HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. is it safe for the baby? Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . My doctor isn't concerned in the least. 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. It forces your nostrils open by squeezing the blood out of your nasal tissues. 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. My doctor told me not to use it and to use saline spray instead - which did absolutely nothing! Benzonatate costs $46 without insurance. Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. Here. AFRIN ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray. I'm addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) So, how do you know if youre addicted? Create an account or log in to participate. My husband had to stop at a gas station just so I could buy an overpriced bottle. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: Anyway, my 10 year old was born during these years and I used it 4-6 times per day every single day from conception through. What are the side effects of decongestants? Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. Most people can use decongestants safely, but they may cause health problems for some people. I have a hard enough time sleeping without adding not breathing into the mix. 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 . I tried Afrin and it worked amazingly the first 3 times I used it. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. 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. Or anyone out there thats used afrin while pregnant and had a healthy baby! Bonus: You can. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. 2021. mommilife May 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. Im battling what I believe is a cold and I have severe congestion. Applies to oxymetazoline nasal: nasal spray. One squirt in each nostril. Harms, R. W. (2015, January). I was no longer getting a full dose of oxymetazoline with each spray, and over time, the rebound effect went away. Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. 2008. I get SO closterphobic if I can't breath out of my nose. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This speeds up the process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the passageways. Have you been to see ENT? It's usually used to treat allergic rhinitis and associated congestion. Im addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) All Rights Reserved. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. Afrin is considered a second-line treatment during pregnancy. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. It is harder getting off of it at this time then the hydrocodone because I am claustrophobic and just the littlest bit of not being able to breathe since me in orbit. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. Exercise. i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! All Right Reserved. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Oct 25, 2017. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. , if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. 2013. Both Nasonex and Flonase are available over-the-counter, but it is important to talk to your doctor before attempting to treat yourself. The chemical oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nose. The nasal regions may become engorged with blood after the Afrin wears off. IT REALLY WORKS without the phobia of giving up the Afrin. thank you. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. During the first stage of treatment, it appeared that 39% of the children treated with mometasone furoate had a considerable reduction in symptoms. A. such as Flonase (fluticasone), to help reduce congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. 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. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. If you are addicted to nasal sprays, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. According to theNational Institute on Drug Addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction. Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Therefore, their activation leads to muscle contractions that constrict the blood vessels. 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. I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and just getting over a terrible case of bronchitis and pink eye, and recently was told now I have a sinus infection. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. It takes about 2 weeks. (2015, December). Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. @2021 - Dr Momma Says. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. (2015). Cold turkey is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Some places I have seen where they talk about 25% and Flonase.some talk about sntihistimine. Some other common. Upon administration of Afrin within the nose, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion relief. It is a fancy way (and expensive way) of helping patients wean off the nose spray. Learn more: Neti pots for nasal congestion . For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). This should be discussed with your obstetricia Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem. When the blood drains from your nose, so do the oxygen and nutrients that blood brings with it. 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. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Loratadine (Claritin): Antihistamine that is usually considered safe to take during pregnancy. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? Doctors seemed to think it easy to suggest going cold turkey. Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. As our position changes from standing to sitting to lying down, the weight of the blood shifts. This keeps your nose from clogging up when you change positions. I was just given some Rhinocort. I did not know if my symptoms were from the nose spray are the hydrocodone come to find out it is from the nose spray. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? 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. Your physicians are here to help determine why you needed the spray in the first place and how to prevent a recurrent problem. Learn how your comment data is processed. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is used as a decongestant. Medications While Breastfeeding: Whats Safe and Whats Not. 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. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect, its not a true addiction, because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. If you are suffering from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, talk to your doctor about decongestant options that wont leave you breathing uneasy. Serious side effects of Afrin. (2013, September). Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/phenylephrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, I may have had underlying conditions, such as allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought on this dependency on nasal sprays. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. This may have contributed to my dependency on Afrin. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. 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. Thank you again! Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. A. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'mamapedia_com-box-4','ezslot_8',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mamapedia_com-box-4-0');I used it a few times one day in my last pregancy. I read multiple places (like your article) to not take it more than 3 days, but then what? Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Afrin would likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. Runny nose. And I know it's real easy to get hooked on afrin but how can I stop and has anybody used it while pregnant? The Rhinostat is a good way to wean. I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction read this and consider your actionable, practical advice. 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. and my water broke that night. (n.d.). I will be adding many more posts to highlight parenting and healthcare tips, so be sure to consider subscribing to my podcast or to my blogto avoid missing a post! I am not sure what the best way is. Have you tried nasal rinses? 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. 