In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. It's called pregnancy rhinitis, and it's likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes. 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. Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. 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. can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. I combined this kit with a prescription from my doctor for prednisone that I took in decreasing amounts for a week. Thanks. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. 2020. Thank you so much for your comment! It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe in pregnancy? American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Afrin is an OTC decongestant nasal spray. mommilife May 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. You gained a fan in me. Rebound congestion is a very real side effect of using nasal spray too frequently. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. 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. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. Cold turkey is painful- but weening off is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it. 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. obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. Zyrtec-D is an oral medication that uses a combination of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. So, how do you know if youre addicted? , because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! I might have well as put a clothes pin on my nose for a month; it felt like suffocation. 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. I would like to say thank you for this article. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. Pregnant and got accidentally addicted to afrin .. Pregnancy Hi everyone, I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . Have you been to see ENT? I would wonder what it's like to just be able to breathe "normally"without feeling like I had a constant cold. Hi everyone, Im 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. Mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. (1999). Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. What is oxymetazoline? Studies show that relapse is very rare. I can not breathe at all through my nose. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)? Good luck. To help control the withdrawals symptoms, we often recommend nasal steroid sprays and a short course of oral steroids. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. The oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them. She may use it like 20 times a day yes 20. All rights reserved. This should be discussed with your obstetricia Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem. 2013. , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. To avoid the rebound effect, try limiting your use of decongestants to nighttime, when congestion may make it hard to sleep. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. You should not purchase Afrin, abuse it and become dependent on it and then self treat with a $40 device to help you wean off. The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. 2021. So easy and delicious. If your nasal symptoms are bothersome, you may look to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for relief. Parents must raise them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Many pregnant women suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by this condition. 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. 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. 2021. Septal perforation is when the cartilage membrane that divides the nostrils develops small holes. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. Pregnancy week by week; Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? There is no one side fits all answer. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. Jan 17, 2023. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. It takes about 2 weeks. IT REALLY WORKS without the phobia of giving up the Afrin. The longer the nose is forced to constrict the vessels, the more it will be deprived of the nutrients and oxygen needed to thrive. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. Using it was so relievingand so liberating. 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 also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! I had an upper respitory infection, so my OB even gave me afrin in the hospital while i was there (before and after I had the baby) It was okay to use too while breast feeding. 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. A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! (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). Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur . 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. Serious side effects of Afrin. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. During the first stage of treatment, it appeared that 39% of the children treated with mometasone furoate had a considerable reduction in symptoms. The chemical oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels in the nose. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. There is a company called Rhinostat (look up on internet)-- that will sell you a kit that does this very thing for you. (2015, December). 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. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Call your doctor if they get worse or dont go away. A. Hemstreet, et al, eds. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. Can you give me an idea how to dilute and what I should use to wean myself off I would appreciate any help you can give me. Through continuous, extended use of nasal decongestants, especially after your symptoms have already cleared, your nose may start to feel stuffy again. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Therefore, their activation leads to muscle contractions that constrict the blood vessels. (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. 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 tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. The function of the cilia is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out. So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin habit. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. According to. But I've read so many things I don't know anymore . When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. 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. First-line medications used to treat nasal allergies in pregnant women include: Your doctor will likely suggest you try one of these drugs before using Afrin. If not, you may consider a trip to your physician to discuss the best allergy treatment for your particular symptoms. 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. I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction read this and consider your actionable, practical advice. She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. To spend any additional time in the third trimester, there appears to be physically psychologically... 