I've got myself in a bad spot with the nasal spray (Afrin). I cant breathe without now. It's called rebound congestion I think. Trying to ramp it down now, but I get desperate to breathe and know it's only a pump away. It's really bad at night. I'm to the point now where every few hours I'm having to use it. Any other "junkies" on site? Any tips to come off this stuff?

That's why we always warn patients to NOT use it more than 3 days. Always. You need to get off that shit. Start using saline nose spray as much as you wish. Start using Flonase (fluticasone) nose spray once a day. If you don't have hypertension, you can start taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), but you should monitor your blood pressure, if you will be on it for more than a week.

How about the menthol type products that you sniff are those addicting and they seem to open my nasal passages. God Bless

Addicted? Nope!

Hopelessly addicted. I read one time not so long ago, the instructions said "don't use for more than a few days". I've been on it pretty steady since 2003. Bad lately. I used to be able to get away from it for a while. i think I'm a little better in the summer.

I used to have that problem, so stopped using it. A few years ago I started using Flonase again, and it no longer does that. No idea why, but not complaining.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
I used to have that problem, so stopped using it. A few years ago I started using Flonase again, and it no longer does that. No idea why, but not complaining.

Flonase (a steroid) is completely different from Afrin (a vasoconstrictor). It's not "addicting" like Afrin, but it does have long-term side effects, being a steroid.

I was about to start some Flutacasone spray I have.

I have been plugged for days now, I have literally gone through 4 boxes of kleenex in the last 24 hours.

I have been trying Tylenol Sinus Severe, Dayquil, and some other generic Cold / Flu stuff. Nothing is touching it

Didnt realize this nasal spray stuff was so addictive

I stopped that spray stuff years ago, but flush every couple of days or so (Neti pot) and use the spray saline spray if I get up in the night and feel stuffy. It does not shrink the membrane, but clears any hangers-ons in the passage way and really helps with breathing. Winter dryness exasperates the conditions.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
I've been on it pretty steady since 2003.

That's... not healthy.

Not to mention expensive. Think about how much you've spent on Afrin alone in the past 20 years!

I wonder how effective the sinus irrigation machines (ala Navage) are? Seems like these might clear out a lot of noxious stuff with just water/saline.

I assume your not suffering SOB. Just breathing through the nose. Sounds like some sort of inflammatory process. Reminds me of Carmex in the 80s.

I would get some XClear and see if you can taper off.

Xlear Natural Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol, 1.5 fl oz (Pack of 3) https://a.co/d/eoE6i24

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
I used to have that problem, so stopped using it. A few years ago I started using Flonase again, and it no longer does that. No idea why, but not complaining.

Flonase (a steroid) is completely different from Afrin (a vasoconstrictor). It's not "addicting" like Afrin, but it does have long-term side effects, being a steroid.

Ah, that explains it. I guess the only problem is how expensive it is.

might look into Xlear. I am not recommending it for your situation. But I would look into it.

Costco sells Afrin in the three-packs. $15.

Just lettin' you know.

Even knowing better, I get sucked down that hole usually once a year. A few weeks in and my body tells me it's time to quit. It's kind of miserable for a couple days, but then back to normal.

Several years ago, I found myself using it nightly before bed. It helped me sleep. Used it for over a month straight.

Then I heard about it being addictive. WTF, really? I never knew it was a thing.

Yes, I was addicted to being able to breathe freely and Afrin helped tremendously.

I slowly weaned myself off of it.

Even today, when I am congested, I reach for Afrin. it really helps me breathe.

I remember my doctor all but poking me in the chest years ago when I admitted to using Afrin a 4th day. “Didn’t you read the label?” he asked, “no more than 3 days!” The stuff works, definitely, but I took him seriously. You should take Dr. 12131 seriously too.

I suffered with sinus issues / allergies all my life. Stopped up and streaming snot along with constant sneezing and when young my eyes would sometimes swell shut.

By middle age I was using Sudafed at double the recommended dose (it wasn't hid behind the counter and requiring an ID to buy back then) and I was supplementing that with Afrin just to be able to function and work.

Finally, my GP prescribed Flonase, back when it required a prescription. It was a life changing, amazing difference. My prescription was 1 or 2 sprays once or twice a day... for the rest of my life 365 days a year! I usually do 2 sprays per nostril two times a day during spring one spray twice a day the most of the year. I do drop it entirely for periods if I think I can get by without it for a few weeks. It almost completely fixed my problems. The generic or store brand Fluticasone/Flonase is fine. And it's cheaper especially in multi bottle packs. Don't expect quick results... give it 2 or three weeks or more.

I also occasionally use a saline spray if dried out too much and also an essential oil based spray for a stuffy nose, it isn't as fast or anywhere near as effective as Afrin but it helps (me) and isn't addicting. YMMV.

Amazon link

You might try switching to NasalCrom. Salt water rinses twice or three times a day might help.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
That's why we always warn patients to NOT use it more than 3 days. Always. You need to get off that shit. Start using saline nose spray as much as you wish. Start using Flonase (fluticasone) nose spray once a day. If you don't have hypertension, you can start taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), but you should monitor your blood pressure, if you will be on it for more than a week.

For god's sake listen to the man. He’s a professional.