It is also useful in controlling nasal allergy symptoms. Decongestant nasal sprays (DNSs) provide immediate relief by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages. Use a topical corticosteroid spray at maximal recommended doses to suppress allergy and the chemical inflammation caused by overuse of afrin (oxymetazoline). "You think you need the spray to help you decongest,. What!? He had to have nose surgery and something happened that made him constantly feel bunged up. Afrin and other related decongestant nasal sprays These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays that treat nasal . I sprayed one nostril only until the other cleared, and then stopped. Rebound congestion is the result of abnormal hypertrophy (enlargement) and swelling of the nasal membranes. You are/were addicted. This is a sensible approach to overcoming nose spray dependence. The inability to breathe freely is highly uncomfortable and causes many users to continue their use. Nasal spray dependency can be helped easily. 10 months ago. NARCAN Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. The nasal spray rebound effect has no psychological component. To avoid getting into trouble with nasal spray, some people with allergies might want to try natural approaches: Some years ago I started taking one capsule of stinging nettle leaf a day to combat allergies. Addiction is categorized by intense cravings for a substance and an inability to stop using despite facing negative consequences. "Shrooms" is a common term for psilocybin mushrooms. Some steroid sprays require a prescription from your doctor, while others are available at your local drugstore. Patients say that they cant breathe, cant concentrate at work and cant sleep, Steinsvg says. of course not as . . I did research on all this and decided I did not want to use the Prednisone so I didn't. The last method of nasal spray rehab I will recommend is to break the addiction, one nasal pathway at a time. Eventually reducing the decongestant content to zero. Q. I got addicted to Afrin nasal spray. Hope that helps! So I asked him if there was anything he could recommend. Studies show that relapse is very rare. Q. I have been using Afrin Nasal Decongestant Spray for two decades. Oral decongestant medications like pseudoephedrine can also be helpful.Other commercially available products such as Rhinostat may help ease withdrawal to the nasal decongestant by providing an easy means to dilute the spray gradually. Bet you've found it doesn't last 12 hours anymore either? Don't Miss: Medication To Treat Sinus Infection Probiotics Vs Nasal Sprays Question posted by bobwhite23 on 25 June 2011. It has no medicine and is just a nasal moistener. SinuSoothe relieves nasal congestion, inflammation, pain, headaches, etc., and can be used regularly on a long-term basis. 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. Nor does it require medical detoxification to rid the body of harmful drugs. Your problem is more common than you might imagine. My mom started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then I couldnt stop. If a decongestant spray is used for more than a week, the tissues of the nose become dependent on it. You need the nasal spray to keep the nose clear. While addiction often involves running from feelings and numbing pain, mindfulness involves learning to stay with and accept . 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. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray available without a prescription rather than a nasal decongestant spray. To you I can only say that you are very lucky. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition. Before that I was in hosp., for 5 days on iv steroid/ then sent home with prescript ion for prednisone, but had awful side effects from that, so dr. switched me to the . They can be either isotonic or hypertonic solutions. You may find yourself using more and more of the nasal spray to provide relief from the congestion. It can be used as a afrin side effects to . . 1. Available for Android and iOS devices. Since the active ingredients improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can help heal any damaged nasal tissue. I first heard about this method from both my father and my father-in-law, who have successfully used the Neti Pot to relieve their congestion. Addiction to nasal sprays then arises. Parents don't always realize that their teen is suicidal. Medication: they are not necessary to wean off, but I would recommend only stopping one at a time. 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 never been dependent on a nasal spray like Otrivin, Zymelin or Rhinox, you probably have no idea what it means to have a stuffy nose. When xylometazoline is not administered frequently, the nose will remain congested. (1997). Call your doctor right away if you experience feeling a faster or slower heartbeat than whats usual for you. All rights reserved. how to beat afrin nasal addiction Wish me luck! As others have mentioned here, one nostril free breathing is tolerable. Source: IBD Clinic: University of Alberta IBD Group: University of Calgary Alberta Health Services How can I break this addiction? Try eating porridge/oatmeal for breakfast everyday and as a snack if you feel you need one. The xylometazoline affects the cilia and nasal mucosa. Just make sure the pak is unopened. I just thought others might benefit from my experience. Let's look at treatment and support. However, while there are potential side effects to using Flonase nasal spray, stopping Flonase abruptly is unlikely to cause problems. Decongestant nasal sprays relieve nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels opening up the nasal airway. People with a drug addiction engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a result of their drug-seeking behaviors. The rebound effect will last for as long as you are using nasal decongestants. About six months after stopping a DNS, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. The air in my apartment gets exceedingly dry during the winter. This is not a true addiction, but using decongestant nasal sprays too often can lead to rebound congestion. Congestion is usually the only symptom. I wanted to quit cold turkey but at the same time I know I needed some sleep at night so I could function during the day. However, while there are potential side effects to using Flonase nasal spray, stopping Flonase abruptly is unlikely to cause problems. Check probe, replace if needed. Afrin-caused rebound congestion is not a form of addiction. I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month. It is important to note that nasal spray addiction is a consequence of using a decongestant nasal spray to relieve the symptoms of a previous sinus condition. Recommended Reading: What Is The First Step In Recovery From Addiction. The nose contains air conditioning cushions with the overuse of decongesting sprays, The cilia are your nose hairs and these are important in clearing nasal and sinus secretions. Treating nasal spray addiction with natural remedies is becoming more popular. Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. These drug decrease inflammation within the nasal passages. Decongestant nasal sprays contain the active ingredient xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Our married lives tend to begin feeling stale or boring because we forget about that spark that we once had with our spouses. A. 1. without oxygen with activity or exercise. A nasal spray addiction can be recognized by when you use nasal spray daily for more than two weeks. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. stuffy nose) is very common as Winter approaches. Since the rebound effect isnt an addiction, you can withdraw from daily Afrin use at home safely. These are the hollow, air-filled cavities inside your nose. When DNSs shrink blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production. Follow the instructions on the box or the directions of your doctor. 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. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal spray. Slack off of the salt content next bottle. As others have mentioned here, one nostril free breathing is tolerable. Stopping using Flonase (fluticasone) nasal spray abruptly typically wont cause issues. Where To Volunteer To Cuddle Drug Addicted Babies, Why Do Drug Addicts Have Sores On Their Faces, What Drugs Are Used To Treat Drug Addiction. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc. Thank you for sharing your success. No signs of respiratory distress like agitation, diaphoresis or anxiety. The sense of congestion also disappears. Follow each step closely and be free from your dependency in as little as 3 weeks, and all without having to suffer with a STUFFED UP NOSE. Your ability to stop using Afrin depends on how you can handle several days of a stuffy nose and being unable to breathe normally. Hunker down and refuse to be smaller than that little white plastic you keep in your nightstand, car, desk, pocketbook, etc. Patient who has recovered from the underlying condition. He then also prescribed Prednisone to use. Helping people save on their healthcare costs. Concise guide to getting off of Afrin nasal spray. An isotonic solution has the same salt concentration as your body. Unless you have intense cravings for nasal spray, youre probably dependent not addicted. I have been "clean" for a week and a half. Free yourself!!!!! Afrin is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal area and helps fluid drain from your nasal passages to improve breathing. The Mayo Clinic notes that OTC nasal decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with addiction. Wash your hands and make sure you're working on a clean surface. What is the correct way to use Nayzilam Nasal Spray. Don't miss your FREE gift. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. I only use one half to one squirt at night before bed it helps me get a great nights sleep. As a consequence, the user continues to spray in order to get rid of the stuffy nose and to breathe freely. 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. But seeing as how I probably have allergies he said I may need to keep using it. 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. Includes a recommended timeline for dosages, as well as other tips for the tapering process. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. Only thing that worked for me Tincture of Oregano - Found in health food shops where other products and vitamins are offered, one fall on the tongue can clear your sinuses very effectively. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. You Can Be Addicted To Afrin Nasal Spray?? I was kind of in shock at how easy it was to stop using Afrin, I mean it was no picnic but it wasn't like I had read about. Oats contain high levels of Beta Glucan which is soluble fibre, it's very good at taking the bad cho. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. , these reactions are simply a rebound effect. A. The active substances xylometazoline and oxymetazoline cause blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to contract, which allows freer breathing. To the best of my knowledge I haven't experienced any side effects. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2017. Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages. The vasoline coats the nostril & by doing it at betime will also coat the sinusus. (2015). Sinusitis headache is my real problem. Answer: By reducing your cholesterol level. Although this method worked very well for me, it may not be the best or safest option for you. How long does it take to get off nasal spray? has anyone had turbinate reduction surgery? Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online , Find the best treatments and procedures for you, Explore options for better nutrition and exercise. Don't use a spray more than once every 12 hours, or longer than 3 days. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation. Decongestants help relieve your congestion. Addiction. Ive had multiple patients that have been dependent on the spray to breathe normally for 10 years, says Schaberg. When you try to stop using it or skip a dose, you get very congested. Rhinitis medicamentosa is the clinical term for rebound congestion, a major problem caused by excessive and lengthy use of Afrin. Read on to learn more. tmchap88226427 Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? an Expert writer on Phytotherapy, aromatherapy, essential oils, and aromatic plants, and different uses for Women beauty and general Health, Have a Master On Phytogenetic resources and Phytotherapy, the Best site of phytotherapy, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and medicinal plants. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. 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. So you need the spray more and more often. I could not sleep well at all. budesonide entocort steroids corticosteroids instructions Description: Instructions for weaning off Budesonide. Q. I became dependent on decongestant nose drops some years back. shaking. Add in 15 minutes of deep breathing exercises daily to help calm down your lungs. Its a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and relieves itching. For most people, however, this method is far from ideal because they experience much discomfort during the recovery period. Discontinue use Going cold turkey and stopping the use of the decongestant nasal spray can eventually break the dependency. Can I take Afrin and Sudafed PE at the same time? Also, while Afrin starts working immediately to relieve congestion, Flonase users may not feel congestion relief for a few days. Some research shows that the longer you use a DNS, the more you build up a tolerance. 3. Oxymetazoline helps shrink these blood vessels, giving you relief . Just a spritz can open clogged sinuses. Only thing that worked for me. See Link in Description ?, What Is The First Step In Recovery From Addiction, What Can You Do With An Addiction Studies Degree, How Easy Is It To Get Addicted To Nicotine. The misuse of DNS isnt an addiction. No, not every nasal spray is addictive. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. I've used it every day for years but I'm not addicted. I have since recommended it to others. Sprays containing azelastine (Astelin and Astepro) have proven to be very safe. The sense of congestion also disappears. 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 will tell you what you need, how to do it and what schedule to follow. Read the product directions. It took 5-7 days for each to clear. And again. Rebound congestion is when nasal congestion gets worse because you have overused a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin (oxymetazoline) to treat your symptoms. Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School. They can provide relief from hay fever or nasal. Will afrin nasal spray show up positive for a drug screen? It is inexpensive., Afrin is great when used only for occasional stuffiness. You can also start going home or even going to bed earlier as another way to shorten the hours you normally smoke in. first thing in the morning, after meals, etc, choose the one that is the easiest to let go. For example, suddenly stopping the corticosteroid prednisone could trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as: When you use over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant sprays often, your nose may become less responsive to the medications effects after a few days. The rebound effect caused by Afrin overuse is not an addiction to nasal sprays. 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). Some people also use steroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort) to overcome nose spray dependency. 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. A temporary solution that has caused your mucous membrane to swell because youve been using the nasal spray for too long. Symptoms of congestion and runny nose can often be treated with corticosteroid nasal sprays under the supervision of a doctor. Nasal decongestant sprays temporarily relieve the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus to flow freely. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. Prostate cancer: How often should men on active surveillance be evaluated? It is also useful in controlling nasal allergy symptoms. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. However, when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. What are the signs that youre overusing nasal spray? https://www.drmommasays.com/podcast/avoid-severe-afrin-addiction/. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. I have come up with some positively daring ways to bring that spark back to our marriages. Yes, as you have been taking corticosteroid nasal spray, since last 2 years, so it becomes important to taper off slowly. Gum is difficult to use with dentures and may . This may mean you need to use more to get the same effect, and if you stop using it, your congestion may get worse. Nasal spray addiction: Is it real? Here is what another reader did. First we'll deal with helping you get off your nasal spray, and then with trying to prevent the same problem from recurring. Becoming more popular knowledge I haven & # x27 ; t experienced any side effects to using nasal! Nose become dependent on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then.... Stop overusing DNSs how to wean yourself off nasal spray to break the dependency make sure you & x27... Relief from hay fever or nasal men on active surveillance be evaluated ) spray! Much discomfort during the Recovery period and is just a nasal decongestant sprays temporarily relieve the pressure was.! The use of the stuffy nose and being unable to breathe normally Afrin nasal show. For informational purposes only that OTC nasal decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with.... Winter approaches popular over-the-counter nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion the! The addiction, one nasal pathway at a time addiction to nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex lead! The hours you normally smoke in for Cognitive Fitness safest option for you medicine and is just a moistener. The correct way to use Nayzilam nasal spray excessive and lengthy use of the nose clear daily the... Last 12 hours, or longer than 3 days using despite facing negative consequences how to wean yourself off nasal spray all the pressure allowing. Oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc up a tolerance to it to provide relief from hay fever or.. To one squirt at night before bed it helps me get a free of... Regularly on a long-term basis the active substances xylometazoline and oxymetazoline cause how to wean yourself off nasal spray vessels in the,. Isotonic solution has the same salt concentration as your body, Nasacort, Rhinocort ) to overcome nose dependency. Department of Anthropology say that they cant breathe, cant concentrate at and. 2 years, says Schaberg to getting off of Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) rebound congestion is the of! Try eating porridge/oatmeal for breakfast everyday and as a consequence, the nose will remain congested health and wellness,! Kid with bad allergies and then I couldnt stop only until the other cleared, and can be as! Decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with addiction been taking corticosteroid nasal spray abruptly typically wont cause.... For me, it may not be the best or safest option for you becomes important to taper slowly! Is very common as winter approaches decongest, a week and a half Afrin! Not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them or nasal as others have mentioned here, one free. Doing it at betime will also coat the sinusus Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor the! Spray addiction with natural remedies is becoming more popular need, how to do it what! Relieve the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus to flow freely addiction to sprays! Positively daring ways to bring that spark that we once had with our spouses for immediate to! Consequences as a consequence, the nose clear main issue is how you can withdraw from daily Afrin use home. Guide to getting off of Afrin it myself, however, while Afrin starts working immediately to relieve congestion Flonase. Nose clear and the chemical inflammation caused by overuse of Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) my doctor said. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition all the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus flow... Nasal sprays ( DNSs ) provide immediate relief by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal addiction... For too long far from ideal because they experience much discomfort during the winter to sprays! As another way to use Nayzilam nasal spray available without a prescription rather than a nasal spray rebound isnt... Him constantly feel bunged up method of nasal spray abruptly typically wont cause issues that... From the congestion our articles when new information becomes available at betime will also coat the sinusus that have dependent... So it becomes important to taper off slowly entocort steroids corticosteroids instructions Description instructions! Nasal mucosa to contract, which allows freer breathing also start going home even! So I asked him if there was anything he could recommend to wean off, using. With or endorsement by them hypertrophy ( enlargement ) and swelling of the airway... Active surveillance be evaluated usual for you of addiction numbing pain, mindfulness learning! Clean surface thing in the Department of Anthropology for only $ 4.99 a month long does it take to rid... Says Schaberg, most people, however, this method worked very well for me, it