so it was probably a coincidence. As the active ingredient is lessened, so is the rebound. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. 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. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. 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. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. 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. I am 31 weeks and have been using a teeny spray in just one nostril at night pretty much the whole pregnancy so that I can sleep. Mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. (1999). Aa. I was no longer getting a full dose of oxymetazoline with each spray, and over time, the rebound effect went away. Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? 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. All together, the nasal spray market is worth a whopping $210 million a year. Sato, K. (2012). Thank you Dr. Momma. You can easily overmedicate in an attempt to get rid of your symptoms. The study compared any changes in symptoms when taking mometasone furoate, oxymetazoline, or both concurrently. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, there is no proof that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. As an adult, I found a different version of nose drops in the form of Afrin. You can also try saline nasal sprays that are a little gentler and keep your nose hydrated. This effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. My point is that since my doc gave it to me, I would assume it would be safe. 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. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Disclosure | Privacy Policy, How to Avoid and Treat Severe Afrin Addiction. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. 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. (every 10-12 hours as directed) The fourth time I did it, it wore off much faster (like within a few hours versus the 10 hours it had lasted the previous times) and I feel like my congestion is actually even worse now. This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. 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. So easy and delicious. Prescription Singulair (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion.. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. Learn more: Neti pots for nasal congestion . Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Afrin Original oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. 2020. This suggests that the combination can be a safe and effective treatment option for children who have allergic rhinitis or adenoid hypertrophy. I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have to get some sleep somehow. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my nose for a month; it felt like suffocation. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. thank you. 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. ), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. A. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. 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 . My wife has been using Afrin non stopping for 3 years now and she cant stop it. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. Ive never used any nasal sprays before until this week. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. I'm pregnant in 10 weeks can i take afrin nasal spray ? I tried to stop cold turkey while using Omnaris but my anxiety became too much to handle when it was time for sleep. 4: Understand How to Use 3 Distinct Healthcare Levels Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast addresses the need to understand how to use 3 different healthcare, Ep. My doctor said it was ok to use. But I've read so many things I don't know anymore . Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. 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'm addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but lets be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. It seems like you. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. I fully intended on starting today things didnt go as planned.. ugh not being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!! Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. Septal perforation is when the cartilage membrane that divides the nostrils develops small holes. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. and my water broke that night. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. thanks for ALL the feedback MY GOD my anxiety is really high! such as Astepro (azelastine), which can help treat congestion and other nasal symptoms caused by allergies. People develop a tolerance to decongestant nose sprays such as Afrin. Jan 17, 2023. Adding these items to your diet when youre sick could help you get rid of phlegm, If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of, addiction. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. There have been very few Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. 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). One squirt in each nostril. Treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy. I wonder if you had a moment to answer a question? We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. All Rights Reserved. This article is not medical advice. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. 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. The personal touch you gave by describing your own experience helps tremendously with understanding the problem with overuse of nasal decongestants. Both Nasonex and Flonase are available over-the-counter, but it is important to talk to your doctor before attempting to treat yourself. 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. (2011). i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! But you should beware of the side effects of using it too often. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I tried Afrin and it worked amazingly the first 3 times I used it. Is it safe to use a nasal decongestant such as afrin at night (so i can sleep) when i'm 5 weeks pregnant? , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. By taking Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray solution with saline, I was able to taper off Afrin. This issue highlights the importance of knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. Good luck with your full recovery. The term addiction is actually not correct in this instance but it is commonly used. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). These are available over the counter. She's a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. I used to be able to say over the counter nose sprays are the ones that can be addictive, but now nose sprays that are good for daily use are also over the counter! What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. I have a hard enough time sleeping without adding not breathing into the mix. They obviously never tried that. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. The part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too. 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 Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. Afrin (oxymetazoline) in pregnancy: At this stage in pregnancy, if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. Doctors seemed to think it easy to suggest going cold turkey. same. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? 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. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. 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. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. As cold and flu season begins, you may be interested in using this OTC remedy. If you are having a reaction to working out, read this for tips on how to calm the itchy breakouts. I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. I hate to admit this, but I feel that I must be honest. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. A first-line medication for allergies during pregnancy would have the most research showing two things: that the drug is effective and that it does not cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. Which means it is not advised unless the benefit outweighs the risk. 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 Mercy Personal Physicians in Baltimore. Also improve nasal congestion from allergies your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin ingredient... The medication squeezes blood from your healthcare provider your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion from allergies to... 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