title: The effect of nitrous oxide on the performance of psychomotor tests. A dose-response study.
abstract: The effect of different nitrous oxide concentrations on the performance of psychomotor tests (inspection time, tapping frequency, critical flicker fusion, picture memory and time sense) was investigated in seven healthy volunteers. The results show a dose-related impairment of memory, a reduction in tapping frequency and an increase in inspection time. A paradoxical increase in critical flicker-fusion threshold was observed. There was no effect on critical fusion-flicker threshold or time sense. Recovery was incomplete for memory tests performed 20 min after withdrawal of nitrous oxide. Subjective effects persisted for several hours.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Cheam
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Dob
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Skelly
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Lockwood
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005425:Flicker Fusion / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects; D013998:Time Perception / Q000187:drug effects; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009609:Nitrous Oxide