However, there are people who repeatedly fail because they cannot tolerate the rebound symptoms. Exercise. As the active ingredient is lessened, so is the rebound. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. My mother took me to the doctor all I remember is they gave me a blue pill that I took and it emptied my sinuses out where I felt so empty where I could breathe I called it my magic blue pill. I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. 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. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. 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. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I had severe infections for years before I started using the spray and it does keep me from having infections. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. 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. But I never got any more after that Mom ended up putting me on Dristan in which I was on for years until I realized that was what was causing my insomnia. If you are having a reaction to working out, read this for tips on how to calm the itchy breakouts. I finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you. 2014. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. It takes about 2 weeks. Have you been to see ENT? It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. When I was a child I had a lot of sinus problems. Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as . I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction read this and consider your actionable, practical advice. And yes, the prescription I have is Rhinocort Aqua and when I spray it into my nose, it helps but only for a very short time, then I'm congested again. Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. People tend to think this is not a big deal, or is like other forms of addiction. obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! Oct 25, 2017. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Studies showthat relapse is very rare. It reduces the active ingredient as you work through a bottle of it, that you delete at various stages with saline they provide. Ive never used any nasal sprays before until this week. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Afrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. A first-line medication for allergies during pregnancy would have the most research showing two things: that the drug is effective and that it does not cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk. During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. What is oxymetazoline? Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. 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. Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. , if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. These are available over the counter. I think you are totally fine to use it. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. The nasal regions may become engorged with blood after the Afrin wears off. help treat runny noses from allergies and other causes. This means that the lining of the nose swells after the Afrin effect wears off, and the swelling is usually worse than before the medication was started. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Afrin. I'm pregnant in 10 weeks can i take afrin nasal spray ? Their purpose, in this case, is to provide relief from nasal congestion.
Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. Why was it so hard to quit? So I bought off brand afrin and only then did I read the back after using it for 3 days straight and find out what was really going on now . After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. It forces your nostrils open by squeezing the blood out of your nasal tissues. 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. I'm addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. 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. Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. Shes now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become worse, what can we do now ?? (2015). so it was probably a coincidence. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. I use Affrin occasionally at night when I cant sleep due to congestion and dont want to become dependent. Runny nose. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Prescription, (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion., The good news? When I tried not using Afrin for a day, I almost cried. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. Thank you ladies for your responses. If it makes you feel better, on the mommy Med app there has never been any information to show that it harms babies. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). 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. According to research, it can take one to two weeks to recover from congestion caused by Afrin withdrawal, which may be alleviated by taking oral decongestants. knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. Help. My wife has been using Afrin non stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. (olopatadine) work by blocking antihistamines to relieve a runny nose caused by allergies. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. 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. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. This substance is rated category c for pregnant women. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Good luck. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Pseudoephedrine. Through continuous, extended use of nasal decongestants, especially after your symptoms have already cleared, your nose may start to feel stuffy again. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Nasal irrigation helps remove mucus buildup to clear your sinuses and nasal passages. 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. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. I used to be able to say over the counter nose sprays are the ones that can be addictive, but now nose sprays that are good for daily use are also over the counter! Best of luck to you. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. 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. Colds and allergy. She may use it like 20 times a day yes 20. Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Anyone have a similar experience? As I have said a million times, you need to understand why you have nasal congestion and work with your physician to determine a long term treatment plan. Afrin is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that provides temporary relief from congestion. Oxymetazoline nasal is also known as: Afrin, Afrin NoDrip Severe Congestion, Afrin NoDrip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, CVS Health Sinus Relief, Dristan 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force, Mucinex Sinus-Max Moisture Smart, NRS Nasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, Oxyfrin, Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. This should be discussed with your obstetricia Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem. I just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit and I hope to wean off slowly. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. IT REALLY WORKS without the phobia of giving up the Afrin. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Serious side effects of Afrin. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. Gradually decrease the Afrin from the number of sprays you use daily down to one - and then none. is it safe to keep using it everyday till my due? Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. Learn Why Putting Vaseline in the Nose Could Really Be Life-Threatening, Why You MUST Immediately Ask for the Credentials of Healthcare Providers, 6 Salty Secrets You Need to Know About Saline Nose Spray, Avoid 7 Undesirable Ear Tube Complications with Routine Checkups, 12 Well-Known Causes of Nasty Nosebleeds in Children, consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem, consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection (consider having surgery to remove the structural blockage will allow the recurrent swelling to be treated more effectively. All rights reserved. American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(2):198-208. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [Accessed November 2021], Cleveland Health Clinic. But you should beware of the side effects of using it too often. Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. 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. Both Nasonex and Flonase are available over-the-counter, but it is important to talk to your doctor before attempting to treat yourself. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. Is it safe to use a nasal decongestant such as afrin at night (so i can sleep) when i'm 5 weeks pregnant? Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. 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. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Sato, K. (2012). This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. As a sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors, receptors that are activated by adrenaline. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. (2013, September 7).LactMed: Oxymetazoline, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad, clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-1490, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608026.html#side-effects, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxymetazoline-nasal-route/before-using/drg-20067830, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/allergy-medications/faq-20058122, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1472-9733.2011.01160.x/full, acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/pregnancy-allergies, toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+lactmed:@term+@DOCNO+488, Put Down the Afrin: How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds, How to Clean and Maintain Your Humidifier, Types of Humidifiers and How to Safely Use Them, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023, Why Twins Dont Have Identical Fingerprints, corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone (nasal sprays), antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (oral tablets).