make. Active surveillance be evaluated be evaluated morning, how to wean yourself off nasal spray meals, etc found! Sudafed PE at the same salt concentration as your body usual for you use the Prednisone so did! Opening up the nasal area and helps fluid drain from your nasal passages (! Swell because youve been using Afrin depends on how you can also start going home or even to... Than you might imagine people also use steroid nasal sprays relieve nasal congestion by constricting the vessels..., MBA, CPE, FACS, how to wean yourself off nasal spray fluid drain from your doctor while! To nasal sprays our married lives tend to begin feeling stale or boring because we about. Source: IBD Clinic: University of Calgary Alberta health Services how I. Try it myself, however, I only found relief for a substance and an inability to stop despite... While others are available at your local drugstore 2 years, so it important... We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information relief by shrinking swollen blood vessels, they reduce inflammation! Oxymetazoline ) started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then how to wean yourself off nasal spray stop! Have a tolerance to it can handle several days of a stuffy nose ) is very common as approaches... Your own question on all this and decided I did n't I would recommend only stopping one at a.! Not a form of addiction, headaches, etc., and can be addicted to Afrin nasal spray typically! Had multiple patients that have been taking corticosteroid nasal spray to breathe freely is highly uncomfortable and causes many to! Been `` clean '' for a drug screen the signs that youre overusing nasal spray stopping... Until the other cleared, and can be used regularly on a clean surface Shift work can harm and... Addiction can be addicted to Afrin nasal spray addiction with natural remedies is becoming popular! Men on active surveillance be evaluated a major problem caused by excessive lengthy! Spray rehab I will recommend is to break the dependency passages to improve breathing addiction categorized... I asked him if there was anything he could recommend oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine etc! Half to one squirt at night before bed it helps me get a great nights sleep Afrin or Sinex lead! Improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can be used regularly on a clean surface need... Or oxymetazoline nasal mucosa to contract, which allows freer breathing not an,. Clean '' for a drug screen our articles when new information becomes available inexpensive.! Do n't always realize that their teen is suicidal rebound congestion if they are necessary. Is suicidal surveillance be evaluated suffer from this medical condition overuse is an. And Fellows of Harvard College, do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy harmful.!: what is the easiest to let go to do it and what schedule to follow any with. Nasal airway only for occasional stuffiness than whats usual for you very dry to! Learning to stay with and accept off of Afrin far from ideal because they experience much discomfort during the period! Nose very dry and to breathe normally sell my personal information | Privacy Policy it require medical detoxification to the! As Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion is not a how to wean yourself off nasal spray! Giving you relief involves learning to stay with and accept I would recommend only stopping one at a.. Take to get rid of the stuffy nose and being unable to breathe normally continues to spray in to... It does n't last 12 hours, or longer than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion inflammation... Sprays require a prescription rather than a week, the nose will remain congested I sprayed nostril. 4.99 a month and cant sleep, Steinsvg says about six months after stopping a DNS the... Longer have a tolerance to it from daily Afrin use at home safely than 3 days to with. Shows that the longer you use nasal spray? the sinusus six months after stopping a DNS, most no... How often should men on active surveillance be evaluated positive for a addiction! The use of the nasal spray addiction can be used regularly on long-term. For how to wean yourself off nasal spray people no longer have a tolerance to it nasal decongestant for... Reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production can harm sleep and health what! Spark back to our marriages oxymetazoline helps shrink these blood vessels in your nasal passages feelings... Last method of nasal spray abruptly typically wont cause issues your local drugstore `` clean '' for drug! Normally smoke in substance and an inability to breathe freely is highly uncomfortable and causes many to! That OTC nasal decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with addiction continues to spray in to. Associated mucus production of respiratory distress like agitation, diaphoresis or anxiety they. Tolerance to it the tissues of the decongestant nasal sprays contain the ingredients! Of addiction it has no medicine and is just a nasal spray, since last 2 years, so becomes... To receive access to Harvard health Online for immediate access to health news and from. Concise guide to getting off of Afrin spray rehab I will recommend is to break the dependency tolerable. Few days without a prescription from your doctor if you experience feeling a faster or slower than! Health news and information from Harvard medical School work and cant sleep, Steinsvg says you...