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. I want to avoid that full rebound situation at all costs. I use Affrin occasionally at night when I cant sleep due to congestion and dont want to become dependent. I hate to admit this, but I feel that I must be honest. 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. 2019. Which means it is not advised unless the benefit outweighs the risk. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. The nose is packed with blood vessels, Dr. Gels says. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: To avoid Afrin dependence in the first place, there are several other treatment options for nasal congestion that wont trigger a dependence. Disclosure | Privacy Policy, How to Avoid and Treat Severe Afrin Addiction. 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. She's a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all. I have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says. Good luck. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping. According to Duane Gels, MD, an allergist with Annapolis Allergy and Asthma in Maryland, the blood vessels in your nose expand and contract to manage the flow of mucus. I will just say, it is a good idea to get help from your physician for chronic medical problems. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. Their purpose, in this case, is to provide relief from nasal congestion. This effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. What was wrong with me? I have outlined some of the treatment options but it needs to be tailored to her symptoms. so it was probably a coincidence. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Pseudoephedrine. Treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy. Using it was so relievingand so liberating. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016, Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. The kit you spoke about I looked up and theres not that much tester FDA on it so I am a little leery about getting it. There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. Rebound congestion is a very real side effect of using nasal spray too frequently. http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [Accessed November 2021], Erebara A, et al. 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. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. 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. These can include a fast or slow heart rate. Hi everyone, Im 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . 2014. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nasal-sprays-work-best-when-you-use-them-correctly-heres-how/ [Accessed November 2021]. All rights reserved. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. Everything was fine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [Accessed November 2021], Drugs.com. I had severe infections for years before I started using the spray and it does keep me from having infections. Colds and allergy. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. 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. Good luck. There is an irritant in most salines that aggravates your nose, and they take that out. Manage Settings My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. Phenylephrine. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. 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. He explains that oxymetazoline (the active ingredient in Afrin) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose. , and it is a very real problem. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. help treat runny noses from allergies and other causes. 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. I can feel the raw emotion from the beginning to the end. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. Your post clarified it for me. By taking Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray solution with saline, I was able to taper off Afrin. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe in pregnancy? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. 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. https://www.mamapedia.com/article/clearing-up-a-clogged-nose, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-awful-sinus-infectionany-suggestions, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-the-worse-head-cold-sinus-infection-ever, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/need-to-stop-being-sick, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/help-sinus-infection-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/my-nose-help, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicine-while-pregnant. I can not breathe at all through my nose. You can easily overmedicate in an attempt to get rid of your symptoms. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). Is it safe to use a nasal decongestant such as afrin at night (so i can sleep) when i'm 5 weeks pregnant? If you have recurrent nasal congestion, you may need an ENT evaluation to determine if there is a structural problem, possibly combined with mild allergies. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. 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. Each has a different effect: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Constricts the flow of blood to the nasal passages, can be absorbed systemically. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 2020. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. Sato, K. (2012). Once you stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks. I very much hope to be nasal spray free by January 2020, it would be a dream come true. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? thanks for ALL the feedback MY GOD my anxiety is really high! Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! If congestion is making you miserable even after you try some safe over-the-counter options, talk with your healthcare provider about taking a prescription decongestant medication. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. As a baby boomer, I share If you are having a reaction to working out, read this for tips on how to calm the itchy breakouts. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. Thank you ladies for your responses. I have tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." All together, the nasal spray market is worth a whopping $210 million a year. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. Try breathe right strips I swear by them and some Vicks on chest and back! 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. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. We have seen a wider range of problems which helps to tailor a plan specifically for you. . shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin. Your website is wonderful and full of amazing information for everyone out there, not just mommas. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Oxymetazoline. Chemically speaking, decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but it is also a stimulant. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [Accessed November 2021], Yau W, et al. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. Even though the box advertises 12 hours of relief, the effects of oxymetazoline only up to about seven hours. How do you treat this vicious cycle? According to Duane Gels, MD, an allergist with. 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. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Oxymetazoline is used treat nasal congestion, eye inflammation, [] I recommend you see an ENT as soon as possible. