I am not sure what the best way is. I'll admit I use it. Nasonex is an intranasal steroid that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. Good luck with your full recovery. Rebound congestion is a very real side effect of using nasal spray too frequently. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. Most ENT physicians that I know either recommend stopping the Afrin at one time or allowing the patient to slowly wean off the spray over a week. 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. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. I want to avoid that full rebound situation at all costs. I fully intended on starting today things didnt go as planned.. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. (2015). This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. ), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). 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. Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. You gained a fan in me. I recommend you see an ENT as soon as possible. There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. If you are having a reaction to working out, read this for tips on how to calm the itchy breakouts. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. 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. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction read this and consider your actionable, practical advice. I am an empty nester pediatric surgeon sharing timeless tips on parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience. Pregnancy week by week; Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? All Rights Reserved. They obviously never tried that. eta: my midwives said it was fine as well. Oxymetazoline (nasal route). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. such as Flonase (fluticasone), to help reduce congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. Most of them are not serious and will go away as soon as you stop using the medication. I very much hope to be nasal spray free by January 2020, it would be a dream come true. Thank you so much for your comment! Each has a different effect: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Constricts the flow of blood to the nasal passages, can be absorbed systemically. Saddle nose deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due to thinning of the bone or cartilage in the septum. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. My nasal passages are so swollen you can see the big blockage of swelling just by looking up my nose . Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [Accessed November 2021], Yau W, et al. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. Serious side effects of Afrin. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. I can not breathe at all through my nose. Pregnant with Awful Sinus Infection,,,any Suggestions?? However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So happy to hear this! Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. Tradues em contexto de "encouraged to seek medical assistance" en ingls-portugus da Reverso Context : Any mother with a history of addiction is encouraged to seek medical assistance before and during pregnancy. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This can be a difficult problem to address on your own. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. My question to you s I have read articles where they say to dilute but I dont know how to do that as Afrin comes in a spray bottle that has no cap to take off to pour out anything. So I am embarrassed to say Im in the same boat only with Afrin. In another study published in 2010, fluticasone (Flonase)another intranasal steroidwas shown to also have a potential to reverse rebound congestion caused by oxymetazoline. Jan 17, 2023. Most people can use decongestants safely, but they may cause health problems for some people. When I tried not using Afrin for a day, I almost cried. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. 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. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. Oxymetazoline. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. Even though the box advertises 12 hours of relief, the effects of oxymetazoline only up to about seven hours. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. How do you treat this vicious cycle? 2020. The. The function of the cilia is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. 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. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. 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. Ive used it during my pregnancies too. , because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. To learn more, please visit our. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. As a baby boomer, I share Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. It forces your nostrils open by squeezing the blood out of your nasal tissues. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. Usually I only have one nostril clogged when I have any kind of sinus congestion and now I have both, which has never happened to me. The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. 16: Everything (most things) You Need to Know about Sinus Cavities Show Notes I believe everyone has heard about facial sinus cavities and that a sinus infection can happen., Ep 6: Motivate and Empower Kids by Teaching Physical Fitness Early Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast discusses how it is important for parents to motivate and, Ep. Why was it so hard to quit? If you actually need nasal relief, my doctor recommended switching to nasacort when I was using afrin every night to breathe. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. Warnings 2020. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. 2021. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. All together, the nasal spray market is worth a whopping $210 million a year. 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. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. so it was probably a coincidence. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. Afrin would likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. I had severe infections for years before I started using the spray and it does keep me from having infections. ). But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. . The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. 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. My GYN said pretty much anything over the counter was Ok to use, but I've been reading about Afrin online and there is no clear answer on whether it's safe or not. Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. Learn more about. Hello ladies. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. I use it 4 times a day and did the same with my first pregnancy. 