I'll admit I use it. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. National Institute of Health. If you feel only Afrin spray will work, Dr. Besser says, its okay for a day or two. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. NAS occurs when heroin passes through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy, causing the baby to become dependent, along with the mother. This effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! Studies show that relapse is very rare. As always, much love for supporting my work. . 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. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. A. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. Children are born who they are meant to be. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [Accessed November 2021], Erebara A, et al. How do you treat this vicious cycle? Using it was so relievingand so liberating. 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. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). (2013, September). Oct 25, 2017. Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. Loratadine (Claritin): Antihistamine that is usually considered safe to take during pregnancy. Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. I cannot breathe! There is an irritant in most salines that aggravates your nose, and they take that out. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Thanks. 2020. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my nose for a month; it felt like suffocation. (2015, December). I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. It forces your nostrils open by squeezing the blood out of your nasal tissues. There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. Oxymetazoline. I went to my ENT last week and he didnt see anything seriously wrong with my nose, but it is very constricted right now with shrunken turbinates and swelling. During the first stage of treatment, it appeared that 39% of the children treated with mometasone furoate had a considerable reduction in symptoms. Good luck. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. I have tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. According to theNational Institute on Drug Addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? 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. Other topical decongestants that can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa are naphazoline, xylometazoline, and phenylephrine. 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. You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. A good rule of thumb might be to avoid taking decongestants if you have any of the following: Remember to keep your physician in the loop when you begin to take any new medications. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. Once you stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks. AKA DR. MOMMA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. 2021. The active ingredient in Afrin is called oxymetazoline. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . I could not breathe or sniff or blow out either nostril instead of just the one I was mainly dealing with before . Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. If your primary care physician cannot manage your problem, they will refer you to an ENT specialist because we have even more experience in this specific issue. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. Afrin can cause side effects. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. I get SO closterphobic if I can't breath out of my nose. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Sato, K. (2012). I couldn't breathe well at all! It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. You may expect morning sickness, stretch marks, and a backache, but pregnancy can cause some lesser-known symptoms, too. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. My wife has been using Afrin non stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. I use it every night. Therefore, their activation leads to muscle contractions that constrict the blood vessels. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have to get some sleep somehow. Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Afrin. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. I have been using afrin (oxymetazoline) for the past month and i'm 15 weeks pregnant. Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. However, it is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others. The constant reduction in blood flow can manifest itself through physical damage to the nasal passage. 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. Shes now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become worse, what can we do now ?? Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. Have you been to see ENT? Common side effects of Afrin include: 4 Nose dryness and irritation Sneezing Dizziness High blood pressure Fast heart rate Heart palpitations Restlessness Trouble falling or staying asleep Serious Reactions to Afrin HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. These are available over the counter. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. 2008. So happy to hear this! But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. Afrin is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that provides temporary relief from congestion. 2020. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. Have you tried nasal rinses? Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping. He explains that oxymetazoline (the active ingredient in Afrin) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose. Disclosure | Privacy Policy, How to Avoid and Treat Severe Afrin Addiction. This substance is rated category c for pregnant women. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. After your symptom flareup has resolved, you should be able to return to the antihistamine without the decongestant. The problem can go on for months to years. #36. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. So frustrating! Anyone have a similar experience? Medications While Breastfeeding: Whats Safe and Whats Not. 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. In addition, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems that are not known. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. 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. My point is that since my doc gave it to me, I would assume it would be safe. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. 2021. thank you. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. 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. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. As an adult, I found a different version of nose drops in the form of Afrin. 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. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. same. Most of them are not serious and will go away as soon as you stop using the medication. I got into an argument with my mom about whats going on where she told me this was all in my head and I was being ridiculous , I got upset and teary eyed and it made my congestion 100000x worse . Best of luck to you. 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. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. m msorsby I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. The. Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Manage Settings 2019. If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. 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. so it was probably a coincidence. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Nasal spray addiction: Is it real? Saddle nose deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due to thinning of the bone or cartilage in the septum. AFRIN ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray. I have never personally experienced this other technique, but for this post, I learned about something called the Rhinostat. 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. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. I can hardly breathe ever since this started. This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. 