What Is Nitrous Therapy?
Nitrous oxide therapy (sometimes called “laughing gas” therapy) is a fast-acting inhaled treatment that has been used safely in medical settings for well over a century. At Quad Cities Ketamine Clinic in Davenport, Iowa, our clinical team offers nitrous oxide therapy as an option for patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and postpartum depression who are looking for a fast, low-commitment session without an IV.
How Does Nitrous Therapy Work?
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a comfortable facemask while you rest in a private treatment room, with your vitals monitored throughout by clinical staff. Researchers believe nitrous may act on some of the same brain pathways associated with ketamine’s rapid-acting effects on mood, which may help explain why some patients report a sense of relief during or shortly after a session. Because nitrous is inhaled rather than infused, no IV placement is required.
Benefits of Nitrous Therapy
- No IV required: Nitrous is delivered by mask, so there’s no needle stick or IV line to place.
- One-hour session: Most visits, including monitoring and recovery time, are completed in about an hour.
- No driver needed: Nitrous clears the body quickly, so many patients are cleared to drive themselves home after treatment.
- Return to work the same day: Recovery is typically fast, and many patients resume normal activities the same day.
Individual clearance to drive or return to activities is determined by the clinical team at the time of your visit.
Conditions Nitrous Therapy May Support
Nitrous therapy may be considered as part of a treatment plan for patients experiencing:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Anxiety
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
What to Expect During Your Session
- Comprehensive exam and screening with our clinical team to determine if nitrous therapy is right for you — a psychiatric evaluation is required, either with our Psychiatric NP or your own psychiatric provider.
- You’re seated comfortably in a private treatment room and fitted with a soft facemask.
- Nitrous oxide is administered for one hour while your vitals are monitored.
- A 5-minute recovery period follows before you’re cleared to leave.
Treatment Series
Nitrous therapy is typically delivered as part of a structured series rather than a single visit:
- Weeks 1–2: Two one-hour sessions per week
- Weeks 3–4: One one-hour session per week
- Ongoing: Monthly maintenance sessions as needed
Pricing
- Single session: $300
- Series (starting price): $1,800
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nitrous oxide therapy the same as ketamine therapy?
No. Nitrous oxide and ketamine are different medications, administered differently, though both may be considered as part of a treatment plan for mood-related conditions. Our clinical team can help determine which approach fits your goals.
Is nitrous oxide therapy safe?
Nitrous oxide has a long history of safe use in medical settings. Every session is monitored by clinical staff from start to finish.
Is nitrous oxide therapy addictive?
At the low, steady concentrations used in a controlled clinical setting, nitrous therapy has not been shown to be addictive.
Can I drive myself home after a nitrous therapy session?
Many patients are cleared to drive themselves home shortly after treatment. Your care team confirms this with you at the end of each visit.
How many nitrous therapy sessions will I need?
Most patients follow a short series — see Treatment Series above — followed by monthly maintenance visits as needed. Your care team will tailor this to your response to treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to see if nitrous therapy may be a fit for you? Contact Quad Cities Ketamine Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Consultations accept all major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether nitrous therapy fits your treatment goals.
Call the clinic: 563-214-1594
