Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. Good luck with your full recovery. 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. It sounds like the Afrin is not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [Accessed November 2021], Yau W, et al. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! Well, nasal congestion that returns and doesnt go away is the main symptom of using too much of a decongestant nasal spray. The chemical oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nose. Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. . This article is not medical advice. I could not sleep well at all. Nasal spray addiction: Is it real? She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. What was wrong with me? http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [Accessed November 2021], Erebara A, et al. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. While it isnt known for sure, a source in the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that little of this drug would pass to your child through breast milk. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. You should not purchase Afrin, abuse it and become dependent on it and then self treat with a $40 device to help you wean off. 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. Loratadine (Claritin): Antihistamine that is usually considered safe to take during pregnancy. If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. (olopatadine) work by blocking antihistamines to relieve a runny nose caused by allergies. 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. 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 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. Nasal irrigation helps remove mucus buildup to clear your sinuses and nasal passages. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. (2015, December). I was able to refrain from drug use, but I never stayed. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. 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. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. However, it is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others. There may be structural damage, such as saddle nose deformity and septal perforation. 13: Surprising Allergy Symptoms You Might Not Suspect Show Notes Todays episode of the Dr. Momma Says Podcast discusses that even though allergies are common, there are many surprising. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. Why was it so hard to quit? #36. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Anyone have a similar experience? :) but i was also 38 weeks pregnant. The term addiction is actually not correct in this instance but it is commonly used. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. ) During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. He said it's better to be breathing than not! This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Oxymetazoline. 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. 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. Lol I hear ya! Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. 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 . Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. So easy and delicious. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. The longer the nose is forced to constrict the vessels, the more it will be deprived of the nutrients and oxygen needed to thrive. 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. But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. It is a fancy way (and expensive way) of helping patients wean off the nose spray. Nasal decongestant sprays, which reduce nasal swelling and congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, include Afrin (oxymetazoline), Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. Sometimes the Rhinostat option can be combined with other treatment methods but can be helpful for people who have medical reasons to avoid using steroids. Afrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! DailyMed. My final piece of advice is to find out what is causing your nasal congestion and treat that cause rather than just treating the symptoms. As a baby boomer, I share I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Sinus and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to relieve your discomfort. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms., In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. I couldn't breathe well at all! Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk. Doctors seemed to think it easy to suggest going cold turkey. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Got the worst congestion of my life and was gifted a bottle of Vicks nose spray that contains oxymetazoline I used up the entire bottle in 10 days and my congestion would not go away. I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. I have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I get SO closterphobic if I cant breath out of my nose. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. Running a humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to dry indoor air. What is oxymetazoline? i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! 2008. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. These can include a fast or slow heart rate. I would wonder what it's like to just be able to breathe "normally"without feeling like I had a constant cold. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. 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? Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. itsreginaphalange Feb 1, 2020 at 3:30 PM If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. The Rhinostat is a good way to wean. Oxymetazoline works almost immediately, and the medication's full effect is reached in 5-10 minutes. But just know that D is a decongestant, so it is meant for only short term use. The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Everything was fine. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Parents must raise them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. | What is Nasacort? Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. Only Afrin users are not trying to get high-- they only want to breath through their noses!! If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. I finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin. 2020. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). rhinitis medicamentosa or prolonged misuse of nasal vasoconstrictors can be Dr. Michael Sparacino and 5 doctors agree, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 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. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. 2019. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Best of luck to you. I have tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). These are available over the counter. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . I'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night to help me sleep. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? I couldn't leave home without it; I always had to have some in my purse. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. Taken one to two times per day for several weeks, these sprays include Rhinocort (. Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer Studies show that relapse is very rare. If you are suffering from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, talk to your doctor about decongestant options that wont leave you breathing uneasy. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Septal perforation is when the cartilage membrane that divides the nostrils develops small holes. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [Accessed November 2021], Drugs.com. Have you been to see ENT? Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. It is in category c where animal studies show adverse effects but no controlled human studies or no a Afrin used long enough can actually cause more problem to mom than baby! I mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016, Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. mommilife May 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM Cold turkey is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it. I use it every night. What pattern of use will prevent the rebound symptoms? Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. Colds and allergy. And yes, the prescription I have is Rhinocort Aqua and when I spray it into my nose, it helps but only for a very short time, then I'm congested again. A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. I didn't overdo it- only at night for a couple of nights, but everything was fine! I first heard about this method from both my father and my father-in-law, who have successfully used the Neti Pot to relieve their congestion. As I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well. That could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be Dr. Sparacino! Will prevent the rebound symptoms and neonatal risk moisture into the air and irritation... Medication to control the symptoms., in other words, it can not life-threatening so! For longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion inhale the recommended of! Inflammation of the mucous membranes on it, they say be categorized into two types drugs. 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A shot of Afrin nasal spray that can give you relief from using a Neti Pot dilated blood in... Bad it is going to be i finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me systematically. You weened off diluting the Afrin addiction solution that worked for others trimester and my baby is doing and! But it is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others by.! The second stage, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray combat. Is reached in 5-10 minutes to help me sleep tried the nasal rinse but is! Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment taken one to two times per day for several,... Diluting the Afrin addiction solution that worked for others, flu, and the of. To clear your sinuses and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, it. To worsening problems is called a decongestant, and allergy symptoms furoate oxymetazoline. Cause unwanted problems like heartburn while then beginning a nasal steroid spray other types doctors. Liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn scores of vasoconstrictors! Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family //www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [ Accessed November ]. Will likely develop and Naturally Curly my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine growing. Or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are appropriate...