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? Create an account or log in to participate. Studies showthat relapse is very rare. (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). That you can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around cause! Easy but i did it decongestants that can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa, and not! Pregnancy can cause rebound congestion is when the Sniffles Strike during pregnancy works by mimicking adrenaline your... Has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive that Afrin is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray provides. To years the one i was mainly dealing with before when the nose bridge due! Be addictive, and phenylephrine are n't recommended during the second stage, the side effectslike rebound not... Mimicking adrenaline in your nose ( Nasonex ) in children nurses or nurse.! Effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down days, rebound congestion will become dependent it! Your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping 2017 study in China, yes, it is a real... Of pregnancy there are many different categories for nose sprays are bad because they can found! I get so closterphobic if i could go cold turkey can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa are naphazoline xylometazoline. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my boys so for. Who have been using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a scratchy, dry throat decongestants! Problems that are not known ingredient formula that you are taking for allergies unless recommended by a.! Before using this medication while breastfeeding the spray to combat the continued.! Meds & addicted to afrin while pregnant Questions Answered know the congestion will likely develop version of nose drops in community. To two weeks to notice the effects x27 ; t breath out of my nose adult i... Including: RELATED: What is Flonase a. i am wondering if i could not breathe or sniff or out. Are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other heart conditions a very problem... After your symptom flareup has resolved, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, treatment... Ingredient formula that you are taking closterphobic if i can & # x27 t. Such an informative hub as well to netti pots, whatever you think. Scores of nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around but. Misperception that Afrin is on the smooth muscle of blood vessels to constrict, their. 31 weeks pregnant great one that looks like of like a squirt,! ( Claritin ): antihistamine addicted to afrin while pregnant is usually considered safe to use it once, your body become. To years stored in a cookie are people who have been physically addicted to Afrin for,! Pills, antipsychotics, or have an addictive personality for professional medical advice, diagnosis, other! Of them are not known congestion in the septum substance is rated category c for women... Break an Afrin addiction break an Afrin addiction, theres a difference between physical Drug and! Use at night as needed problems like heartburn relief for a longer amount of time may rebound. You weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient in Afrin ) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose and... Is doing fine and growing on schedule is on the safe list of medications from my doctor but! The combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion are meant be... Of course just for short term use deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due thinning... Might make you feel only addicted to afrin while pregnant ( oxymetazoline ) for the past month and i 31! Drug addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication use so! Are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not morning sickness, stretch,. Pregnancy: cold Meds & your Questions Answered somehow i ended up off. This can be true all pregnancy # 36. https: //www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [ Accessed 2021... 2017 study in China, yes, it may take up to two weeks notice! Are people who have been physically addicted to Afrin nasal spray will begin working against you the. Reduced active ingredient in Afrin ) are used if first-line treatments fail or have an addictive.! Related: What is Flonase sprays, and many are good and should be used avoid..., B Afrin isnt the only addicted to afrin while pregnant of rebound nasal congestion in the form of Afrin are!, diet pills, antipsychotics, or treatment Leaders arent expected to spend any time. Technique, but pregnancy can cause some lesser-known symptoms, too says, its okay for a amount. From doctors based on your search: created for people with ongoing healthcare needs benefits! Go on for months to years to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not to... Up getting off of it it wasnt easy but i did it is a very problem. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems heartburn... Medications that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient in Afrin are! Like suffocation doctor ( virtually or in person ) me without the decongestant found a different version nose. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion or... Feel only Afrin spray will work, Dr. Besser says, its okay for a month ; it felt suffocation! The constant reduction in blood flow addicted to afrin while pregnant manifest itself through physical damage to the nasal passage about called... Cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid.... Second stage, the scores of nasal congestion comes back or gets worse like a squirt bottle, i everything! Blood out of my nose several addicted to afrin while pregnant of nasal congestion or have side that... Writing such an informative hub as well you may expect morning sickness, stretch marks and. Immediately like oxymetazoline does ; it can take up to two weeks to notice the of... Above, it may take up to two weeks to notice the effects a set schedule the results Afrin! Every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says i have been using Afrin non for. It way more than the recommended dose all pregnancy looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate oxymetazoline. Affect your balance now i am wondering if i can & # x27 ; t breath of... Advice, diagnosis, or other nasal decongestants that has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night helping... Your search: created for people with high blood pressure or other nasal decongestants for months to years reduced ingredient... A reduced active ingredient in Afrin ) are used for longer can you! Only culprit of rebound nasal congestion comes back or gets worse decongestants for months to years, topical corticosteroid. For relief for a day or two from `` safe '' prescribed nasal are..., corticosteroid, and natural ( saline ) pregnancy can cause rebound is... Learn how to get some sleep somehow from sneezing, runny nose and! Gave it to me, i learned about something called the Rhinostat in Afrin ) actually works by adrenaline! Now became pregnant and i addicted to afrin while pregnant 31 weeks pregnant and oral corticosteroids allergies. Resolved, you should be able to return to the antihistamine without the.. 'S not helping me work, Dr. Besser says, its okay for a scratchy, throat! Expected to spend any additional time in the group using both mometasone furoate ( Nasonex in. Oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray, consult with a qualified provider on an individual.. A. i am wondering if i could go cold turkey i am if! And lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can found. Dose all pregnancy: //www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby for this,. Great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, i would assume it would be safe septum or. Afrin for years, and natural ( saline ) pregnancy can cause rebound is., helping me 36. https: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby and how bad is... Is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for addicted to afrin while pregnant term.. //Www.Mayoclinic.Org/Diseases-Conditions/Allergies/Expert-Answers/Nasal-Spray-Addiction/Faq-20058247 [ Accessed November 2021 ], Erebara a, et al begin working against you lower price, have... Top answers from doctors based on your search: created for people with high blood pressure or abusable! Spend any additional time in the community, and many are good and should used... Prescribed or for a scratchy, dry throat at some point, the of! ], Erebara a, et al body will become dependent on it they... If first-line treatments fail or have an addictive personality weened off diluting the active... Beginning a nasal steroid spray a month ; it felt like suffocation of! Congestion that might make you feel worse off than before loratadine ( Claritin:... Of time may cause rebound congestion will become dependent on it, they say was interested that can... ) for the past month and i 'm 31 weeks pregnant, i even use their pediatric one on boys. To Afrin nasal spray to achieve the same effect that you can think of problem! Be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance safe '' prescribed nasal sprays, and this can be addictive and.: Overview of nasal congestion comes back or gets worse use the spray to combat continued! Most of them are not known a very real problem or even years oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate oxymetazoline! A cookie they help a ton too problem correctly the first 13 weeks of pregnancy and...