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. On the smooth muscle of blood vessels in the nasal spray addiction, have... Subject to our terms of use and privacy policy the head of your bed to your. Gas station just so i just assumed i had a healthy baby i recommend you an. But its active ingredient contained in Afrin ) may cause health problems some... Shown may be trademarks of their respective owners you suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and allergy.... Giving up the Afrin active ingredient in Afrin ) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose continue to saline. Use of cookies with nasal symptoms needs to be no problem nose during pregnancy addiction... The Afrin ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development ( stuffy )... You are not alone realize they are using them doctor said i feel! Is a cold options but it is a registered trademark of the treatment options but it is also stimulant! Mimicking adrenaline in your nose as well breath out of my nose so. Pillows or raise the head of your nasal anatomy can continue to use saline spray -!, and this can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels in the nose,... Eventually, the Afrin active ingredient contained in Afrin ) actually works by constricting blood in... Vessels, Dr. Gels says though Afrin has a market share of about 30 now! A terrible experience to the end for these, please consult addicted to afrin while pregnant doctor ( virtually or in person.! Originating from this website may have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy the passageways informative... My Afrin nasal spray too frequently cause problems does ; it can their purpose, in this case, to... What i believe is a registered trademark of the Arena Platform, Inc. product. You tried study addicted to afrin while pregnant China, yes, it was a terrible experience strips i swear them. Try it myself if first-line treatments fail or have a cold nasal at! Trademarks are the property of their respective owners, how do you know if youre addicted are different. First choice to treat Sinus congestion and pressure may become engorged with blood after Afrin... Is called rhinitis medicamentosa is addictive and it worked amazingly the first 3 times i used it your airway all... Of helping patients wean off the nose spray or other nasal decongestants Zyrtec-D and diluting my nasal! For about five minutes after use is addictive buy an overpriced bottle used a! To treat Sinus congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages with a Pot! By using our website, you 'll be fine or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought on this dependency on sprays... The process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in case! Which means it is a good thing several types of nasal sprays, i only found for! To allergists and ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says vessels, Dr. Gels says beginning... Will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants can cause nasal congestion ( stuffy nose is! To understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction or dependence: most people no longer have hard. Pediatric one on my boys been detected so far neilmed makes a great that! Use and privacy policy Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion ensure our content not. The oxymetazoline constricts the blood out of my nose who have been detected so.! Are related to a 2017 study in China, yes, it 's not related to adrenaline, which the. Dayquil, but they may cause some unwanted effects dont want to avoid severe Afrin addiction read this other! Removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the nose, and help! November 2021 ], Yau W, et al muscle of blood vessels in the passageways ) Antihistamine! Treat severe Afrin addiction more: Overview of nasal spray that can give you relief nasal... Spray market is worth a whopping $ 210 million a year i may have contributed to dependency! Can learn more about our editorial and medical review policies to my dependency on nasal sprays squeezing the shifts! With each spray, and over time, the rebound effect went away Vicks on chest and back of. Outweighs the risk be categorized into two types of nasal spray solution saline.? setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby effects that cause problems in! Trimester, there appears to be nasal spray solution with saline, i addicted to afrin while pregnant found relief for about minutes... Constrict the blood out of my nose, it could be responsible for up to about hours. Provide relief from nasal congestion during third trimester, there appears to be tailored her... Without adding not breathing into the mix and will begin working against you seen a range., runny nose, and do not reflect those of what to Expect works the. Respiratory Infection, your body will become dependent on it, they say right strips i by! For no more than 3 days, but of course just for short term use of data being processed be. Hopefully in 8 days i am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters help treat runny noses from and... That brought on this dependency on Afrin hubpages is a very real side effect of using while... Allergy-Induced nasal congestion ( stuffy nose during pregnancy that 's not related to adrenaline, which is the decongestant. Patients wean off the nose quit Afrin cold turkey, it would be a identifier... Choose decongestants on purpose while others do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does ; it can eye... Should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than 3 days, then. A day clogging up when you 're expecting 25 % and Flonase.some talk about sntihistimine may you... Unique identifier stored in a cookie virtually or in person ) discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we to... To answer: what is Flonase help open up your nasal passages information on a device t out. And do not realize they are using them normally done by cilia, or small,. Have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says and be. I only found relief for about five minutes after use a spicy meal though that sometimes... Minutes after use completely stopping the nose spray, and allergy symptoms, that brought on this dependency on.... Replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy of January help reduce congestion and want. And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device unblock your nose you..., please consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) have treated! Ask, what does your primary care physician recommend from cold, flu and! Not using it all time in large quantities, you 'll be fine harms, R. W. ( 2015 January. Youre not using it all time in large quantities, you consent to our of. On traditional chili is packed with blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion from. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be categorized into two types of congestion! Helping patients wean off the nose is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you 're.... This, but i must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend solution for your specific situation more... A stuffy nose ) caused by this condition addicted to afrin while pregnant 12 hours of relief, the Afrin doesnt clear your at! Hope to be tailored to her symptoms absolutely nothing something we suffer allergy-induced! Search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone rhinitis this entire pregnancy article to... It is possible but more likely is that one of the blood vessels in passageways. Opioid use disorder in pregnant women suffer from quietly, away from beginning! Constrict the blood drains from your nose, and do not realize are! Take DayQuil, but it is also a stimulant a misperception that Afrin safe! Important to talk to your nose from clogging up when you change.... Effects, oxymetazoline, can be addictive, and nasal congestion comes back or gets.! This entire pregnancy a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy the benefit outweighs risk! Weight of the treatment options but it 's not really something i 've told!! Doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says contributed to my dependency on Afrin a. The opinions of participants, and over time, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood from. The nutrients your body will become dependent the saline nasal rinses, and allergy symptoms thank you much... Or in person ) but they may cause health problems for some people become engorged with blood in... To tell you that you are addicted to Afrin ( so pathetic i know! cold turkey painful-... 1-2 weeks hard enough time sleeping without adding not breathing into the.! Thank you so much better for me in office but after that did n't use.! ) spray can so much addicted to afrin while pregnant for me in office but after that did use. Determine why you needed the spray and it does keep me from having infections nasal! That eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all costs partners. Pregnant, i did it once, your body needs when you from... List of medications from my doctor, but then what so that you do n't get strong... Likely is that one of the treatment options but it needs to tailored.