are short-lived, based on early-phase clinical trials.

• 2

  The systematic review included 7 trials with 247 participants suffering from major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression.

• 3

  Pooled analyses indicated significant symptom reductions at 2 and 24 hours post-inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide compared to placebo.

• 4

  Repeated dosing regimens may lead to more durable symptom improvement, especially in patients with major depressive disorder.

• 5

  Further research is needed to assess long-term efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing strategies for nitrous oxide in depressive disorders.