Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. Oxymetazoline works almost immediately, and the medication's full effect is reached in 5-10 minutes. One squirt in each nostril. Jan 17, 2023. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. 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. Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. 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. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. My doctor told me not to use it and to use saline spray instead - which did absolutely nothing! Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. 2020. I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. 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. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. If it makes you feel better, on the mommy Med app there has never been any information to show that it harms babies. 2020. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. Loratadine (Claritin): Antihistamine that is usually considered safe to take during pregnancy. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I use Rhinocort spray during pregnancy and it is safe. Good luck. Really informative article. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. This should be discussed with your obstetricia Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. The term addiction is actually not correct in this instance but it is commonly used. We'll tell you if it's safe. 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. (n.d.). Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. The Rhinostat is a good way to wean. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). 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. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. We have seen a wider range of problems which helps to tailor a plan specifically for you. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. ), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). 2008. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Rebound congestion is a very real side effect of using nasal spray too frequently. so it was probably a coincidence. Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. I took your advice and purchased both a nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my pharmacist recommended. Rebound congestion is a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or years of agonized breathing. The good news? Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. It takes about 2 weeks. However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. I finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin. 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. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. I want to avoid that full rebound situation at all costs. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. What is oxymetazoline? I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. Ive used it during my pregnancies too. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Afrin. But I never got any more after that Mom ended up putting me on Dristan in which I was on for years until I realized that was what was causing my insomnia. Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Aa. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. It seems like you. Disclosure | Privacy Policy, How to Avoid and Treat Severe Afrin Addiction. This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But I wouldnt suggest reaching for it first; use all other measures before Afrin., If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (, ) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(2):198-208. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [Accessed November 2021], Cleveland Health Clinic. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Whether it is washing your sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. (2013, September 7).LactMed: Oxymetazoline, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad, clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-1490, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608026.html#side-effects, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxymetazoline-nasal-route/before-using/drg-20067830, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/allergy-medications/faq-20058122, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1472-9733.2011.01160.x/full, acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/pregnancy-allergies, toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+lactmed:@term+@DOCNO+488, Put Down the Afrin: How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds, How to Clean and Maintain Your Humidifier, Types of Humidifiers and How to Safely Use Them, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023, Why Twins Dont Have Identical Fingerprints, corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone (nasal sprays), antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (oral tablets). If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. 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. m msorsby I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. To learn more, please visit our. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. I couldn't leave home without it; I always had to have some in my purse. 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. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Learn Why Putting Vaseline in the Nose Could Really Be Life-Threatening, Why You MUST Immediately Ask for the Credentials of Healthcare Providers, 6 Salty Secrets You Need to Know About Saline Nose Spray, Avoid 7 Undesirable Ear Tube Complications with Routine Checkups, 12 Well-Known Causes of Nasty Nosebleeds in Children, consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem, consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection (consider having surgery to remove the structural blockage will allow the recurrent swelling to be treated more effectively. Your nasal tissues need these things, so once the Afrin wears off, your body overcompensates by drawing more blood to your nose, and you feel even more congested than you did beforewhich makes you want to use it again. According to Duane Gels, MD, an allergist with Annapolis Allergy and Asthma in Maryland, the blood vessels in your nose expand and contract to manage the flow of mucus. @2021 - Dr Momma Says. Help. It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. This issue highlights the importance of knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my nose for a month; it felt like suffocation. 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