Psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide and neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in the alcohol withdrawal state.

We relate the extremely rapid and lasting beneficial effects of psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide (PAN) on the alcohol withdrawal state (AWS) to the underlying neurotransmitter system disturbances and clinical findings. PAN is an opioid and its main therapeutic effects are produced by stimulating the underactive endogenous opioid system (EOS) found in the AWS. In common with other opioids, PAN also acts on other neurotransmitter systems. While controlling the cholinergic and adrenergic overactivity and the concomitant stress state, through its opioid agonism, it simultaneously stimulates the underactive serotonergic and GABA-ergic systems found in the AWS. PAN also ameliorates disturbances in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) dopaminergic, glutaminergic and second messenger function. This unique combination of stimulation and inhibition enables a single 20 minute administration of PAN to rapidly restore the patients' homeostatic balance with lasting effect, and almost no other medication requirements during the entire detoxification period. Unlike other currently available therapies this is achieved without sedation.