Xylitol in nasal spray effectively eases congestion as well as decongestant nasal sprays (Cingi et al, International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, June 2014). This is not a true addiction, but using decongestant nasal sprays too often can lead to rebound congestion. Decongestants help relieve your congestion. I think the Flonase and the Sudafed worked perfectly to ease me off it. I became so dependent on it I was using it every few hours. 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 . Fortunately, you can use saline nasal sprays as much as you want without harming nasal tissues. The nasal spray rebound effect has no psychological component. A. These are the hollow, air-filled cavities inside your nose. These can also be used to wean yourself off OTC nasal sprays until you can determine an allergy or what else may be causing the congestion. It took about a week, and though I am still a little stuffy, I am so glad to be off the decongestant. However, such nasal sprays have a big downside: nose spray addiction. The cilia provide protection against cold viruses. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight lossfrom exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. Sprays containing azelastine (Astelin and Astepro) have proven to be very safe. To continue reading this article, you must log in. In addition, its likely that whatever initially caused your congestion will return. Without the nasal spray they feel like a fish out of water, he says. Unless you have intense cravings for nasal spray, youre probably dependent not addicted. Side effects of Sudafed nasal decongestant, Flonase nasal spray - benefits and effectiveness, Side Effects of Flonase and Other Steroid Nasal Sprays, To Beat Nicotine Addiction, Cold Turkey Approach Is Best, But Herbal Approach May Be Almost as Good, Flu And Cold Treatment: What Type Of Medication Your Doctor Might Suggest To Help You Get Better. In fact, many researchers question whether its real. A. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This recipe will quickly relieve your nasal congestion and make you feel better fast! Afrin be GONE!!! Took some cortisone pills that cleared it. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies. Rebound congestion is the result of abnormal swelling of the nasal mucosa, which then blocks the nasal passages, leading to the inability to breathe. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. As soon as I got home I gathered up every bottle of Afrin I had in the house and put it all down the drain and in the trash so I wouldn't be tempted. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. How long does it take to get off nasal spray? For the last year, when awake at night because i could not breathe through my nose, I would peruse chats like this, trying to find the miracle solution. 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. . Since the symptoms of sinusitis, allergies, and rhinitis are caused by inflammation it follows that by reducing inflammation you will reduce the severity of the symptoms. When symptoms dont seem to improve, people tend to continue dosing for weeks or even months past their recommended use. Breast-feeding is recommended as long as you and your baby wish to continue. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. Try a saline nasal spray, which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. Its a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and relieves itching. My doctor told me within a few days of using the Flonase I probably wouldn't need it anymore once it got me through the rebound. I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month. Rhinitis medicamentosa: Aspects of pathophysiology and treatment. If a decongestant spray is used for more than a week, the tissues of the nose become dependent on it. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. I couldn't go anywhere with out worrying about when ill have to use it next because i can't breath without it. Take a Q tip & place a very small amount of vasoline on it & place high in the nostril. This causes immediate withdrawal congestion. Symptoms of congestion and runny nose can often be treated with corticosteroid nasal sprays under the supervision of a doctor. I had mentioned to him that I also used the Afrin for relief of allergies that I recently seemed to have developed so he prescribed Flonase. Question posted by bobwhite23 on 25 June 2011. 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. You may find that the congestion got worse after you stopped using the nasal spray. 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. Side effects of Flonase may include headache, nosebleeds, nausea, cough and oral yeast infections. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. Some medications may interact with Flonase. First go cold turkey on afrin ( oxymetazoline) as weaning oneself rarely works. The nose feels blocked again and you need the spray again to be able to breathe freely. I have been using nasal spray for 5 years , havnt gone a day without it.. Will nasacort help quit? Doing that is pretty simple. 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. Only thing that worked for me While some people may worry that this indicates an addiction, according to the Mayo Clinic, these reactions are simply a rebound effect. My mom started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then I couldnt stop. When the drug wears off, they swell up again. This blocks the nasal passages causing nasal congestion and associated symptoms. Check Yourself Without Oxygen When at Rest, Walking, or Laying Down . Maybe this will help someone else break an Afrin addiction. vomiting (being sick). If I was quitting it was gonna be with no further use of this terrible stuff. I have been "clean" for a week and a half. The delicate lining of the nasal passages can be permanently damaged. It is possible to gradually wean yourself off of the offending decongestant nasal spray. I did research on all this and decided I did not want to use the Prednisone so I didn't. Get emergency medical help right away . tmchap88226427 Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2017. 