Authors response to nitrous oxide and mood: metabolic mechanisms (E. H. Reynolds)
Abstract
Reynolds raises important issues regarding interpretation of evidence on nitrous oxide (N2O) in depression, particularly its safety and mechanism. Our review does not advocate long-term or unsupervised use of N2O for major depressive disorders (MDD).1 It synthesises early-phase trials data obtained under controlled conditions to assess whether a consistent signal of antidepressant effect exists. We highlight uncertainties regarding durability of antidepressant effects, optimal dosing, and longer-term safety, and conclude that larger, methodologically rigorous trials are required before clinical implementation can be considered.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Treatment of Major Depression
Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- EBioMedicine
- Volume
- 125
- Pages
- 106166–106166
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN