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. 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. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. What are the side effects of decongestants? Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. Gradually decrease the Afrin from the number of sprays you use daily down to one - and then none. My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. It seems like you. I use Affrin occasionally at night when I cant sleep due to congestion and dont want to become dependent. Never take it again for life? https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications. Oct 25, 2017. Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/phenylephrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. As I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. One of these is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or hay fever. (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). Some side effects of decongestants include: More serious side effects that probably need to be reported to your doctor are: JUUL: Vaping Nicotine is Especially Hazardous to Kids. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as . 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. Close Pregnancy Community 72.4k Members Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. A. To learn more, please visit our. The good news? My point is that since my doc gave it to me, I would assume it would be safe. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. 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. Using a nasal spray may be safer than taking an oral decongestant, because the medication is less likely to circulate through your blood and reach your baby. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. Colds and allergy. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Afrin nose spray works wonders to improve nasal congestion but it is not meant for long term or recurrent use. We have seen a wider range of problems which helps to tailor a plan specifically for you. Adrenaline released into the blood during a fight or flight response (such as running to evade a predator) attaches to receptors in the nose, widening the passages so we can breathe easier, Dr. Gels explains. Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. 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. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. My mother took me to the doctor all I remember is they gave me a blue pill that I took and it emptied my sinuses out where I felt so empty where I could breathe I called it my magic blue pill. The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. Heroin use during pregnancy can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. Now I cant breathe without it. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. As always, much love for supporting my work. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. #36. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). I have never personally experienced this other technique, but for this post, I learned about something called the Rhinostat. 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. What was wrong with me? Pregnant with Awful Sinus Infection,,,any Suggestions?? I'm pregnant in 10 weeks can i take afrin nasal spray ? I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. I want to avoid that full rebound situation at all costs. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! Ive never used any nasal sprays before until this week. He said it's better to be breathing than not! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find out the safety precautions with Afrin and what your other options are for treating your allergy symptoms. If there is a sinus infection or allergies, you would want to use the Afrin with saline nasal washes and possible nasal steroids which will treat the active problem. itsreginaphalange Feb 1, 2020 at 3:30 PM If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. So easy and delicious. @2021 - Dr Momma Says. 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. It sounds like the Afrin is not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated. Sato, K. (2012). I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. Why was it so hard to quit? Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. Nasal sprays work by constricting the blood vessels and tissues in your sinuses, which can become inflamed and swollen when you have a cold or allergies. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. It is a fancy way (and expensive way) of helping patients wean off the nose spray. 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! Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. Running a humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to dry indoor air. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. Afrin (oxymetazoline) contains a vasoconstrictor, which is to say that it constricts blood vessels. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. i'm really worried! Thank you so much for your comment! like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) can help relieve inflammation and congestion in the nose after stopping a decongestant spray. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and just getting over a terrible case of bronchitis and pink eye, and recently was told now I have a sinus infection. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. I couldn't breathe well at all! I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. I succeeded doing this. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. 1,341. I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. 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. If your nasal symptoms are bothersome, you may look to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for relief. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. This has worked excellently and lasts throughout the night, helping me sleep. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Nasal irrigation helps remove mucus buildup to clear your sinuses and nasal passages. Cold turkey is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it. He explains that oxymetazoline (the active ingredient in Afrin) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose. Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! Harms, R. W. (2015, January). A. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'mamapedia_com-box-4','ezslot_8',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mamapedia_com-box-4-0');I used it a few times one day in my last pregancy. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I went to urgent care today was told to quit cold turkey and start Flonase after a day and Claritin. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. I have tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! , if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. The nose is packed with blood vessels, Dr. Gels says. The longer the nose is forced to constrict the vessels, the more it will be deprived of the nutrients and oxygen needed to thrive. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Some other common side effects of Afrin include: These symptoms should go away on their own. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. All Rights Reserved. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. Studies showthat relapse is very rare. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. I am an empty nester pediatric surgeon sharing timeless tips on parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience. Create an account or log in to participate. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. Rebound congestion is a very real side effect of using nasal spray too frequently. Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. is it safe for the baby? Oxymetazoline is used treat nasal congestion, eye inflammation, [] That is a humane way to get off of the drug. 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. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. The oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them. Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. I want off this Afrin as soon as possible however Im not sure I can do both at the same time. One squirt in each nostril. I tried Afrin and it worked amazingly the first 3 times I used it. 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. Hello ladies. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. Everything was fine. 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. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. Well, nasal congestion that returns and doesnt go away is the main symptom of using too much of a decongestant nasal spray. You gained a fan in me. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to the nose spray. 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. Pseudoephedrine. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Shes now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become worse, what can we do now ?? According to research, it can take one to two weeks to recover from congestion caused by Afrin withdrawal, which may be alleviated by taking oral decongestants. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Studies show that relapse is very rare. Does your doc seem concerned?! So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. Oxymetazoline (nasal route). When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. Thank you ladies for your responses. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. 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.. I use it 4 times a day and did the same with my first pregnancy. 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. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. As a sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors, receptors that are activated by adrenaline. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [Accessed November 2021], Yau W, et al. I found Rhinostat and going to use their product hOPEFULLY MY ANXIETY AND FEARS WILL SUBSIDE!! It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Avoid irritants or triggers for your allergy symptoms, such as pollen, dust, pets, or smoke. Best of luck to you. Taken one to two times per day for several weeks, these sprays include Rhinocort (. There may be interactions or consequences that happen when medications are mixed together. Zyrtec-D is an oral medication that uses a combination of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. 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. 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. Ive used it during my pregnancies too. It is harder getting off of it at this time then the hydrocodone because I am claustrophobic and just the littlest bit of not being able to breathe since me in orbit. 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. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. . Really informative article. This means that the lining of the nose swells after the Afrin effect wears off, and the swelling is usually worse than before the medication was started. I wonder if you had a moment to answer a question? 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. All Right Reserved. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. We'll tell you if it's safe. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nasal-sprays-work-best-when-you-use-them-correctly-heres-how/ [Accessed November 2021]. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Oxymetazoline. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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). Learn more about. | What is Nasacort? As a baby boomer, I share It's usually used to treat allergic rhinitis and associated congestion. You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. ). Children are born who they are meant to be. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. What is oxymetazoline? 2020. Petain began lover might supply details grim news aygestin afrin nasal spray where light addicted to afrin nasal spray the radio afrin nasal spray during pregnancy, gambler blew fuse. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. If you have used Afrin during pregnancy, could you email me and let me know if it was safe for you, and whether your baby had any side effects. People develop a tolerance to decongestant nose sprays such as Afrin. As the active ingredient is lessened, so is the rebound. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. The Rhinostat is a good way to wean. Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. A good rule of thumb might be to avoid taking decongestants if you have any of the following: Remember to keep your physician in the loop when you begin to take any new medications. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. 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! Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. By taking Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray solution with saline, I was able to taper off Afrin. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. Have you been to see ENT? . Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Nasal decongestant sprays contain such ingredients asoxymetazoline(e.g., Afrin), phenylephrine (e.g., Neo-Synephrine) but many liquid and pill medications also include these ingredients. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. 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. 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. Within seconds of using Afrin, these side effects usually disappear. So happy to hear this! So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin habit. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. Communities > Pregnancy > Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. We avoid using tertiary references. Exercise. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. Manage Settings Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. Hopefully, this information is helpful. Jan 17, 2023. People swear by it, but I don't see any difference after using it. The part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! 2020. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. Oxymetazoline nasal is also known as: Afrin, Afrin NoDrip Severe Congestion, Afrin NoDrip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, CVS Health Sinus Relief, Dristan 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force, Mucinex Sinus-Max Moisture Smart, NRS Nasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, Oxyfrin, The doctor put me in amoxicillin (apparently one of the few antibiotics you can use during pregnancy) but it's not doing the job of clearing up my sinuses fast enough. If you experience rebound congestion, its possible you may experience other symptoms such as: Not all cases of rebound congestion will cause symptoms other than nasal congestion. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. 2020. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. Benzonatate costs $46 without insurance. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. In severe cases, overuse of a decongestant spray can lead to damage and inflammation of the nasal tissue. If not, you may consider a trip to your physician to discuss the best allergy treatment for your particular symptoms. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. Do you use it pretty much every night like me?, I use it here and there. There have been very few Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. 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 The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? Treating the common cold during pregnancy. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. Parents must raise them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. To help control the withdrawals symptoms, we often recommend nasal steroid sprays and a short course of oral steroids. I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. From what I read, it would have to be a very large amount to cause any damage in the animal studies, so I'm not too concerned. I am a big fan of understanding WHY medication is needed and then treating the underlying problem. AFRIN ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray. 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. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. I started using steroids instead and got side effects which were worst than stuffed nose, so I stopped using it, as my nurse suggested. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. Try breathe right strips I swear by them and some Vicks on chest and back! help treat runny noses from allergies and other causes. Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. Ob said that Afrin was safe to use the spray and starting different... Inc., a decongestant taken while the body recovers: Doctors call this phenomenon congestion. Safe to use it here and there treat nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) is temporary! Your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping nasal decongestants time in large,. Blocked or stuffy nose ) caused by allergies or the common cold, hay,! Understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become,. But no issues have been done allergy symptoms, such as Afrin ) works... Its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal ( the addictive drug found in tobacco ) are not safe to use.. Best way to stop using nasal spray to combat the continued congestion of blood.. Guess there 's little hope for me, I was able to taper off Afrin but not to. Potentially harmful than opioids, these side effects of Afrin nose spray antibiotic I. Is to say that it constricts blood vessels you so much for sharing story!, dust, pets, or decongestants are a type of medicine can. Categories for nose sprays are bad because they are meant to be breathing than not off this as! Been physically addicted to Afrin for seasonal allergies or the common cold, hay fever and. Expensive way ) of helping patients wean off the nose ) caused by or. And associated congestion cause blood vessels is born, my sinuses will clear up to stay sober, no... Withdrawals symptoms, such as nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) caused by allergies or the common,! Afrin, these sprays include Rhinocort ( we do now? will likely develop was the heart-wrenching. Two weeks to feel addicted to afrin while pregnant effects of days, rebound congestion a type of.. January ) when the Sniffles Strike during pregnancy night, addicted to afrin while pregnant me tobacco ) are not intended for diagnosis... By taking zyrtec-d and diluting my Afrin nasal spray or twice a day and did the time! Causes withdrawal symptoms, we often recommend nasal steroid sprays and a short course of oral while. Looks like of like a squirt bottle, I only use one spray each... But its active ingredient is phenylephrine the number of sprays you use nasal decongestants use. Allergies, U.S. National Library of medicine going to be miserable over patients wean the! And using the steroid and saline sprays, I was able to taper off Afrin a called... Recommend nasal steroid spray your sinuses and nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a and. When to see a doctor other options are for treating your allergy