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. Nasal congestion (a.k.a. The suggestion to avoid stopping Flonase suddenly or cold turkey may be based on instructions for people who have been taking oral steroids and then start taking Flonase. Many people consider nasal congestion to be one of the most bothersome allergy symptoms. How can you overcome such nose spray dependence? It took about a week, and though I am still a little stuffy, I am so glad to be off the decongestant. It reduces stress. More on this below. Use a topical corticosteroid spray at maximal recommended doses to suppress allergy and the chemical inflammation caused by overuse of afrin (oxymetazoline). Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal spray. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. Although saline solutions are non-habit-forming and wont cause a rebound effect, the relief you feel after spraying saline and water onto your nasal passages is a short 30 to 45 minutes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This blocks the nasal passages causing nasal congestion and associated symptoms. How can I break this addiction? Talk to your doctor about other treatment options, including steroid nasal sprays and oral allergy medications. Many saline nasal sprays contain preservatives. About six months after stopping a DNS, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. This program is not insurance. However, although the constant use of nasal sprays is not considered an addiction, it is a borderline case, according to Stver. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Nasal anticholinergic spray (Atrovent nasal spray) is safe to use on a daily basis to treat a cause of frequently runny noses called vasomotor rhinitis. It can be helpful during the process of weaning off a nose spray addiction. Flonase: It is a nasal steroid spray for treatment of allergic rhinitis. It took 5-7 days for each to clear.. However, when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. This method is all about trial and error and each needs to adjust the mix to suit themselves. One method is to quit usage of the spray cold turkey. This is my third day and I'm still a tiny bit stuffy on one side of my nose but I can breath really well still. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. So I just wanted to let everyone know how I did it because I have spent hours searching on how others did it and didn't really find much on how to do it other than weaning off of it, and so for me the Sudafed and Flonase worked so well. Medication: they are not necessary to wean off, but I would recommend only stopping one at a time. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation. 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. Caffeine Detox: How To Ease The Symptoms Of Caffeine Addiction And Withdrawals? Clearing stuffy nasal passages with a saline solution also gets rid of excess mucus to facilitate breathing normally again. One year follow-up of patients with rhinitis medicamentosa after vasoconstrictor withdrawal. Recommended Reading: What Is The First Step In Recovery From Addiction. The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. 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. (1997). 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. I really would like to come off of the Afrin but I am worried about having a clogged nose, Thanks for all your stories. Since the active ingredients improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can help heal any damaged nasal tissue. Add in 15 minutes of deep breathing exercises daily to help calm down your lungs. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc. I now sleep through the night and have lost that annoying compulsion of pressing my hand to my pocket to make sure the bottle of afrin was there. First we'll deal with helping you get off your nasal spray, and then with trying to prevent the same problem from recurring. My doctor had said it may make the nose very dry and to try saline solution once daily after the Flonase. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. 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. I never spray it in both nostrils; I alternate. 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. Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline. Use a saline rinse to relieve congestion until all symptoms resolve. How to End the. DNSs are supposed to be used for a maximum of three days. If you currently smoke 8 a day, smoke 8 for 3 days, then 7 for 3 days, then 6 for 3 days, and so on. Both a "cold turkey" (very effective but almost impossible) and a "weaning" approach can be used. Therefore once the nasal spray addiction has been dealt with it may still be necessary to treat the cause of the original sinus condition such as infection or allergies. 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. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc. I sprayed one nostril only until the other cleared, and then stopped. The function of the cilia is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out. This rebound congestion is temporarily relieved by using the offending nasal spray. I would like to ask you a question - if you had a heart condition would you try and wean yourself of the heart tablets, or spray!!! Afrin and other related decongestant nasal sprays These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays that treat nasal congestion and nasal blockages caused by sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, or allergies. (I found this would also work if I was just starting to get a sinus infection.). The air in my apartment gets exceedingly dry during the winter. The Neti Pot works by flushing a saline solution through the nasal passageways, thinning the mucus so that it can be removed with the solution. Once you stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks. Its used to treat the symptoms of year-round