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Health professionals have cautioned that the proposed ban on nitrous oxide may prevent users from seeking treatment in hospitals.

In a letter to the government that was obtained by BBC Newsnight, 15 neurologists and other medical professionals argue that drug possession should not be treated as a crime.

Despite an increase in the number of hospital patients experiencing the side effects of "laughing gas," they caution that the ban may make users more stigmatized.

In response, the government announced that the prohibition will still be implemented.

Colorless nitrous oxide is frequently offered for sale in metal canisters. It is one among the medicines that 16 to 24 year olds take the most frequently.

Heavy use may cause symptoms connected to the nerves, such as difficulty walking, falling, or tingling or loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Some users experience incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or bladder or bowel issues that are nerve-related.

Although it is now illegal to supply nitrous oxide for recreational purposes, possession is not.

Additionally, the government earlier this year suggested a change to the legislation that could take effect before the end of the year and make it unlawful to possess the substance.

The 15 medical professionals claim that making drug possession illegal was "unlikely to translate to health benefits in our patients" in a letter to Chris Philp, minister of police.

That is true despite top medical professionals informing Newsnight that the number of people using nitrous oxide has increased.

Professor of Neurology and Neuroepidemiology and the letter's author, Dr. Alastair Noyce, said that adolescent users would develop a "fear of a criminal record" as a result of the ban.

People can put off going to the hospital when their symptoms are still manageable, he said. "The overall result of that could be that they suffer long-term injuries and damages."

He claimed there was "very little evidence" that criminalization would reduce brain damage or affect prospects for those not enrolled in school or working.

In order to guarantee that the general public is aware of the dangers associated with nitrous oxide misuse, the government was requested in the letter to support a national education campaign in classrooms and through the media.