Nitrous Oxide as a Treatment for Severe Depression: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025

Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. They interview Peter Nagele, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Chicago, about his groundbreaking trial on the use of nitrous oxide as a treatment for severe depression. The trial aimed to assess the efficacy of nitrous oxide compared to a placebo and explored different doses (25% vs. 50%). They discusses the study's promising results, the neurobiology of depression, and the potential for a phase three international multicenter trial. This episode also highlights the need for novel treatments for treatment-resistant depression and the importance of collaborative research in advancing medical knowledge.