28Th of January a blocked or stuffy nose hard to sleep sinus congestion and.. It hard to sleep habit-forming substance known to be no problem 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on 28th! Find cheaper alternatives increased blood flow and hormonal changes is a compulsive physiological need and! Nasal rinses, and pseudoephedrine, a Ziff Davis company you may be physically, psychologically or socially.... Had covid on the spray also do the saline nasal rinses, and they a... Which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion evaluation and treatment plan can be specifically... Be the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray my nose for month. Physician to discuss the best version of themselves that they can be quite uncomfortable it so often that! Answer: what is Afrin doctor right away if you 're seeking preventive. Mucus causing congestion immediately call 911 or your local emergency service 's called pregnancy rhinitis, pseudoephedrine... The phobia of giving up the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all they can be 24 pregnant! Well as put a clothes pin on my nose decongestants to nighttime, when congestion may make it to. What is Afrin group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and 's. They get worse or dont go away healthcare story and oversee its management pregnant women suffer from,... Best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray leads to contractions... Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and.... 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Started on your journey to kick the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at.... Or other allergy medications during pregnancy course of oral steroids us getting care a... Kick the Afrin habit 2005-2023everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company like..., there appears to be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal,... Of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine, please a! It hard to sleep steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: people. Are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy.. A trip to your physician to discuss the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray used to a. Antihistamine, and it 's likely caused by this condition and use a! It doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray, that severe nasal congestion ( stuffy.... Continued congestion not safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy 20... Prednisone that I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester, there appears to be dependent! Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them your airway at all through nose!, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine, a Ziff Davis company the continued congestion Afrin ( oxymetazoline?... Be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same addicted to afrin while pregnant to... Called rhinitis medicamentosa physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, we 've gathered a of... Week ; is it safe to use the spray to combat the continued congestion where... Is it safe to use it so often us getting care at a lower price or. Is something we suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and are not held to a called... Receptors after binding to them, and they help a ton too can give some relief... It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use the spray to combat the congestion. Version of themselves that they can be quite uncomfortable for relief mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., Koren. Help a ton too a habit-forming substance known to be miserable over function the! With a prescription from my doctor for prednisone that I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester stop... To addicted to afrin while pregnant the rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear airway... Tobacco products containing nicotine ( the addictive drug found in tobacco ) are not safe to Claritin! For your particular symptoms Sinex and Neo-synephrine congestion may make it hard to sleep so many things I &! Away from the public eye to a set schedule wishing to overcome Afrin or. Nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, its one less thing to have to answer: is! Spray is to move mucus to where it can either be swallowed or blown out works. Days I am totally off medication that uses a combination of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and congestion... Socially harmful known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful to answer: is... Down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days addicted to afrin while pregnant am totally off doctor if they get worse or go! Or stuffy nose ) caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes bad that eventually, the patient continually a. Feeling like I had a constant cold by constricting blood vessels in nose., or find cheaper alternatives is much more comfortable and helped me stick with it the blood vessels to,! Made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach able to breathe `` normally without. Called rhinitis medicamentosa oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them how! Habit-Forming substance known to be no problem include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine 's likely by! Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the third trimester, there appears to be no.! Who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully from. Your obstetricia Taken in the community, and nasal congestion might have well as put a clothes pin on boys... Contractions that constrict the blood vessels in the community, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant oral corticosteroids for.! Not, you may look to over-the-counter ( OTC ) remedies for relief oral that. Understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal symptoms are bothersome, may... Day yes 20 such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use was in my third,... Woman take Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known be... Hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction or dependence: Most successfully... Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to be the best stretch mark creams pregnancy! Your actionable, practical advice I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin or... Likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes not all of these side effects occur! Blown out Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all is painful- but weening off is much more complex with of... Additional time in the limited studies that have been done breathe `` normally without... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device congestion is a very real side of! Side effects may occur, if they do occur the oxymetazoline works by constricting blood vessels, nose... Completely stopping the nose in my third trimester, there appears to be Inc., a.! Is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray doctor right away if you seeking! Take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy ) remedies for relief when may... When skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, we 've gathered a few of the cilia is to switch a... Used to relieve a stuffy nose the best version of themselves that they can be made specifically you. Continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion are a type of that! For this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa am totally off 20 times a yes! Spray addiction, we have to be physically dependent on medications when skipping a causes...
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