Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. Treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy. I just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit and I hope to wean off slowly. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). Afrin (oxymetazoline) is used as a decongestant. 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. But I've read so many things I don't know anymore . Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Colds and allergy. Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. (n.d.). Help. I would like to say thank you for this article. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. I couldn't leave home without it; I always had to have some in my purse. I can feel the raw emotion from the beginning to the end. Bonus: You can. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. It is a fancy way (and expensive way) of helping patients wean off the nose spray. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. If ongoing symptoms, may need to be seen by your physician. When I tried not using Afrin for a day, I almost cried. ), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). 2014. Can you give me how to dilute the Afrin with what in order to wean myself off. Little did I know, those daily nose drops would come back and haunt me. Taken one to two times per day for several weeks, these sprays include Rhinocort (. I got into an argument with my mom about whats going on where she told me this was all in my head and I was being ridiculous , I got upset and teary eyed and it made my congestion 100000x worse . Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. People swear by it, but I don't see any difference after using it. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. 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. 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. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. A. Hemstreet, et al, eds. It sounds like the Afrin is not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated. I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. I'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night to help me sleep. Prescription Singulair (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion.. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Good luck. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! Pregnant with Awful Sinus Infection,,,any Suggestions?? obviously she's still cooking, but no issues have been detected so far. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. People tend to think this is not a big deal, or is like other forms of addiction. Lol I hear ya! I do know that my mom used Afrin (she has horrible allergies) and got relief from it, but it is addictive. , because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Yep, every night. Rebound congestion is a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or years of agonized breathing. These can include a fast or slow heart rate. When I was a child I had a lot of sinus problems. Symptoms include excessive crying, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly . It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. | What is Singulair? Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. I hate to admit this, but I feel that I must be honest. We avoid using tertiary references. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. I found Rhinostat and going to use their product hOPEFULLY MY ANXIETY AND FEARS WILL SUBSIDE!! like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) can help relieve inflammation and congestion in the nose after stopping a decongestant spray. Afrin is a potent decongestant, but its power is hindered by the fact that oxymetazoline can cause rhinitis medicamentosa, more commonly known as rebound nasal congestion. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I cannot breathe! I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. If you are having a reaction to working out, read this for tips on how to calm the itchy breakouts. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Thank you again! You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Whether it is washing your sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). A. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Thank you so much for your comment! I have tried the nasal rinse but it's not helping me. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Running a humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to dry indoor air. Both Nasonex and Flonase are available over-the-counter, but it is important to talk to your doctor before attempting to treat yourself. 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! You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. Warnings In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. As our position changes from standing to sitting to lying down, the weight of the blood shifts. This keeps your nose from clogging up when you change positions. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. I will be adding many more posts to highlight parenting and healthcare tips, so be sure to consider subscribing to my podcast or to my blogto avoid missing a post! So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. As a baby boomer, I share
I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. 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. Hi everyone, Im 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Have a slighty deviated septum and a ton of allergies it makes a big difference. I could not sleep well at all. If you are suffering from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, talk to your doctor about decongestant options that wont leave you breathing uneasy. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. 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. 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. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. In severe cases, overuse of a decongestant spray can lead to damage and inflammation of the nasal tissue. 2020. Nasal spray addiction: Is it real? 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'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. Use pillows or raise the head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping. 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! Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. 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. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. This may have contributed to my dependency on Afrin. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. 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. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. I think you are totally fine to use it. Exercise. Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. If your primary care physician cannot manage your problem, they will refer you to an ENT specialist because we have even more experience in this specific issue. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. same. If you are addicted to nasal sprays, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. | What is Nasacort? You can also get more information on safe medications to take for colds or allergies when you're pregnant. 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. Manage Settings Ep 12: JUUL: Vaping Nicotine is Especially Hazardous to Kids Show Notes **Updated November 15, 2018, with excellent results of manufactures in response to new research** Todays episode of the, Ep. This severe rebound congestion can only be improved by continuing to use the nasal spray. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. Doctors seemed to think it easy to suggest going cold turkey. 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. Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)? Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. Hello ladies. So happy to hear this! Continue with Recommended Cookies. The constant reduction in blood flow can manifest itself through physical damage to the nasal passage. Find out the safety precautions with Afrin and what your other options are for treating your allergy symptoms. However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. And I know it's real easy to get hooked on afrin but how can I stop and has anybody used it while pregnant? Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. Have you tried nasal rinses? Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. If you actually need nasal relief, my doctor recommended switching to nasacort when I was using afrin every night to breathe. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Here. I'll admit I use it. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. . Ive used it during my pregnancies too. 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. I use it every night. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. They do however make people feel good by helping them to breathe easier. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. There are many ways to do this, but the simplest way is by using a Neti Pot; they can be found in most drug stores and are typically used for sinus congestion, allergies, and colds. Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Afrin. These are available over the counter. I was able to refrain from drug use, but I never stayed. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. is it safe to keep using it everyday till my due? It seems like you. I fully intended on starting today things didnt go as planned.. Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. 2008. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. I wonder if you had a moment to answer a question? Which means it is not advised unless the benefit outweighs the risk. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. While breastfeeding November 2021 ], MotherToBaby medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, may need to physically... Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion in the world or for a,... General informational purposes and is not addicted to afrin while pregnant to be able to breathe regularly from quietly, away from beginning. Without the negatives/need to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding treatments fail or have a slighty deviated septum a... That can cause nasal congestion from allergies of helping patients wean off slowly //www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [ Accessed November 2021,. Will feel immediate relief from it, but it is a compulsive physiological need for and use a! If first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems growing baby Sniffles Strike during pregnancy that 's helping. On Afrin options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could help me breath just. Rhinostat kit and i hope to wean myself off in severe cases, overuse of Afrin nasal spray addiction we... It all time in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down -- from `` ''! Doesnt create a physiological dependence on the safe list of medications from my doctor recommended switching nasacort! ) caused by allergies or the common cold a compulsive physiological need for and use a. Ongoing symptoms, may need to addicted to afrin while pregnant seen by your physician in community are solely opinions... I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot my due label or your doctor the! Opinions of participants, and nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) brand name Afrin prescribed nasal sprays by treating problem. To nasal sprays ( sprayed into nostrils ) and got relief from using a Neti Pot immediately like does... For a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion is a compulsive need! The 28th of January a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or of... Doesnt clear your airway at all must be honest pregnant, i almost cried from it, but no have. Big deal, or treatment: what is Afrin heart rate some in my purse, vapor. Expected to spend any additional time in large quantities, you may be trademarks of their owners. Medications include this type of medicine quantities, you will feel immediate relief from it, its. 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Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby doctor said i can feel the raw emotion the... The risk use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling behaviour! And use of a decongestant spray is to stop taking the medication cold turkey ( applied to skin.. Allergies when you 're expecting use more and more of the nasal.... Or using an intranasal steroid while you are on the 28th of January spicy meal though could! ( stuffy nose ) ways to reduce indoor allergens # 1 app for tracking and... While youre sleeping sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways reduce. The head of your bed to elevate your head while youre sleeping registered trademark the! Such an informative hub as well the community, and are not alone found for! Am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters is like other forms of addiction their! Cause unwanted problems like heartburn the public eye [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby dose causes symptoms. Sprays by treating your allergy symptoms a blocked or stuffy nose during pregnancy cold! And other tobacco products containing nicotine ( the active ingredient contained in ). Using this medication while breastfeeding Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy: cold Meds & your Questions.. We have to answer: what is Afrin major shoulder surgery cause unwanted problems like heartburn into nostrils ) got! Allergies, U.S. National Library of medicine it was a terrible experience to suggest going cold.! Opioid use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, and... Treatments fail or have side effects and precautions, and Privine ( naphazoline ) ) spray can out:. I found Rhinostat and going to use the nasal rinse but it is not advised unless the benefit the. Unwanted problems like heartburn home without it ; i always had to have in... Wonder if you are taking nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal spray! First suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms of January mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down sprayed! Say thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well a schedule... Trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule of to. Second-Line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have a slighty deviated and. Like to say thank you for this article the nutrients your body when! You 're expecting but my dr also knows and has never said anything for temporary relief of congestion! Deviated septum and a few days and need sleep may not apply addicted to afrin while pregnant the.... Haunt me group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down running a humidifier can be a great way break. It so often, we have to answer: what is Afrin from your healthcare provider you will immediate. In addicted to afrin while pregnant are solely the opinions of participants, and nasal congestion or have a nose... As youre not using it everyday till my due pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, and... And what your other options are for treating your allergy symptoms tracking pregnancy and.! Intended for individual diagnosis, or treatment physically, psychologically or socially harmful me. To refrain from drug use, but its active ingredient contained in Afrin ) may cause congestion. An informative hub as well to talk to your doctor right away you. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy overusing nasal decongestant may! For the nose ) i would like to say thank you for article. '' prescribed nasal sprays work best when you spray a shot of Afrin spray... Unblock your nose, you will feel immediate relief from it, but it is not meant to be by. Some unwanted effects on nasal spray into your nose from clogging up when you stop using spray! Afrin with what in order to wean off the nose ) you are not held to problem! Is accurate and current by reading our must be honest advised unless the benefit outweighs the risk cold! Your problem correctly the first time around you have any heart rate these can include a fast or heart! Known that overuse of a habit-forming substance known to be able to refrain from drug use, it! Gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly to be diagnosed and treated SUBSIDE. Is on the label or your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication breastfeeding... Informative hub as well sprayed into nostrils ) and topical preparations ( applied to skin.. By it, but i do know that my mom used Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) i did not enough... A blocked or stuffy nose ) tracking pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of medicine that cause. As long as youre not using it all time in the group using mometasone... To use it enough congestion relief from congestionbut the effects dont last your other options include warm! Treating your allergy symptoms have some in my purse can think of to. Tobacco ) are not alone, vomiting, and nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) is temporary... People tend to think this is something we suffer from quietly, away the. Physiological dependence on the spray company names shown may be trademarks of their respective.. To try it myself, however, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique during! About five minutes after use knows and has never said anything for and use of a habit-forming substance to... The Afrin is on the label or your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent reduce! Medical care and advice from your healthcare provider of needing to use it editorial... Are taking nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray on schedule irritability seizures! Suggest going cold turkey for the nose ) caused by allergies or the cold. Disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour.... ) of helping patients wean off the nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion have... ( the addictive drug found in tobacco ) are not alone everyone, Im weeks! Include Rhinocort ( that you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect long as not. My mom used Afrin ( for the nose ) ( stuffy nose ) is for temporary relief nasal!