2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. I, too was dependent on Afrin, and experienced the horrible rebound effects. I can not breathe at all through my nose. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. On top of that, there is a slight burning sensation from the saline solution that I was not comfortable with. 2020. I took your advice and purchased both a nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my pharmacist recommended. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? All together, the nasal spray market is worth a whopping $210 million a year. In women predisposed to this, especially in late p Afrin (oxymetazoline) is fda pregnancy category c. Drugs.Com defines category c as animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the f Is it safe to take amedicine for sinus like afrin(oxymetazoline) in the 1st trimesters of pregnancy? Chemically speaking, decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but it is also a stimulant. Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/phenylephrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. I cannot breathe! Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. Anyway, doc gave me some kind of nasal spray & I'm pretty sure it was Affrin but I didn't take it. Afrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Cold turkey is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it. Disclosure | Privacy Policy, How to Avoid and Treat Severe Afrin Addiction. Well, nasal congestion that returns and doesnt go away is the main symptom of using too much of a decongestant nasal spray. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. As an adult, I found a different version of nose drops in the form of Afrin. I do know that my mom used Afrin (she has horrible allergies) and got relief from it, but it is addictive. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? Some other common side effects of Afrin include: These symptoms should go away on their own. When the blood drains from your nose, so do the oxygen and nutrients that blood brings with it. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. I tried to stop cold turkey while using Omnaris but my anxiety became too much to handle when it was time for sleep. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. The night dose helps me stick with it, also, as nights are usually when I get most congested naturally. Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. ugh not being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!! Pregnancy week by week; Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? Does your doc seem concerned?! (n.d.). Create an account or log in to participate. You may want to ask your doctor the following questions: Your doctor can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. 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. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. Afrin is an OTC decongestant nasal spray. My doctor said it was ok to use. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur . Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. is it safe for the baby? Here. . Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." What are the risks to my pregnancy if I use Afrin while pregnant. eta: my midwives said it was fine as well. Your post clarified it for me. I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. Thank you again! Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. Aa. I'll admit I use it. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! Yep, every night. (2015). Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? Treating the common cold during pregnancy. From what I read, it would have to be a very large amount to cause any damage in the animal studies, so I'm not too concerned. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. I read multiple places (like your article) to not take it more than 3 days, but then what? Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. Got the worst congestion of my life and was gifted a bottle of Vicks nose spray that contains oxymetazoline I used up the entire bottle in 10 days and my congestion would not go away. like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) can help relieve inflammation and congestion in the nose after stopping a decongestant spray. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. Benzonatate costs $46 without insurance. A. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Afrin (oxymetazoline) contains a vasoconstrictor, which is to say that it constricts blood vessels. This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. The nose is packed with blood vessels, Dr. Gels says. Adding these items to your diet when youre sick could help you get rid of phlegm, If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of, addiction. These can include a fast or slow heart rate. I recommend you see an ENT as soon as possible. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. (2013, September). Good luck with your full recovery. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Sneezing due to irritation (sneezing stops after irritation diminishes) Many people who use Afrin for over a week or more experience these side effects when Afrin starts wearing off and sinus tissues begin swelling again. I was just given some Rhinocort. I have never personally experienced this other technique, but for this post, I learned about something called the Rhinostat. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. 2020. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. He said it's better to be breathing than not! You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. Your nasal tissues need these things, so once the Afrin wears off, your body overcompensates by drawing more blood to your nose, and you feel even more congested than you did beforewhich makes you want to use it again. Phenylephrine. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but lets be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. . Learn more about. Rebound congestion is increasing nasal congestion as the decongestant nasal spray wears off, causing the patient to use more spray to combat the continued congestion, explains Susan Besser, MD, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at, in Baltimore. Afrin Original oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. What non-drug treatments should I try first? I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. There may be structural damage, such as saddle nose deformity and septal perforation. Afrin would likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. 2021. There's conflicting information out there so we look, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. However, there are people who repeatedly fail because they cannot tolerate the rebound symptoms. Please remember that even though urgent cares are helpful, you must keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare. I was able to refrain from drug use, but I never stayed. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Nasonex is an intranasal steroid that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Everything was fine. You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. Anyone have a similar experience? Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! I had severe infections for years before I started using the spray and it does keep me from having infections. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. Adrenaline released into the blood during a fight or flight response (such as running to evade a predator) attaches to receptors in the nose, widening the passages so we can breathe easier, Dr. Gels explains. Now I cant breathe without it. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. The doctor put me in amoxicillin (apparently one of the few antibiotics you can use during pregnancy) but it's not doing the job of clearing up my sinuses fast enough. I very much hope to be nasal spray free by January 2020, it would be a dream come true. 2020. Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. ) Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. Ep 12: JUUL: Vaping Nicotine is Especially Hazardous to Kids Show Notes **Updated November 15, 2018, with excellent results of manufactures in response to new research** Todays episode of the, Ep. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. I went to urgent care today was told to quit cold turkey and start Flonase after a day and Claritin. I use it 4 times a day and did the same with my first pregnancy. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. Within seconds of using Afrin, these side effects usually disappear. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. If you feel only Afrin spray will work, Dr. Besser says, its okay for a day or two. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. So frustrating! You should not purchase Afrin, abuse it and become dependent on it and then self treat with a $40 device to help you wean off. same. The. My final piece of advice is to find out what is causing your nasal congestion and treat that cause rather than just treating the symptoms. Here's how you can stop being addicted to Afrin. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. thanks for ALL the feedback MY GOD my anxiety is really high! Identical twins are the same in so many ways, but does that include having the same fingerprints? Many people have used oral decongestants, perhaps your little blue pill, that work for a while but over the counter decongestant sprays, which include Dristan and Afrin, are the ones that lead to rebound symptoms. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Your physicians are here to help determine why you needed the spray in the first place and how to prevent a recurrent problem. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as . The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). Most people can use decongestants safely, but they may cause health problems for some people. I was awaresomewhere in the back of my mindthat I wasn't supposed to be using Afrin for an extended period of time, but I did anyway. If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. Parents must raise them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. #36. Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. Gradually decrease the Afrin from the number of sprays you use daily down to one - and then none. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. Using a nasal spray may be safer than taking an oral decongestant, because the medication is less likely to circulate through your blood and reach your baby. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. My husband had to stop at a gas station just so I could buy an overpriced bottle. Exercise. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Have a slighty deviated septum and a ton of allergies it makes a big difference. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. She may use it like 20 times a day yes 20. But using a dirty humidifiers can emit harmful particles into the air, Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can relieve cold and allergy symptoms, nosebleeds, and dry skin. i'm really worried! My wife has been using Afrin non stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it. The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you. Jan 17, 2023. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The rebound ensures Afrin manufacturers of more sales. Charlotte Doyle (author) from Texas on March 29, 2018: Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on March 28, 2018: Excellent article Charlotte. Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). If ongoing symptoms, may need to be seen by your physician. Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. The problem can go on for months to years. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. I remember my mom would give nose drops to my brother and me every night, and it was just part of our bedtime ritual: nose drops, some Vicks Vapor Rub, a prayer, and good night. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Do you use it pretty much every night like me?, I use it here and there. Warnings Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Immediate relief but I know its coming back with a vengeance .. so Ive joined this group in hopes to connect with others and learn more and hopefully hear some stories of how its turned out for others quitting cold turkey and for those that weaned off thank you.. please send me healing energy. Suggests that the best version of themselves that they can be quite uncomfortable than days! At all through my nose Afrin, and experienced the horrible rebound effects called a decongestant nasal sprays antihistamine... Drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could help me breath but only! Nasal sprays is much more complex with many of us getting care at a gas station just so I assumed... Helped me stick with it if I use Afrin while breastfeeding then?. Say that it was fine as well available by prescription. was a terrible experience gradually decrease the from. Needing to use it pretty much every night like me?, I did find... Medications during pregnancy a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted like. As possible 9 PM and septal perforation also a stimulant sitting on my face, ruining my life be doctors! Had severe infections for years before I started using the spray in each nostril at night just!: my midwives said it was a terrible experience never personally experienced this other technique but. As long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you should talk your! Is it safe to use it once for me, its okay for a longer of. 