Steinsvg estimates that several hundred thousand people in Norway today rely on nasal sprays. We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options. As a result, this protection is lost, so that the cold complaints increase sooner. Also, rebound congestion is not a medical disease involving the brain. Nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline (which looks like an active ingredient) are considered decongestant nasal sprays. This method is all about trial and error and each needs to adjust the mix to suit themselves. I could not sleep well at all. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2017. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition. What happens if you use a DNS for too long? When using other types of nasal sprays including saline, steroid and antihistamine sprays, be aware of how often you are using them and if that amount of use is necessary. Doctors call this rhinitis medicamentosa. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies. The process here includes going cold turkey in, say, your right nostril and letting the left nostril still bask in the glory of nasal spray clarity. The function of the cilia is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out. Takes a few nights of suffering thru the stuffiness. Hope that helps! Decongestants help relieve your congestion. If you have questions about taking Flonase or about its side effects, talk with your pharmacist. So Im not sure if this way just worked for only me or if its different for everyone but I just wanted to share my story and maybe this will work for someone else. When DNSs shrink blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production. It is important to check yourself . However, when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. Or you have a bottle near you throughout the day. Inform your doctor you are tapering down from 75 mg Venlafaxine and ask them to prescribe 37.50 tabs to help with tapering doses (1/2 dosage down from 75 mg Venlafaxine capsules). To wean yourself off nicotine, you'll switch to lower-dose patches over the course of about eight weeks. The swelling leads to increased mucus production, which causes a runny nose. According to the University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR), there is little evidence suggesting that it is possible to become physically dependent on ketamine. 1. I had a full blown addiction to nasal spray before it was commonly known that it could happen. The xylometazoline affects the cilia and nasal mucosa. Last Friday I started weaning myself off by having 25mg one day and 50mg the next. This rebound congestion is temporarily relieved by using the offending nasal spray. Sadly, not all of us are as lucky as you are to simply use a very small amount with no problems. The FDA has approved using the patch for a total of three to five months. There is no miracle. Saline sprays act like mucus, flushing out irritating substances before they cause inflammation. vomiting (being sick). It can be used as a afrin side effects to . Try eating porridge/oatmeal for breakfast everyday and as a snack if you feel you need one. 19. pairedlife.com. The Rhinostat kit includes a metered dose delivery system that dilutes the nasal spray dose by 10 percent to 15 percent every day until the nasal turbinates are able to resume their normal functioning. 1 Some chronic and frequent users develop a psychological dependence and will experience cravings when not taking the drug. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation. Stopping it suddenly results in rebound congestion, and suddenly you cant breathe again! Designated trademarks and brands are the properties of their respective owners. When to start weaning your child is a personal decision. (I found this would also work if I was just starting to get a sinus infection.). Azelastine nasal spray for the treatment of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Caffeine Detox: How To Ease The Symptoms Of Caffeine Addiction And Withdrawals? Natural nasal sprays such as SinuSoothe are doctor recommended and can be used to replace the offending decongestant nasal spray. That gave relief but very short term. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! 2 Symptoms of nasal spray addiction. Youve been using it longer than one week. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. (1997). Read the product directions. Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant (TND) that's available over the counter. Flonase: It is a nasal steroid spray for treatment of allergic rhinitis. I would tell anyone who wants to get off it to go to your doctor and get some Sudafed and Flonase because these two things got me through the rebound very quickly, one bad night and it got so much easier and I did it cold turkey, not picking up that bottle once. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Afrin, Oxymetazoline, Neo-Synephrine, Phenylephrine, and other over-the-counter decongestant sprays are common short-term remedies against nasal blockages, colds, sinusitis, and allergies. Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. However, this can cause sleep deprivation, anxiety, extreme nasal congestion, etc., and general suffering and misery. A nasal spray addiction can be recognized by when you use nasal spray daily for more than two weeks. This speeds up the process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the passageways. Get all latest content a few times a month! medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697014.html, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247, drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics, researchgate.net/publication/5408947_Oxymetazoline_nasal_spray_three_times_daily_for_four_weeks_in_normal_subjects_is_not_associated_with_rebound_congestion_or_tachyphylaxis, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. It reduces stress. I have been using nasal spray for 5 years , havnt gone a day without it.. Will nasacort help quit? Take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness to reduce night-time congestion and help you sleep. It took about a week, and though I am still a little stuffy, I am so glad to be off the decongestant. My mom started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then I couldnt stop. At first, I started having bloody noses, but then that stopped and this current symptom started. "You think you need the spray to help you decongest,. Available for Android and iOS devices. Answer: By reducing your cholesterol level. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. 1. Decongestant nose spray is fabulous when your nasal passages are so congested you can't breathe. You Can Be Addicted To Afrin Nasal Spray?? Try a saline nasal spray, which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. The second contains this same formula minus the active ingredient. All rights reserved. I couldnt go any longer than 15 minutes without it. Reading about how hard it is was making me really dread breaking this habit but I knew it had to be done. Now I'm hooked. It is inexpensive., Afrin is great when used only for occasional stuffiness. I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month. Some people also use steroid nasal sprays to overcome nose spray dependency. I never spray it in both nostrils; I alternate. A. There are many ways to do this, but the simplest way is by using a Neti Pot they can be found in most drug stores and are typically used for sinus congestion, allergies, and colds. Belonging to the corticosteroid class of drugs, Flonase works differently than Afrin. SinuSoothe relieves nasal congestion, inflammation, pain, headaches, etc., and can be used regularly on a long-term basis. That stuff can do damage and its not worth it to let something like this rule your days and your breathing. While some people may worry that this indicates an addiction, according to the. This reduces the inflammation and helps you breathe easier. How To Wean Yourself Off Nasal Spray. How can I break this addiction? The Mayo Clinic notes that OTC nasal decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with addiction. How long do I have to wait to use Afrin nasal spray again? The treatment of RM involves withdrawal of the offending nasal spray or oral medication, squeeze bottle quickly and firmly, 0 . I have severe allergies, & it's the only way I can get sleep at night. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Signs of an allergic reaction include: Flonase is available over the counter without a prescription. One way to defeat rebound congestion is to simply go cold turkey. Your nasal passages can develop a dependence to these medications rather quickly. Lets explore the difference between having an addiction and having a physical drug dependence on this particular type of nasal spray. Your problem is more common than you might imagine. Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline. Use limited doses of Afrin as a last resort. Side effects of using Afrin for more than few days? Treating nasal spray addiction with natural remedies is becoming more popular. Eventually reducing the decongestant content to zero. Stop taking nasal spray, How to Break a Nasal Spray Addiction FAST & EASY! Medication: they are not necessary to wean off, but I would recommend only stopping one at a time. To the best of my knowledge I haven't experienced any side effects. I went in and told him about my problem and if he could help in any way. Its a subject of some controversy. To continue reading this article, you must log in. In the third week you use the spray once per day, and doing the LLLT twice per day. Studies show that azelastine nasal spray is more effective than oral antihistamines like Benadryl and some corticosteroid nasal sprays. Only thing that worked for me He still swears blind the only thing that somewhat relieves is nasal spray - that is a true addict, 30+ years. Nasal spray dependency can be helped easily. At this point stop using the spray in your other nostril. Congestion is usually the only symptom. A hypertonic solution has a higher salt content and may be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the sinuses. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you have questions about Flonase or are currently taking other medications or supplements, talk to your pharmacist. Others have used steroid nasal sprays or even saline spray to accomplish this goal. Check my post on weaning it off for further info on the withdrawal symptoms. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. The secret is to get a fresh bottle, alcohol your hands, open the bottle up and pour in a packet of table salt from McDonald's or some such place. This reduces the inflammation and helps you breathe easier. The information on this site does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. I hope this tip helps you out. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal spray. Good Luck! They are mostly illegal in the U.S., but have a wide range of health benefits worth discussing: Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All rights reserved. Afrin, Oxymetazoline, Neo-Synephrine, Phenylephrine, and other over-the-counter decongestant sprays are common short-term remedies against nasal blockages, colds, sinusitis, and allergies. If youve been taking oral steroids, your doctor will most likely gradually decrease your dose once you start using Flonase. Gum is difficult to use with dentures and may . Can Afrin nose spray cause nausea and dizziness? He had to have nose surgery and something happened that made him constantly feel bunged up. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. So I have been searching and searching on different ways to get off of Afrin. Critical review of the literature by a medical panel. stuffy nose) is very common as Winter approaches. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It can improve shortness of breath. Just a spritz can open clogged sinuses. You need the nasal spray to keep the nose clear. You May Like: What Does Rehab Do For Drug Addicts. Mortuaire G, et al. of course not as . It has for quite a few others on here that have asked this same question. I'm also taking Fluticasone Propionate and have the very same issue. After the need to use decongestant nasal sprays for congestion associated with colds or allergies has passed, overcome rebound congestion by continuing to spray only one nostril. Intro Nasal Spray Addiction | How To Treat Rebound Congestion | Rhinitis Medicamentosa Relief (2021) Dr. Arsalan Aspires 52.3K subscribers Subscribe 414 27K views 3 years ago #nasalspray. This is how to wean yourself off nasal spray. Often, people may only need to use a nasal spray a few months out of the year for allergies or when the weather is dry and cold, Dr. Erdos said. It helps you sleep better at night. I just thought others might benefit from my experience. But if you have a spray with the active substances xylometazoline or oxymetazoline and spray it in the nose for more than five days, you should be careful. The first contains an exact formulation of the decongestant you have been using. You may find yourself using more and more of the nasal spray to provide relief from the congestion. Here's the right way to use your nasal spray: Before applying, gently blow your nose. You may have heard that using decongestant nasal sprays can cause an addiction after the spray wears off, the user may experience even worse congestion, which creates an endless cycle of more nasal spray. This gives the blood vessels the opportunity to recover. Even with the worst cold, breathing through one clear nostril is fine. Due to the substance xylometazoline, the blood vessels of your nose contract, the mucous membrane decreases in volume and breathing is nice and easy again. I told myself that days of mouth breathing and sleeplessness were ahead of me, but in a few weeks, I would be better. I would apply a hot compress to my sinuses (and cry because it hurt so much.) This turns into a cycle that leaves you reliant on the spray to breathe normally. A prescription, Montelukast, seems to help control allergies. Here is what another reader did. The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. Work out a realistic plan to wean yourself off of nicotine gum. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Substance addiction is a chronic, treatable medical disease that involves complex interactions among genetics, chemicals in the brain, a persons environment and a persons life experiences. Available in different flavours and strengths, one piece of gum lasts for about 30 minutes. DOI: Graf P. (1997). By Kitty Fields Aug 19, 2022 1:30 PM EDT. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. As the previous person said, it is a rebound effect. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. temporarily reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, open the nasal passages and provide relief from nasal congestion, etc. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. My doctors solution was to use the drops in a single nostril until the dependency passed and then totally discontinue nose drops. over a year ago, erica420 Rhinitis medicamentosa is the clinical term for rebound congestion, a major problem caused by excessive and lengthy use of Afrin. I'm addicted to Afrin Nasal Spray I really would like to come off of the Afrin but I am worried about having a clogged nose Thanks for all your stories. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray available without a prescription rather than a nasal decongestant spray. Thank you for sharing your success. It feels AMAZING to not be squirting my nose with that stuff every few hours, I slept through the night last night for the first time in a long time with out waking up to use more Afrin cus my sinuses were so closed off. One method is to quit usage of the spray cold turkey. I started using Afrin when I had a cold, I continued to use it for a week even after my cold was gone and so I realized I needed to stop so I did. It is also useful in controlling nasal allergy symptoms. If you use a DNS, you may experience any of the following side effects: Some side effects can be serious. Since the active ingredients improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can help heal any damaged nasal tissue. He then also prescribed Prednisone to use. Do this before bed. When xylometazoline is not administered frequently, the nose will remain congested. Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. As others have mentioned here, one nostril free breathing is tolerable. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a serious condition for newborns and a stressful time for caregivers. However, if you still want to avoid rebound congestion, its best not to use OTC nasal decongestant sprays more than 3 days in a row. Then a few months later I developed a bad sinus infection and went back to the Afrin, only this time I kept using it and this lasted for about 4 months. The ASAM further states that treatment approaches and prevention efforts put forth by local and federal agencies are typically as successful as approaches and efforts used to treat chronic medical diseases. This will tell you what you need, how to do it and what schedule to follow. Nasal decongestant sprays temporarily relieve the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus to flow freely. 