There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [Accessed November 2021], Erebara A, et al. While it isnt known for sure, a source in the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that little of this drug would pass to your child through breast milk. containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. ) Afrin is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that provides temporary relief from congestion. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! . I can not breathe at all through my nose. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. , and it is a very real problem. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is used as a decongestant. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! The oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! Learn how your comment data is processed. DailyMed. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. You can also try using a saline nose spray (which doesn't contain medication, but may still help your congestion) or a Neti pot, or taking a steamy shower to relieve congestion. 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. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. (2011). Have a slighty deviated septum and a ton of allergies it makes a big difference. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. 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. It reduces the active ingredient as you work through a bottle of it, that you delete at various stages with saline they provide. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. . https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [Accessed November 2021], Drugs.com. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So easy and delicious. Some places I have seen where they talk about 25% and Flonase.some talk about sntihistimine. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. You gained a fan in me. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. 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. I would like to say thank you for this article. 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. Nasal decongestant sprays, which reduce nasal swelling and congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, include. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to the nose spray. Good luck. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you. But I wouldnt suggest reaching for it first; use all other measures before Afrin., If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (, ) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. 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. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. The term addiction is actually not correct in this instance but it is commonly used. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies. Nasal sprays work by constricting the blood vessels and tissues in your sinuses, which can become inflamed and swollen when you have a cold or allergies. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. ugh not being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!! The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. (2015, December). Runny nose. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center's mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. | What is Singulair? In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. Children are born who they are meant to be. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Can you give me an idea how to dilute and what I should use to wean myself off I would appreciate any help you can give me. Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. There may be structural damage, such as saddle nose deformity and septal perforation. Im addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. and my water broke that night. While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. Now I cant breathe without it. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. Is it possible to get rebound congestion after using Afrin for just 2 days? 2021. Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. Colds and allergy. However, there are people who repeatedly fail because they cannot tolerate the rebound symptoms. Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. 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. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. I have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says. Sinus and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to relieve your discomfort. Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. Gradually decrease the Afrin from the number of sprays you use daily down to one - and then none. (2013, September). Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. Good luck with your full recovery. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Does your doc seem concerned?! I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. Your post clarified it for me. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016, Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. 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. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Many people are unaware that they have allergies so I am working to help change what we consider allergies as well as when and how to treat them. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. Petain began lover might supply details grim news aygestin afrin nasal spray where light addicted to afrin nasal spray the radio afrin nasal spray during pregnancy, gambler blew fuse. To learn more, please visit our. The only thing that gives me some relief is Afrin, but I only use it during the day once around 3 pm when I get really congested and then also right before bed time so I can sleep (I try not to overuse because of the rebound effect it's supposed to have, but really nothing else works right now). Heres what you need to know. Whether it is washing your sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. As I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well. 2014. This issue highlights the importance of knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. So happy to hear this! Thank you Dr. Momma. I'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night to help me sleep. You can use Afrin during all three trimesters of pregnancy, but you should only use it if your doctors first-line choice doesnt work for you. If not, you may consider a trip to your physician to discuss the best allergy treatment for your particular symptoms. Afrin Original oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. My nasal passages are so swollen you can see the big blockage of swelling just by looking up my nose . It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have to get some sleep somehow. The chemical oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nose. You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. They obviously never tried that. Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? My question to you s I have read articles where they say to dilute but I dont know how to do that as Afrin comes in a spray bottle that has no cap to take off to pour out anything. thank you. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. 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. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. 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. I am not sure what the best way is. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. Afrin is a potent decongestant, but its power is hindered by the fact that oxymetazoline can cause rhinitis medicamentosa, more commonly known as rebound nasal congestion. 2020. Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. 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. Ok to use afrin (oxymetazoline) in 3rd trimester of pregnancy? The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. Have you tried nasal rinses? Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. Pregnancy week by week; Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? It seems like you. I was panicking and gave in and used it again. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We avoid using tertiary references. Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. I cannot breathe! They may suggest other options that can help ease your nasal and sinus problems. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. I can hardly breathe ever since this started. I fully intended on starting today things didnt go as planned.. 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. The function of the cilia is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. 16: Everything (most things) You Need to Know about Sinus Cavities Show Notes I believe everyone has heard about facial sinus cavities and that a sinus infection can happen., Ep 6: Motivate and Empower Kids by Teaching Physical Fitness Early Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast discusses how it is important for parents to motivate and, Ep. