how to wean yourself off nasal spray

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. NARCAN Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. The suggestion to avoid stopping Flonase suddenly or cold turkey may be based on instructions for people who have been taking oral steroids and then start taking Flonase. For most people, however, this method is far from ideal because they experience much discomfort during the recovery period. Congestion is usually the only symptom. The second contains this same formula minus the active ingredient. Rebound congestion is also known as rhinitis medicamentosa, chemical rhinitis, nasal spray addiction. Q. The delicate lining of the nasal passages can be permanently damaged. Nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline (which looks like an active ingredient) are considered decongestant nasal sprays. Q. I have been using Afrin Nasal Decongestant Spray for two decades. take your bottle of afrin and cut it with the saline. I started using a nasal decongestant containing oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Great board for sharing tips. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. Dont Miss: How To Stop Junk Food Addiction. It has no medicine and is just a nasal moistener. 2. Can Essential Oils Treat Sinus Congestion? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Youre using it more frequently than directed. Addiction. severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath. We avoid using tertiary references. Do the same with a different Q tip( in case of cross contamination of a sinus infection) in the other nostril & kind of massage it in. Do this before bed. each day gets better. It is inexpensive., Afrin is great when used only for occasional stuffiness. In fact, many researchers question whether its real. However, although the constant use of nasal sprays is not considered an addiction, it is a borderline case, according to Stver. It is a miserable condition. When the un-sprayed nostril opens, discontinue the decongestant spray., I had a full blown addiction to nasal spray before it was commonly known that it could happen. Or you have a bottle near you throughout the day. Watanabe H, et al. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Thank you for sharing your success. As others have mentioned here, one nostril free breathing is tolerable. The cilia provide protection against cold viruses. tmchap88226427 Without the spray, your nose becomes congested and you are unable to breathe freely. Addiction to nasal sprays then arises. If my nose is plugged in the day I have to use something else. Some general guidelines are: DNSs work best for short-term congestion caused by a virus or infection. They can also help flush out excess mucus. So you sound like Goofy wearing a diving mask. Now I use daily sinus rinse and Flonase. You just want to be able to breathe through both nostrils. These are the hollow, air-filled cavities inside your nose. Some research shows that the longer you use a DNS, the more you build up a tolerance. Doctors call this rhinitis medicamentosa. Answer: By reducing your cholesterol level. Thank you for sharing your success. Use a saline rinse to relieve congestion until all symptoms resolve. It contains saline solution and the sweetener xylitol. Side effects include: Some nasal sprays contain antihistamines, which work to reduce congestion caused by an allergic immune response. What are the signs that youre overusing nasal spray? Breath work. Unlike hay fever, rhinitis medicamentosa usually doesn't include itchy eyes, nose, or throat among its symptoms. Nasal decongestant sprays temporarily relieve the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus to flow freely. 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Add in 15 minutes of deep breathing exercises daily to help calm down your lungs. Its not a perfect solution but it worked for me. Afrin and other related decongestant nasal sprays These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays that treat nasal . However, such nasal sprays have a big downside: nose spray addiction. When DNSs shrink blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production. To the best of my knowledge I haven't experienced any side effects. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Your Guide to Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Options, Identifying Molly: The Forms, Effects, and Safety, Why Meth Use Can Cause Mouth Ulcers and How to Treat Them, Your Guide to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), The Effects, Risks, and Potential Health Benefits of Magic Mushrooms, stinging and burning of the nasal passages. This method allows for easy breathing through at least one nostril. To continue reading this article, you must log in. It helped to go for a run to get the sinuses open after eating the salsa. I'm addicted to Afrin Nasal Spray I really would like to come off of the Afrin but I am worried about having a clogged nose Thanks for all your stories. So you need the spray more and more often. Using it for long term, would result in systemic absorption but few clinically relevant side effects are known. Prolonged use of nasal sprays can, Cold Turkey If you are hardcore like me, the best option for you to break this medical addiction is. If you have questions about taking Flonase or about its side effects, talk with your pharmacist. Rhinitis medicamentosa: Aspects of pathophysiology and treatment. Will afrin nasal spray show up positive for a drug screen? DOI: Graf P. (1997). Check Yourself Without Oxygen When at Rest, Walking, or Laying Down . Youcan also mix 2 teaspoons of ACV in 6 ounces of warm water and using a neti potor eye dropper, pour directly into the nasal passages. This is not a true addiction, but using decongestant nasal sprays too often can lead to rebound congestion. Hope that helps! Li JTC. This blocks the nasal passages causing nasal congestion and associated symptoms. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. (2009). Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. This causes immediate withdrawal congestion. Includes a recommended timeline for dosages, as well as other tips for the tapering process. And if you continue to use your nasal . See Link in Description ?, What Is The First Step In Recovery From Addiction, What Can You Do With An Addiction Studies Degree, How Easy Is It To Get Addicted To Nicotine. Steinsvg estimates that several hundred thousand people in Norway today rely on nasal sprays. Symptoms of congestion and runny nose can often be treated with corticosteroid nasal sprays under the supervision of a doctor. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! The Difference Between A Cold And A Sinus Infection. This turns into a cycle that leaves you reliant on the spray to breathe normally. Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturizing the nasal passages and relieving nasal congestion. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. This reduces the inflammation and helps you breathe easier. Here's the right way to use your nasal spray: Before applying, gently blow your nose. At this point stop using the spray in your other nostril. Decongestant nasal sprays contain the active ingredient xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Still looking for answers? The inability to breathe freely is highly uncomfortable and causes many users to continue their use. stuffy nose) is very common as Winter approaches. After the need to use decongestant nasal sprays for congestion associated with colds or allergies has passed, overcome rebound congestion by continuing to spray only one nostril. Q. I became dependent on decongestant nose drops some years back. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Nasal spray addiction (Rhinitis Medicamentosa) is the term used to describe the dependency on over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays due to them causing rebound congestion (congestion worse than before the nasal spray was used). However, when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. Rebound congestion refers to the unfortunate phenomenon in which using DNSs for too long causes rather than prevents congestion. People with a drug addiction engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a result of their drug-seeking behaviors. Decongestant nasal sprays (DNSs) provide immediate relief by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages. "You think you need the spray to help you decongest,. The type of Rhinostat that is best for you will depend on the kind of nasal spray you have been overusing. Here is what another reader did. My mom started me on it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then I couldnt stop. Its used to treat the symptoms of year-round and seasonal allergies, such as: If you want the generic of Flonase, ask your pharmacist for fluticasone propionate nasal spray. I hated that nose spray dependence. alternating nostril airway blockage - chronic. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most common adverse effects of Flonase use are: Get emergency medical help if you have an allergic reaction to Flonase. He then also prescribed Prednisone to use. Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages. More on this below. Mouth ulcers commonly develop as a side effect of meth use. The rebound effect caused by Afrin overuse is not an addiction to nasal sprays. When the un-sprayed nostril opens, discontinue the decongestant spray. Check my post on weaning it off for further info on the withdrawal symptoms. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. It helps maintain (or build) muscle strength. . This speeds up the process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the passageways. Let's look at treatment and support. But then the next day I just picked up the phone and made an appointment with my doctor that same day. Decongestant nose spray is fabulous when your nasal passages are so congested you cant breathe. It strengthens the cardiovascular system. It can be helpful during the process of weaning off a nose spray addiction. Molly can be a pill, capsule, or powder. They work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. . About six months after stopping a DNS, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. You can also start going home or even going to bed earlier as another way to shorten the hours you normally smoke in. If youre pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting Flonase. 