Nitrogen Narcosis

• Breathing nitrogen under pressure produces an intoxicating effect known as nitrogen narcosis.
• Most divers experience symptoms of nitrogen narcosis at depths greater than 100 feet, but symptoms may occur in depths as little as 33 feet.
• For this reason, use of compressed air deeper than 120 feet is not recommended.
• Ascent reverses the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis.
• Factors that increase the risk of narcosis include: 
  • cold temperatures,
  • rapid descent,
  • anxiety,
  • alcohol,
  • sedatives,
  • fatigue, and
  • carbon dioxide excess.

Symptoms include:

• light-headedness,
• inattention,
• difficulty concentrating,
• poor judgment,
• anxiety,
• decreased coordination,
• hallucinations, and
• coma.

Nitrogen narcosis can lead to death.

• Ascend from the depth at which the symptoms become apparent.
• If symptoms fail to resolve after ascent, narcosis is not the cause of the symptoms.

Seek medical treatment if symptoms persist.