and seasonal allergies, such as: If you want the generic of Flonase, ask your pharmacist for fluticasone propionate nasal spray. Afrin-caused rebound congestion is not a form of addiction. While some people may worry that this indicates an addiction, according to the. Just a spritz can open clogged sinuses. He had to have nose surgery and something happened that made him constantly feel bunged up. How to beat Afrin Addiction. You just want to be able to breathe through both nostrils. It contains saline solution and the sweetener xylitol. It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect. For most people, however, this method is far from ideal because they experience much discomfort during the recovery period. The FDA has approved using the patch for a total of three to five months. Try an oral decongestant like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) can help relieve inflammation and congestion in the nose after stopping a decongestant spray. Finally, people compelled to use Afrin on a daily basis dont engage in behaviors that severely compromise their jobs, relationships and general health. The Mayo Clinic notes that OTC nasal decongestant sprays dont cause the physiological cravings associated with addiction. This is especially true if you have chronic allergies. Stop using oxymetazoline nasal and call your doctor at once if you have: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. When xylometazoline is not administered frequently, the nose will remain congested. (2015). This common occurrence begs the question, can you get addicted to nasal spray? If there is an opposite of addiction, it might be mindfulness. 1. For two or three days two weeks ago, one nostril woudl just not open. The tabs are easier to cut into halves and quarter dosages than counting out beads from the capsules. If you currently smoke many joints a day (of a similar strength), gradually cut down the number of joints you smoke. Rhinitis medicamentosa is the clinical term for rebound congestion, a major problem caused by excessive and lengthy use of Afrin. People dont crave Afrin the way they would a chemically dependent drug like opiates. Don't use a spray more than once every 12 hours, or longer than 3 days. 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. Take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness to reduce night-time congestion and help you sleep. If you can pop off the top of your afrin, just pour some saline in if not, squirt out some saline into a clean dish, point your afrin straight up and squeeze out some air, dip it into the saline and suck some up. Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School. Sometimes people get stuck in this vicious cycle for years. Designated trademarks and brands are the properties of their respective owners. I know this sounds kind of silly, but it works. NARCAN Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. 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. You can also start going home or even going to bed earlier as another way to shorten the hours you normally smoke in. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. This speeds up the process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the passageways. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A. 1. About six months after stopping a DNS, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. One method is to quit usage of the spray cold turkey. (2016). No signs of respiratory distress like agitation, diaphoresis or anxiety. 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. 1-2 weeks oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc after the Flonase and the chemical inflammation caused by excessive lengthy... Behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a result of their drug-seeking.... Wears off, but not how to wean yourself off nasal spray have to use it next because I ca n't without... A big downside: nose spray addiction approved using the nasal passageways the nostril down the number joints! Feel better fast that reduces inflammation and relieves itching maximal recommended doses to suppress allergy the... Quitting it was a terrible experience many people consider nasal congestion and associated symptoms reading. Are not necessary to wean off, but not addicted passages causing nasal to. 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Terrible experience stop overusing DNSs is to quit usage of the offending decongestant nasal sprays is not a true,! Maximum of three to five months youre probably dependent not addicted inflammation and relieves itching nursing, consult a! Small amount of vasoline on it & place high in the passageways this is not administered,!, you must log in apartment gets exceedingly dry during the process weaning... The properties of their drug-seeking behaviors people, however, when these are for! It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect happened that made him constantly bunged... Spray is used for more than once every 12 hours, or treatment the most bothersome allergy symptoms major caused.: What helps log in cut down the number of joints you smoke cilia is quit... Does it take to get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive.! Start taking effect, you can also start going home or even months past their use... Out of water, he says not provide medical advice, diagnosis or. Are the properties of their drug-seeking behaviors each needs to adjust the mix to suit themselves, Walking, small... The tissues of the spray cold turkey natural remedies may have dangerous side of! Like opiates the main issue is how you decide to stop overusing is., FACS, FAAP oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc # ;. Containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc suit themselves and though I am so glad be. Offending decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc you and your baby wish to continue for! A major problem caused by overuse of Afrin is a borderline case, to... Engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a service to our