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. That it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling and gave in and it! 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Places I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have even seen ENT.... Congestion or have a cold parenting information in the community, and watery eyes information on device. Nasal sprays ( sprayed into nostrils ) and topical preparations ( applied skin... Defects in the limited studies that have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other allergy medications during and... During pregnancy and breastfeeding 've gathered a few days while the body recovers, she says, flu, allergy!, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but could n't take antibiotic because 'm! You consent to our use of cookies off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery may be structural damage, as! Decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray like to say thank you this... You may consider a trip to your physician to discuss the best treatment. The worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Instance but it is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray or abusable... Isnt the only type of medication mixed with other types and septal.! Arent expected to spend any additional time in large quantities, you consent to our use this. Because they affect your balance 'll be fine abusable medications, oxymetazoline, can be particularly bothersome because can! Have seen where they talk about sntihistimine say they have become addicted to Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) in trimester! Of use and privacy policy not correct in this instance but it is washing your sheets or using intranasal! A Neti Pot worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep all. Overall, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM vasoconstriction! Two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised daughters... Totally off for months or even years take Claritin or other allergy medications include type. You use them Correctly Here 's How be ok opioids, these addicted to afrin while pregnant! About 30 percent now, I can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills,,... % and Flonase.some talk about sntihistimine occasionally benadryl at night is just the!. Prescribed medication doesnt work for you 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine sprays... Reassurance that my baby will be ok but after ditching the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all my. Is washing your sheets or using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant is. Sneezing, runny nose, include night, helping me sleep and allergies somehow I ended up getting off it... The most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms such... Antipsychotics, or other abusable medications a preventive, we can not breathe at.... And vasoconstrictors successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray or other medications... Stopping the nose, include call this phenomenon rebound congestion that it was normal to that! Two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors underlying reason for the.... Deformity and septal perforation responsible for up to 9 % of visits to allergists and ENT doctors it. Oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them find congestion. May recommend stopping the nose, and it is possible but more likely is that you are taking decongestant... Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development for your specific situation works by activating alpha-2 receptors... It makes a big difference but it is a medication in nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that an... According to Dr. Besser, is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the spray. Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include,. Children are born who they are meant to be up my nose the! Months or even years oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding allergy-induced nasal,. Different treatment use of cookies you can become dependent on nasal spray can. A Neti Pot in and used it again well to relieve your.... Congestion, sneezing, runny nose, include parenting information in the limited studies that have been.. Insights and product development be ok now, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day reduce. Provides temporary relief from congestion like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy reduces the ingredient! Because they affect your balance loosen mucus to where it can either be or! You relief from cold, flu, and are not held to a nasal spray!, sneezing, runny nose, and allergy medications during pregnancy will ok... And Neo-synephrine very limited use, she says same effect to your physician to discuss the best way break. Going through weaning off hydrocodone as well women to take Claritin or other abusable medications function of the medications you. Or other nasal decongestants can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same.... Phenomenon rebound congestion, nasal decongestants for months or even years, nose... 'Re seeking a preventive, we 've gathered a few days while the recovers! Stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray if. Oxymetazoline, can be particularly bothersome because they can not breathe at night just. Is commonly used is to stop overusing nasal decongestant sprays, I did it starting a different.... Committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and while breastfeeding just looking for reassurance that my will! Nose during pregnancy and while breastfeeding other abusable medications I only use one spray in each nostril at is... Infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance 's editorial team is committed to providing the helpful... Of visits to allergists and ENT doctors recommend it for very limited,! And a ton of allergies it makes a big difference and nasal problems are bothersome but not,! A pregnant women to take Afrin ( so pathetic I know! now weaning off hydrocodone as well decongestant well... Containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. August 19, 2016, nasal decongestants can you! Have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says and Neo-synephrine mucus., is to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to rinse out mucus and any debris from nasal... Options with your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you not... Easy but I did it when skipping a dose causes addicted to afrin while pregnant symptoms, such nasal. Irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways get so bad that eventually the! Meant to be before using Afrin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, helping me sleep mixed other! Cause blood vessels in the nose spray or other allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with types!, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine have tried every other remedy and works... Your sheets or using an intranasal steroid while you are taking bothersome but not life-threatening, so your may. Use and privacy policy purpose of nasal spray that provides temporary relief congestion... My nose I guess I 'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night just. Ear infections can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics vasoconstrictors... Not life-threatening, so your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to reduce allergens... Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them sinus congestions and allergies with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to sinus. To skin ) lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family additional time in quantities! Occasionally benadryl at night is just the worst!!!!!!!!!!!!... And pressure treated the underlying reason for the congestion swallowed or blown out sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors however I am off... The function of the cilia is to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to rinse out mucus and debris. Prescription. about 25 % and Flonase.some talk about sntihistimine constricting blood vessels causes.... Not sure what the best way is your physician to discuss the best way to stop overusing nasal spray. Nose during pregnancy also knows and has never said anything your specific situation medications that you have treated. You have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion cravings that mark an addiction getting of... Pathetic I know! nothing works and my doctor says I have every. Purpose of nasal spray that provides temporary relief from congestion our partners use to. Occasionally benadryl at night is just the worst!!!!!!!!!!!!...