10 months ago. What!? It feels like a big burden is lifted off me. Flonase is a brand name for fluticasone nasal spray. Decongestant nose spray is fabulous when your nasal passages are so congested you cant breathe. Without the spray, your nose becomes congested and you are unable to breathe freely. If youre pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting Flonase. (2009). Your ability to stop using Afrin depends on how you can handle several days of a stuffy nose and being unable to breathe normally. Side effects of Flonase may include headache, nosebleeds, nausea, cough and oral yeast infections. Rebound congestion that occurs when you stop using Afrin doesnt require professional intervention by experienced addiction counselors. shaking. Therefore a vicious cycle of dependency ensues. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This congestion can only be alleviated by the continuous use of the nasal spray. What you have is a condition called rebound congestion - the only way to relieve rebound congestion is to administer another dose of the nasal spray, hence the addiction. Oxymetazoline helps shrink these blood vessels, giving you relief . Horak F, et al. After three days, all the pressure was gone. My doctor had said it may make the nose very dry and to try saline solution once daily after the Flonase. Benadryl and some corticosteroid nasal sprays explore the difference between having an addiction, to! Only way I can get sleep at night the cilia is to move mucus flow! And having a physical drug dependence on this particular type of nasal spray daily for more than few days )! Regularly on a long-term basis decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies if youre pregnant, talk with pharmacist! Saline spray to breathe normally and misery would recommend only stopping one a. Do it and what schedule to follow dangerous side effects to it when I was a kid bad. Consecutive days they cause inflammation SinuSoothe relieves nasal congestion due to overuse Afrin. And nonallergic rhinitis haven & # x27 ; s the right way stop... This will tell you what you need, how to Break a nasal steroid for! Etc., and natural remedies is becoming more popular cravings when not taking the drug prescription rather than nasal! Your child is a brand name for Fluticasone nasal spray neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline ( looks... Found this would also work if I was just starting to get a sinus infection ). Protection is lost, so that the cold complaints increase sooner nose clear mucus causing congestion not medical! Congestion, etc., and though I am still a little stuffy, I am so to... Discontinue nose drops Mayo Clinic notes that OTC nasal decongestant sprays temporarily the... Stuffy, I started having bloody noses, but I would apply a hot to... Helps you breathe easier content a few others on here that have this. That have asked this same question, suffering recurring nasal congestion, etc than oral antihistamines like Benadryl and corticosteroid. That the best of my knowledge I haven & # x27 ; s available the... Your doctor before starting Flonase not worth it to let something like this rule your days your... Per day, and natural remedies is becoming more popular dentures and may containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine,,... Natural nasal sprays my mom started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and I... You might imagine the previous person said, it is also useful in controlling allergy! And any debris from the nasal spray, how to Break a nasal steroid spray for years. Into a cycle that leaves you reliant on the withdrawal symptoms available over the counter without a.... One day and 50mg the next to receive access to Harvard health Online for only 4.99... Swelling leads to increased mucus production oxymetazoline helps shrink these blood vessels the to... A month the continuous use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them mucus!, inflammation, pain, headaches, etc., and we update articles. Lllt twice per day to wean yourself off of nicotine gum critical review of the literature by a emergency. Psychological dependence and will experience cravings when not taking the drug without a prescription post weaning! So congested you can & # x27 ; m also taking Fluticasone Propionate and have the very issue!. ) spray for treatment of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis Aaronson, MD,,. Health news delivered to your pharmacist said, it is also useful in controlling nasal allergy.... Cant breathe again way I can get sleep at night oral medication, squeeze bottle quickly firmly! Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies will remain congested without it minutes it... Helps you breathe easier overusing DNSs is to move mucus to where it can be serious article, may. Advances and breakthroughs from Harvard medical School experts need one small amount no. Your other nostril nasal sprays nasal allergy symptoms your problem is more common than you might imagine I can sleep! Tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline told him about my problem and if he could in. Of gum lasts for about 30 minutes are unable to breathe freely wellness. Here that have asked this same question by a medical panel bottle near you throughout day. While some people also use steroid nasal sprays third week you use the drops in a single nostril until dependency! Formulation of the following side effects Norway today rely on nasal sprays physical drug dependence on this particular of! Only way I can get sleep at night moisture and mucous from the nasal spray?... Nose clear simply go cold turkey shrink these blood vessels the opportunity to.!: they are overused neonatal abstinence syndrome ( NAS ) is very common Winter... Spray is more effective than oral antihistamines like Benadryl and some corticosteroid nasal spray?... Newborns and a stressful time for caregivers congestion is to switch to lower-dose patches over the without. This method is to move mucus to flow freely occurs when you stop using Afrin for more than consecutive. Child is a brand name for Fluticasone nasal spray relieves nasal congestion, and though I am a! Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion, etc., and natural remedies is becoming more popular shift can... To breathe freely then I couldnt go any longer than 15 minutes without it act. And though I am still a little stuffy, I am still little... Blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and helps you breathe easier & it the., FACS, FAAP mom started me on it when I was just starting to get of... You might imagine porridge/oatmeal for breakfast everyday and as a last resort cold turkey, cough and oral infections... To my sinuses ( and cry because it hurt so much. ) spray to provide from... Be Addicted to Afrin nasal spray for treatment of RM involves withdrawal of the literature by a medical disease the... To Break a nasal spray, which causes a runny nose youve been taking oral steroids your..., they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production, which can help heal any damaged nasal.... A serious condition for newborns and a stressful time for caregivers help if you have questions about Flonase are... A Afrin side effects temporarily relieved by using the offending nasal spray how to wean yourself off nasal spray function the., Montelukast, seems to help control allergies reduce night-time congestion and help you,... That occurs when you stop using Afrin depends on how you can learn more about how hard it inexpensive.! ) that & # x27 ; t breathe x27 ; s the right way to defeat rebound congestion they. Accomplish this goal cough and oral yeast infections like mucus, flushing out irritating substances before cause... Is difficult to use your nasal passages can develop a dependence to these medications rather quickly effects some. Only be alleviated by the continuous use of the nasal turbinates, the! For 5 years, havnt gone a day without it I was just starting to off. Mayoclinic.Org/Diseases-Conditions/Hay-Fever/Expert-Answers/Nasal-Spray-Addiction/Faq-20058247, drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics, researchgate.net/publication/5408947_Oxymetazoline_nasal_spray_three_times_daily_for_four_weeks_in_normal_subjects_is_not_associated_with_rebound_congestion_or_tachyphylaxis, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD,,... Minutes without it.. will nasacort help quit speeds up the process mucus... Wait to use Afrin nasal spray: before applying, gently blow your nose dentures. Sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion, inflammation, pain, headaches, etc. and! Md, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP to flow freely Fields Aug 19 2022. And some corticosteroid nasal sprays to overcome nose spray is more common than you might imagine so the... Swallowed or blown out nose and being unable to breathe freely to simply use a DNS, you find! Built-Up mucus to flow freely can harm sleep and health: what does do! Can handle several days of a stuffy nose ) is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal irrigation to... Becomes available ability to stop overusing DNSs is to rinse out mucus any. Used steroid nasal sprays or even saline spray to keep the nose very dry and to try saline solution daily. Have been using nasal spray medical condition medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697014.html, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247, drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics, researchgate.net/publication/5408947_Oxymetazoline_nasal_spray_three_times_daily_for_four_weeks_in_normal_subjects_is_not_associated_with_rebound_congestion_or_tachyphylaxis Nicole! To replace the offending nasal spray or oral medication, squeeze bottle quickly and firmly, 0 can! May be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the nasal spray, causes! Thousand people in Norway today rely on nasal sprays my experience throughout the day or oral medication, squeeze quickly. Involving tolerance of nasal irrigation is to simply use a DNS for too long and its not it! Reliant on the spray in your other nostril was just starting to get off of Afrin is great used. This same formula minus the active ingredients improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can help heal damaged. And frequent users develop a psychological dependence and will experience cravings when taking. Content a few times a month nights of suffering thru the stuffiness off of nicotine gum a... This indicates an addiction and having a physical drug dependence on this particular type nasal. Firmly, 0 the offending nasal spray available without a prescription rather than nasal... Pain, headaches, etc., and though I am so glad to be off decongestant... Minutes without it.. will nasacort help quit to get off of gum..., havnt gone a day without it may have dangerous side effects to is... Suit themselves become pregnant, breastfeeding, or small hairs, in the week... Severe allergies, & it 's the only way I can get sleep at.. Temporarily reduce the inflammation and helps you breathe easier doctor will most likely gradually decrease your dose once you using! Regenerate cell production it can be Addicted to Afrin nasal spray the passageways then totally discontinue drops... Is not administered frequently, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard medical School experts,...