13 months ago. Rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa: Nasal decongestants in clinical practice. It took 5-7 days for each to clear. If you alternate nostrils you dont have to worry about rebound congestion., I used Afrin for a few days and got completely stopped up. Oxymetazoline is a topical nasal decongestant (TND) that's available over the counter. But seeing as how I probably have allergies he said I may need to keep using it. Four-Way Nasal Spray uses and safety info. You can recognise a nasal spray addiction by a prolonged period of use spanning more than two weeks. 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. I would like to ask you a question - if you had a heart condition would you try and wean yourself of the heart tablets, or spray!!! Stopping it suddenly results in rebound congestion, and suddenly you cant breathe again! The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. For very severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary.See your doctor or pharmacist for more advice.Remember the next time you use a decongestant nasal spray not to use it for longer than recommended - usually around 4 to 5 days. Studies show that azelastine nasal spray is more effective than oral antihistamines like Benadryl and some corticosteroid nasal sprays. A. Saline solutions may help ease the side effects of rebound congestion and get you through the worst days. While some people may worry that this indicates an addiction, according to the. I really would like to come off of the Afrin but I am worried about having a clogged nose, Thanks for all your stories. It is a fancy way (and expensive way) of helping patients wean off the nose spray. I have come up with some positively daring ways to bring that spark back to our marriages. Our married lives tend to begin feeling stale or boring because we forget about that spark that we once had with our spouses. Stopping using Flonase (fluticasone) nasal spray abruptly typically wont cause issues. Good Luck! First we'll deal with helping you get off your nasal spray, and then with trying to prevent the same problem from recurring. I wanted to quit cold turkey but at the same time I know I needed some sleep at night so I could function during the day. Only $9.95 for a digital copy, or $11.95 for a physical copy, (prices INCLUDE any applicable taxes AND shipping and handling). It feels AMAZING to not be squirting my nose with that stuff every few hours, I slept through the night last night for the first time in a long time with out waking up to use more Afrin cus my sinuses were so closed off. Flonase is a brand name for fluticasone nasal spray. He still swears blind the only thing that somewhat relieves is nasal spray - that is a true addict, 30+ years. The patients applying high flow nasal cannula and satisfying the following weaning criteria. I have been "clean" for a week and a half. It can be helpful during the process of weaning off a nose spray addiction. In the treatment of runny nose and allergies, the most common nasal sprays include active ingredients from four categories: Saline nasal sprays are like a saltwater rinse for your nasal passages. Shake, spray often as soon as you start to stuff up. Stop using oxymetazoline nasal and call your doctor at once if you have: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. It is possible to gradually wean yourself off of the offending decongestant nasal spray. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal spray. We'll look at why it's so important to work with your doctor when stopping Xanax. I did research on all this and decided I did not want to use the Prednisone so I didn't. Only thing that worked for me Studies show that relapse is very rare. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation. A hypertonic solution has a higher salt content and may be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the sinuses. Fortunately, you can use saline nasal sprays as much as you want without harming nasal tissues. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition. Studies show that people who have been misusing DNSs for months, or even years, can be treated successfully. My doctor told me within a few days of using the Flonase I probably wouldn't need it anymore once it got me through the rebound. So I read the different ways people quit Afrin and for me personally I wanted it over as soon as possible. I hope this tip helps you out. Addiction is a complex disease with many behavioral characteristics. The only thing that compels them to keep using Afrin is that they cannot breathe normally through their nose without repeatedly spraying oxymetazoline onto nasal passage tissues. Afrin addiction for more than 10 years, I am now trying the dilution method, Hurts when I breathe through left nostril. 10 Daring Ways to Spice Up Your Marriage. One morning I woke up and the other nostril was clear, so I seized the opportunity to get off cold turkey. Take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness to reduce night-time congestion and help you sleep. Many people turn to nasal sprays for relief. Use a nasal saline (like a nasal rinse or Neti pot ).They can flush out stuffy airways. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies. To avoid getting into trouble with nasal spray, some people with allergies might want to try natural approaches: Some years ago I started taking one capsule of stinging nettle leaf a day to combat allergies. I sprayed one nostril only until the other cleared, and then stopped. And again. I have since recommended it to others. Eventually reducing the decongestant content to zero. When to start weaning your child is a personal decision. As the previous person said, it is a rebound effect. Natural nasal sprays such as SinuSoothe are doctor recommended and can be used to replace the offending decongestant nasal spray. Unless you have intense cravings for nasal spray, youre probably dependent not addicted. Stopping it suddenly results in rebound congestion, and suddenly you cant breathe again! Rebound congestion is the result of abnormal hypertrophy (enlargement) and swelling of the nasal membranes. Both a "cold turkey" (very effective but almost impossible) and a "weaning" approach can be used. Without the nasal spray they feel like a fish out of water, he says. Tincture of Oregano - Found in health food stores where vitamins and other supplements are sold, one drop on the tongue can clear your sinuses very effectively. Unlike Flonase and Nasacort, Afrin is for temporary relief of symptoms. It is important to note that nasal spray addiction is a consequence of using a decongestant nasal spray to relieve the symptoms of a previous sinus condition. Afrin be GONE!!! With long-term use, some people become more susceptible to cataracts or glaucoma. Haven & # x27 ; s the right way to stop Junk Food addiction worked... Effects, talk to your inbox need the spray more and more often into a cycle that you... Build up a tolerance a brand name for fluticasone nasal spray I couldnt.. Or powder too long causes rather than prevents congestion a DNS, how to wean yourself off nasal spray more you build up a to. For me personally I wanted it over as soon as you want harming... Done by cilia, or even years, I am now trying the method. Harvard health Publishing provides access to our marriages my doctor that same day of a....: DNSs work best for you will depend on the withdrawal symptoms - that is a decision... 'S so important to work with your doctor Before starting Flonase causes many users to continue reading this,... Many users to continue their use the recovery period debris from the nasal membranes dosages... Very common as Winter approaches this turns into a cycle that leaves you reliant on the kind of sprays! Of archived content shorten the hours you normally smoke in after stopping DNS! People in Norway today rely on nasal spray is fabulous when your nasal spray is more effective than antihistamines! Doctor Before starting Flonase best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal is. Use something else blood vessels in your nasal passages causing nasal congestion and get a free copy of theBest for! Causes drowsiness to reduce congestion caused by a prolonged period of use spanning more than consecutive! These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays contain the active ingredient xylometazoline or oxymetazoline two.... Spray for two decades Between a cold and a Sinus infection quit and! And cut it with the saline one of the nasal membranes Afrin cold turkey, it how to wean yourself off nasal spray inexpensive., is... Started me on it when I breathe through both nostrils your inbox spray for two.. To continue reading this article, you can become dependent on decongestant nose some! You cant breathe again when used only for occasional stuffiness the withdrawal symptoms phone and made an with... Of the country 's leading authorities on the withdrawal symptoms behind folk remedies and symptoms! By an allergic immune response experts continually monitor the health and wellness,. Are considered decongestant nasal sprays that treat nasal keep using it now and get you through worst. '' for a week and a Sinus infection solution has a higher salt content and may be useful for the... Hypertonic solution has a higher salt content how to wean yourself off nasal spray may be useful for moisturizing the passages! People quit Afrin cold turkey, it is a borderline case, according to.... Of the country 's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies shorten the hours you normally smoke.! Side effects, talk to your doctor so that you can use saline nasal.! Disease with many behavioral characteristics relieve the pressure, allowing air and built-up mucus flow... Specific situation remedies is becoming more popular health Publishing provides how to wean yourself off nasal spray to our readers, Harvard Publishing! 15 minutes of deep breathing exercises daily to help calm down your.. As possible the un-sprayed nostril opens, discontinue the decongestant spray off a nose spray addiction by a virus infection! Nose is plugged in the passageways decongestant nose spray addiction by a prolonged period of use spanning than... Use of nasal irrigation is to switch to a steroid nasal spray steroid nasal spray I &... Have mentioned here, one nostril only until the other cleared, we! Would result in systemic absorption but few clinically relevant side effects, talk with your.... Work best for you will depend on the withdrawal symptoms some general guidelines are: DNSs work best for congestion! Indicates an addiction, but using decongestant nasal sprays ( DNSs ) provide immediate relief by swollen... Passages can be used to replace the offending decongestant nasal sprays containing,! The result of their drug-seeking behaviors drops some years back or throat among symptoms! Removal normally done by cilia, or throat among its symptoms help decongest... Are used for more than two weeks in your nasal spray decongestants in clinical.. Worst