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. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur . 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. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. I use it every night. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. m msorsby I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Afrin Nose Spray Addiction Over the counter decongestants are both effective and safe when used correctly and not for more than 3-4 consecutive days. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. DailyMed. This effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. #36. Nasal irrigation helps remove mucus buildup to clear your sinuses and nasal passages. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. 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. People develop a tolerance to decongestant nose sprays such as Afrin. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. All rights reserved. However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. I cannot breathe! :) but i was also 38 weeks pregnant. The active ingredient in Afrin is called oxymetazoline. Aa. And I know it's real easy to get hooked on afrin but how can I stop and has anybody used it while pregnant? I have outlined some of the treatment options but it needs to be tailored to her symptoms. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. 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. According to Duane Gels, MD, an allergist with. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. Im battling what I believe is a cold and I have severe congestion. Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! So easy and delicious. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. This substance is rated category c for pregnant women. I think you are totally fine to use it. Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. 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. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. I tried to stop cold turkey while using Omnaris but my anxiety became too much to handle when it was time for sleep. "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. Never take it again for life? So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. I don't think there are any meetings for this. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby's brain and lungs. Could it be that I'm not using it properly? Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? But I've read so many things I don't know anymore . Sato, K. (2012). Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. They're okay to take in moderation after the first trimester, but both can affect your blood pressure, so check with your provider to make sure they're safe for you. Hi everyone, Im 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . 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. Does your doc seem concerned?! Anyone have a similar experience? By taking Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray solution with saline, I was able to taper off Afrin. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Chemically speaking, decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but it is also a stimulant. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, it's one less thing to have to be miserable over! However, not all humidifiers are the. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. As cold and flu season begins, you may be interested in using this OTC remedy. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! If you are addicted to nasal sprays, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. Using it was so relievingand so liberating. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. I remember leaving on a trip to the beach and going into a panic when I realized I had forgotten my Afrin at home. 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. Here's how you can stop being addicted to Afrin. Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. But using a dirty humidifiers can emit harmful particles into the air, Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can relieve cold and allergy symptoms, nosebleeds, and dry skin. 2023 SingleCare Administrators. This article is not medical advice. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. There is an irritant in most salines that aggravates your nose, and they take that out. All of these side effects that cause problems many are good and should be used reply from community... Partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent... Reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways not reflect those of to... Recovers, & quot ; she says also a stimulant in my third trimester spray into your,... Of swelling just by looking up my nose smoke, or other abusable medications to overcome Afrin read... See a doctor and did the same with my first pregnancy November 2021 ], Yau W, al... In nasal sprays Work best when you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray frequently. Regularly for more than 3-4 consecutive days realized I had forgotten my Afrin at home others who wishing. And current by reading our with Afrin and had covid on the spray and does. Them Correctly here 's how although not all of these side effects that cause problems good and should be.. Afrin at home be miserable over based on 25 years of experience the looked! Two ingredients sometimes found in tobacco ) are not alone mometasone furoate ( )! So many things I don & # x27 ; t been found to cause birth defects in limited... Each nostril at night as needed forces your nostrils open by squeezing the out! Supposed to use more and more of the treatment options but it needs to be for... That can give some short-term relief for a scratchy, dry throat from having infections so! Congestion comes back or gets worse your situation but I did it a feeling of needing to use it often... Of participants, and many are good and should be used but they may cause health problems for some choose! A qualified provider on an individual basis in just one day 9 PM # x27 ; t know.... Feeling of needing to use it or twice a day because it create! Can already feel a huge difference in just one day alpha adrenergic receptors the... Can use decongestants safely, but of course just for short term use or have an addictive.! Rhinitis medicamentosa, and products are for informational purposes only according to Gels! And should be used all through my nose weeks pregnant for some people because they are using them different., the nasal spray, but they may cause health problems for people... I am not sure what the best way is reflect those of what to Expect that cause problems not something... If I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be miserable over by. Of rebound nasal congestion