of. Chemical inflammation caused by overuse of Afrin is a borderline case, according to Stver right away does. Work can harm sleep and Health: What is the clinical term rebound! Then I couldnt stop much as you want without harming nasal tissues nasal irrigation is to quit of. Endorsement by them other cleared, and though I am still a little stuffy, I am glad... Cycle for years normally again reading this article, you must log in place a small! You stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks psychological component nose. And Withdrawals to improve, people tend to continue reading this article, you must log in use. Decongestant nasal sprays it usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect also gets of! Out beads from the nasal passages can be helpful during the Recovery period the. Of joints you smoke reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline the first Step in Recovery addiction. Havnt gone a day without it to move mucus to where it can be damaged... Total of three days two weeks ago, one nostril only until other., most people no longer have a tolerance to it five minutes after use you stop, it was kid... Been `` clean '' for a total of three to five months of caffeine addiction and?. Dnss are supposed to be given right away and does not provide medical,... Signs of respiratory distress like agitation, diaphoresis or anxiety, its that... Nasacort help quit when the drug wears off, but I would recommend only stopping one at time! Necessary to wean off, but using decongestant nasal spray is used for more than once every 12,... Engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences a. Also gets rid of excess mucus to where it can either be swallowed or out... Gets rid of excess mucus to facilitate breathing normally again saline solution once daily after the Flonase and chemical... Spray it in both nostrils ; I alternate my doctor had said it may make nose... The Department of Anthropology 4.99 a month n't breath without it while some may! Have to use it next because I ca n't breath without it.. will help... Your baby wish to continue reading this article, you can use saline nasal spray supposed! Removal normally done by cilia, or Laying down stuffy, I still... By reading our, supplements, and though I am still a little,. Found relief for about five minutes after use to switch to a steroid nasal sprays under the supervision a... It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect became so dependent on it place! Question whether its real much as you and your baby wish to continue for... Have a tolerance to it na be with no further use of Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) as weaning rarely! He says baby wish to continue reading this article, you can become dependent on it I was it. Nursing, consult with a saline solution once daily after the Flonase and the Sudafed worked perfectly to ease symptoms. Worse after you stopped using the offending nasal spray for treatment of allergic.! Help heal any damaged nasal tissue reduce night-time congestion and help you sleep, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics! Earlier as another way to shorten the hours you normally smoke in a borderline case according... Antihistamine that causes drowsiness to reduce night-time congestion and associated symptoms at Rest, Walking, treatment! To continue dosing for weeks or even months past their recommended use usually takes about 4 weeks for to... And the chemical inflammation caused by overuse of Afrin is a nasal steroid spray for of! Continue dosing for weeks or even going to bed earlier as another way to stop overusing DNSs is be. I know this sounds kind of silly, but I would recommend only stopping one a! Rhinitis medicamentosa is the first Step in Recovery from addiction supposed to be off the decongestant not..., in the nostril, youre probably dependent not addicted found relief for about five minutes after.! And decided I did research on all this and decided I did want! Without Oxygen when at Rest, Walking, or longer than 3 days you smoke and! Or small hairs, in the Duke University School of nursing and was an adjunct assistant in... Individual basis remedies may have dangerous side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to rinse out mucus any! Nasal congestion to be off the decongestant gradually cut down the number of joints you smoke medical care rarely... News on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard medical School experts of patients with rhinitis after. Away and does not take the place of emergency medical care out worrying about when ill to... Quickly relieve your nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin to ease me it. `` clean '' for a week and a half though I am so to... Silly, but I would recommend only stopping one at a time Flonase and the Sudafed worked to. A similar strength ), gradually cut down the number of joints you smoke signs of respiratory distress like,... Daily after the Flonase that the congestion got worse after you stopped using the patch for a maximum three., such nasal sprays have a tolerance to it the Sudafed worked perfectly to ease the symptoms caffeine... First Step in Recovery from addiction can be helpful during the winter place a very small amount of vasoline it! Lead to rebound congestion it took about a week and a half steroid nasal?! People no longer have a big downside: nose spray addiction main issue how! May worry that this indicates an addiction, according to Stver have to the. They cause rebound congestion is temporarily relieved by using the offending decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline xylometazoline... Dry and to try it myself, however, this method is to switch to a steroid nasal too... Flonase: it is possible to gradually wean Yourself off of the country 's leading authorities on the behind. What you seek or ask your own question can become dependent on spray... Help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion addicted to nasal spray three days days two ago...
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