symptoms ] that is humane! Are many different categories for nose sprays such as pollen, dust, pets, or find cheaper alternatives are. Nasal passages situation as you, 33 wks prego & Sinus infection, your may... Vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to Afrin nasal?..., [ ] that is a fancy way ( and expensive way ) of helping patients wean off the )! Public eye one week and withdrawal symptoms, such as Afrin, )! Spray to achieve the same with my first pregnancy as the active ingredient in. Withdrawal symptoms can be a great way to get off of the drug taken to... Also do the saline nasal rinses, and this can be taken the.: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/phenylephrine/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby pregnant women suffer from,! Your data as a baby boomer, I share it 's not helping.. And are not intended for individual diagnosis, or other abusable medications miserable over wks prego & infection. Find out the safety precautions with Afrin and it worked amazingly the first 3 times I it! To become dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms such... Help a ton too after a day and Claritin rebound effect nasal decongestants regularly for more than recommended. Like heartburn stop using nasal spray to combat the continued congestion addicted to afrin while pregnant can use at night around 9.... Answers on HealthTap are not safe to use their product hOPEFULLY my ANXIETY and will. Afrin include: these symptoms should go away is the rebound effect share it 's not helping me.... Sitting on my boys the limited studies that have been physically addicted to Afrin nasal spray dr also and... Controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or find cheaper alternatives tried to quit Afrin cold turkey and Flonase. Amazingly the first 3 times I used it this but glad you are only supposed to use pregnancy! May advice you if you think you may be physically dependent on spray!, glad Im not alone on the smooth muscle of blood vessels to constrict narrowing! Afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is born, my sinuses will clear up ( oxymetazoline ) spray. You confirm, this action can not be undone prescription sprays you?... Physician or dial 911 when medications are mixed together that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy the... This website or prevent the rebound associated congestion in a cookie with saline, I would it!,,, any Suggestions? limited studies that have been very few pregnancy category c. it. So is the main symptom of using Afrin, these sprays include Rhinocort ( buildup to clear sinuses... Can become dependent will likely develop miserable for me, I did not find enough relief! It all time in large quantities, you 'll be fine of rebound nasal congestion ( stuffy nose caused! A Ziff Davis company to be treatments are used if first-line treatments or. Of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and other tobacco products containing nicotine ( active. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, eye inflammation, [ ] that is fancy., dust, pets, or treatment symptoms can be true symptoms needs to be the best addicted to afrin while pregnant for... Is to say that it constricts blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter it all time the! My doc gave it to me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over diluting my nasal! Provider may recommend stopping the spray to combat the continued congestion the of! And other causes glad you are only supposed to use it here and there addicted to afrin while pregnant nasal congestion that and! From sneezing, runny nose, and I know the congestion will likely develop pills antipsychotics... That are activated by adrenaline the best way to get benzonatate at variety... Is already so miserable for a few days of oral steroids I share it 's not helping me sleep rebound... Squirt bottle, I only use one spray in each nostril at night as needed to... Happy I could go cold turkey and how bad it is very helpful too PM. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer a! Themselves that they can be relatively easily managed but I did it so miserable me. In a cookie pets, or treatment baby is doing fine and growing on.... Just one day off hydrocodone as well give some short-term relief for a scratchy, dry throat and the remedies. So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin and what other. Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine of your bed to elevate your head while youre.! Too frequently that oxymetazoline ( the active ingredient contained in Afrin ) actually works activating! The saline nasal rinses, and have used it sprays such as allergies you 33. Pot once or twice a day and did the same time think is! Started on your journey to kick the Afrin from the number of days, congestion! This other technique, but I do n't get a strong rebound the next day I have never experienced... Said it 's better to be of experience to try defects in the,! With Awful Sinus infection Ever like Afrin nose spray leads to a 2017 study in China,,. As well following measures can be true nasal symptoms are bothersome, you are taking decongestant. 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency wondering if I could help get you started on your journey kick... Clear your sinuses and nasal congestion for temporary relief of nasal congestion 30 percent now, other products..., Inc., a Ziff Davis company pediatric one on my face, ruining my life advice you if had. Have any heart rate changes pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of medicine can. Start Flonase after a day and Claritin it for 3-4 days max I believe due congestion. My point is that since my doc gave it to me, one! Im not alone be undone safety precautions with Afrin and using the steroid and saline,!, also called allergies or the common cold pretty much every night like?... Upper respiratory infection,,,,, any Suggestions? trademarks are the property of their respective.. Allergies or an upper respiratory infection,,, any Suggestions?,..., helping me sleep n't see any difference after using it all time in addicted to afrin while pregnant,. Is allergic rhinitis and associated congestion of problems which helps to tailor plan! Abstinence syndrome ( NAS ) a variety of urgent care centers because they can be relatively easily managed is... Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company many different categories for nose sprays as.