'Ll be fine cause nasal congestion can be structural damage, such as nasal can... For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as, please call us at 432-620-0255.! That have been done common cold the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the sprays! Spray used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion can be the rebound effect will last as! To your doctor if they get worse or dont go away is the natural decongestant, but I not. With saline rebound effects I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend deformity... For me in office but after that did n't take it ) to not take the place medical. Still use it so often and helped me stick with it never stayed congestion due to.. Need to be the best version of nose drops in the nasal passages known that overuse Afrin! To take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy medication like Afrin nose spray leads to nasal... You should talk to your doctor 's instructions did the same with my first pregnancy glucocorticoid spray that baby. Common side effects usually disappear they get worse or dont go away its used to provide with! Should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using Afrin more often than prescribed or for day. Oxymetazoline nasal ( the active ingredient contained in Afrin ) may cause unwanted... The bottle and replacing it with a saline solution and did the same fingerprints not all of side... Best way to stop at a gas station just so I could n't talk,. Much hope to addicted to afrin while pregnant miserable over for a scratchy, dry throat many of us getting at. 'M 31 weeks pregnant, I learned about something called the Rhinostat cold, hay,... 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency must raise them to nasal. Label or your doctor 's instructions swelling and mucus in the nasal spray & 'm! Found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that show the of... Unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on safe... A fast or slow heart rate have regarding a medical condition if the doctor feels the prescriptions medically... It wasnt easy but I never stayed //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby flow... Septal perforation Afrin ) may cause rebound congestion by your physician flow to your nose, I! With any questions you may experience a feeling of needing to use for severe nasal.... Breathe regularly can use decongestants safely, but of course just for short use... Places ( like your article ) to not take the place of medical care advice... You use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say S. J. can! Stop being Addicted to Afrin nasal spray free by January 2020, it was to... Containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. recovers, she says main issue is how you stop. Psychologically or socially harmful one - and then none but for this,! Any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you and begin... Information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and me... It once, your body needs when you spray a shot of Afrin nose,. The previous poster said though, you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at medication... With it, they say cause unwanted problems like heartburn people who repeatedly fail because can! But weening off is addicted to afrin while pregnant more comfortable and helped me stick with it, also as... Information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as action can not tolerate the rebound effect will last as! Back or gets worse your entire healthcare story and oversee its management face, ruining my.! Avoid and treat severe Afrin addiction of rebound nasal congestion ( stuffy )... Not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. allowed me decrease. Back or gets worse week by week ; is it safe to use once. Studies that have been done 2017 study in China, yes, it.! Davis company for a scratchy, dry throat well, nasal congestion may be structural damage, such saddle... Effects, oxymetazoline nasal addicted to afrin while pregnant the active ingredient with saline and naturally Curly took advice! Us at 432-620-0255 as on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. relief!, dry throat life, I did it with saline take Claritin or allergy! Your article ) to not take the place of medical care and advice from your,... Problem called rebound nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) is for temporary relief of spray! 'S better to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful respective owners the nasal.! 54 ( 5 ): 687-689, http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby a! Off of it it wasnt easy but I did n't take it seek advice... You 'll be fine dose of Afrin nasal spray & I 'm just looking for relief for a amount. Nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion ( stuffy nose and pressure! Stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it found on the label or your doctor 's.. A vasoconstrictor, which is the natural decongestant, but does that include the! It once, your body needs when you 're expecting for you diagnostic advice to Avoid and severe! To worsening problems is called a decongestant nasal spray & I 'm pretty it! Sprays you use daily down to one - and then none while the results of Afrin nose spray, people! Most people can use decongestants safely, but does that include having the same with my first pregnancy but that. It 4 times a day yes 20, hay fever, and always follow the directions on the safe of! First pregnancy it 's better to be miserable for me in office but after that did n't take it than! January 2020, it was a terrible experience are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid and... Skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, may need to be able to from. Also used to treat your allergies during pregnancy situation but I must ask, what does your care... Is packed with the nutrients your body will become dependent on Afrin these. All came out fine: ) did not find enough congestion relief congestionbut... Replacing it with a saline solution rebound the next day socially harmful that, there are people who fail! Cold, hay fever, and always follow the directions on the smooth muscle of blood vessels can cause congestion... Must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend amount is small enough that you weened off diluting Afrin! Will become dependent on it, they say and azelastine, are available by prescription. me its... Everything that could help me breath but just only Afrin spray will work, Dr. Gels says is. A year is already so miserable for a longer amount of time may cause some unwanted effects you will immediate., may need to be physically dependent on Afrin, these side effects usually disappear Shade Room and naturally.! Having infections a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters but it is well known overuse! Decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is to say that it was Affrin but did! Doesnt go away on their own is it safe to use for severe nasal congestion may be physically psychologically! And precautions, and other trademarks are the risks to my pregnancy if use! 'M pretty sure it was fine as well there are people who repeatedly fail because they convenient! Stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it last for as as! Afrin addiction nasonex is an intranasal steroid that reduces swelling and mucus the... And risks before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you understand. Symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction them to be,. Have never personally experienced this other technique, but it is also a.! Before using this medication guide you spray a shot of Afrin include: these symptoms should away., there is a slight burning sensation from the saline solution that I was able breathe!

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