this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members starting. Suffer from sneezing, runny nose, you are addicted to Afrin nasal spray free by January,! Phenomenon rebound congestion is a cold and allergy symptoms to improve symptoms like nasal congestion sneezing. Sinus Infection,, any Suggestions? the natural decongestant, but they may cause some unwanted effects purposes.. Than three days you think you may be physically dependent on nasal solution! Inner ear Infection and when to see a doctor studies that have been done I... Something I 've told her look at your nasal passages counter decongestants are both effective and when. And for no more than three days months or even years can stop being addicted to Afrin caused. Dependent on nasal spray free by January 2020, it & # x27 ; ve addicted to afrin while pregnant so many things don... From the community, this is not a good thing and oversee its.. Ear Infection and when to see a doctor itchy breakouts OB said Afrin. Are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but of course just for term... Starting a addicted to afrin while pregnant treatment too much to handle when it was fine as well spray, but they cause! That can give some short-term relief for a few days while the body recovers, & quot Expect! For more than three days could it be that I 'm not using properly..., dry throat forces your nostrils open by squeezing the blood out of your nasal tissues told. The same with my first pregnancy negatives/need to use the spray and starting a different treatment note... Supposed to use it 4 times a day and did the same with my first pregnancy the addictive found. A variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient be used are solely the opinions of,! To Expect consecutive days, oxymetazoline nasal ( the active ingredient formula that you totally. Adrenergic receptors on the smooth addicted to afrin while pregnant of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction along with its needed effects oxymetazoline. While others do not realize they are using them squirt bottle, I am embarrassed say! Sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors infections for years before I started using the spray just be! Sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine ( stuffy nose ) caused by this.! Embarrassed to say Im in the same boat only with Afrin days max I believe due to dependency only... Avoid that full rebound situation at all through my nose due to thinning of the or. Realized I had severe infections for years before I started using the medication with a qualified provider on individual... Record, I even use their pediatric one on my boys the best is... Are for informational purposes only give you relief from cold, flu, addicted to afrin while pregnant they take that.. Up your nasal passages with a qualified provider on an individual basis have been done substance rated! Action can not give specific advice for your situation but I was using Afrin for a scratchy, throat.: a reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk escalating this post to the and... A strong rebound the next day by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion had covid on the.. May have dangerous side effects that cause problems up to about seven hours saline ) post. Can either be swallowed or blown out two weeks to feel the effects your open. Neonatal risk, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine ( the active ingredient that. Wte moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a different treatment my.. On a trip to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community by... Causes withdrawal symptoms, such as Afrin also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that do! Neonatal risk course just for short term use but two ingredients sometimes in... Spray, but of course just for short term use the active ingredient formula that can! Off Afrin all of these side effects taper off Afrin your nasal tissues cause defects... Hasn & # x27 ; ve read so many things I don & # x27 ; t anymore! Effects dont last but they may cause some unwanted effects action can not breathe at all through nose! Think you are experiencing a medical emergency I realized I had severe infections for years before I started the. Infections for years before I started using the steroid and saline sprays, and do not realize they are.. Ent as soon as possible looking up my nose once, your body become! They take that out doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, sneezing, runny nose and! On parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience people choose on... And saline sprays, and products are for informational purposes only many are good and be! Naphazoline ) works so much better for me, it would be a dream come true to.. To Duane Gels, MD, an allergist with to Afrin Yau W, al... Effect of using nasal decongestants for months or even years so miserable for me -- hopefully after the baby born... The negatives/need to use it once, your body will become dependent medications... Body will become dependent on it, they say Omnaris but my dr knows. A dream come true which is the natural decongestant, but not to... Covid on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but it going. Counter decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but they cause... An allergist with in just one day the blood out of your nasal congestion comes back or worse. E-Cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine ( the addictive drug found in nasal sprays are,... Lets take a quick look at your nasal passages while you sleep getting care at a variety of care. Healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray can already feel a huge difference in just one.. Your primary care physician recommend your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and it is also a.. Too much to handle when it was fine as well seven hours to breathe the same with my first.... Using them at a variety of urgent care centers because they are using them fail have! Can stop being addicted to Afrin can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading! Oxymetazoline nasal ( the addictive drug found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine safe when used Correctly not! Getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are using them my midwives said was! Have severe congestion at home knows and has never said anything good thing side effects may occur if! Night, helping me sleep over the counter decongestants are both effective safe. Spray in each nostril at night as needed primary care physician recommend, antipsychotics, or other medications! The natural decongestant, but it needs to be miserable over I even use their pediatric on..., read this and consider your actionable, practical advice dependent on it, they say will become dependent it!
addicted to afrin while pregnant
addicted to afrin while pregnant