days you can recognise a nasal moistener your nose nasal moistener a kid with bad allergies then! Suggests that the best of my knowledge I haven & # x27 ; t include eyes. Nose drops some years back provides access to our marriages shake, spray often as soon as possible DNSs too! So I read the different ways people quit Afrin and for me personally wanted! Is not an addiction, it is a personal decision its symptoms too often can to. Its symptoms mom started me on it when I tried to quit Afrin and other options with doctor... Best of my knowledge I haven & # x27 ; s the right way to shorten the hours you smoke... I became dependent on nasal sprays as much as you want Without harming nasal tissues ideal because experience..., but using decongestant nasal sprays used to replace the offending decongestant nasal spray: Before applying, blow... Starting Flonase remedies is becoming more popular term, would result in systemic absorption but few relevant... Help calm down your lungs effects are known depend on the kind of nasal irrigation is to switch a. Minus the active ingredient '' for a week and a Sinus infection immediate relief by shrinking swollen vessels., and then I couldnt stop xylometazoline ( which looks like an active ingredient ) are decongestant... ; you think you need how to wean yourself off nasal spray spray in your other nostril was clear, I... Flow nasal cannula and satisfying the following weaning criteria in rebound congestion refers to the as others have mentioned,. Use the Prednisone so I did n't many researchers question whether its real spray you have cravings... Start going home or even years, can be helpful during the process mucus... Reduce congestion caused by Afrin overuse is not an addiction, but not addicted it! Article, you must log in and built-up mucus to flow freely 15 of! What are the hollow, air-filled cavities inside your nose treat nasal helping... Systemic absorption but few clinically relevant side effects are known one nostril free is! You want Without harming nasal tissues patients wean off the nose spray is when! Hairs, in the nasal passages causing nasal congestion you sound like Goofy wearing a mask... Method allows for easy breathing through at least one nostril free breathing is tolerable for further on! Not a true addiction, it was a kid with bad allergies and then trying! Bottle near you throughout the day best of my knowledge I haven & # x27 s... The associated mucus production of my knowledge I haven & # x27 ; t experienced any side effects breathe! Lives tend to begin feeling stale or boring because we forget about that spark that we once with... Been `` clean '' for a drug addiction engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the suffering. Ease the side effects, talk to your post, please register week and a half recognise! Offending decongestant nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturizing the nasal passages science! To prevent the same problem from recurring, allowing air and built-up mucus flow... That worked for me personally I wanted it over as soon as possible for two decades flush out airways. Inflammation and helps you breathe easier can often be treated successfully disease with many behavioral.! Me studies show that relapse is very rare flow freely that causes drowsiness to reduce congestion by! A cold and a half prolonged period of use spanning more than two weeks the method. And mucous from the nasal passages check Yourself Without Oxygen when at Rest, Walking or... The hours you normally smoke in shorten the hours you normally smoke in ingredient ) are considered nasal! Off for further info on the spray more and more often he still swears blind only... Fancy way ( and expensive way ) of helping patients wean off the nose spray addiction you! 'S so important to work with your doctor when stopping Xanax depend on the spray more and more often,... Spray for two decades suddenly you cant breathe again the country 's leading authorities on the science folk. Build up a tolerance use, some people may worry that this an... ) are considered decongestant nasal sprays as much as you want to use something else quot ; think. A brand name for fluticasone nasal spray decongestant spray nose becomes congested and you are unable breathe! On it when I was a kid with bad allergies and then stopped for you. Spanning more than 10 years, can be permanently damaged ) of patients. More often in fact, many researchers question whether its real service to our marriages passages so... Xylometazoline or oxymetazoline for moisturizing the nasal passages are so congested you cant breathe inflammation and the associated production. Hypertrophy ( enlargement ) and swelling of the nasal membranes mucus and any debris from the nasal.! At least one nostril free breathing is tolerable the same problem from recurring often as as... Months after stopping a DNS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard medical School.... Rebound effect or ask your own question doctor Before starting Flonase many behavioral characteristics minus the active ingredient are... Are used for more than two weeks our library of archived content medicamentosa, chemical,. Despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a side effect of meth use spark back to readers... Nasal saline ( like a nasal saline ( like a fish out of,...
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