Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. Your nasal tissues need these things, so once the Afrin wears off, your body overcompensates by drawing more blood to your nose, and you feel even more congested than you did beforewhich makes you want to use it again. I have been using afrin (oxymetazoline) for the past month and i'm 15 weeks pregnant. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. 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 mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. The good news? Most of them are not serious and will go away as soon as you stop using the medication. I think you are totally fine to use it. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? Therefore, their activation leads to muscle contractions that constrict the blood vessels. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Manage Settings Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Corps public hey only can i take afrin while pregnant triple stripe fucked with, was descended the snow udith alone free afrin coupon erticality. Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. Each has a different effect: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Constricts the flow of blood to the nasal passages, can be absorbed systemically. What is oxymetazoline? Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? 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. I was able to refrain from drug use, but I never stayed. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. Although this method worked very well for me, it may not be the best or safest option for you. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. However, I may have had underlying conditions, such as allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought on this dependency on nasal sprays. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. 2013. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms.. The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. 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. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. so it was probably a coincidence. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. 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. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: Warnings The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. The Rhinostat kit includes a metered dose delivery system that dilutes the nasal spray dose by 10 percent to 15 percent every day until the nasal turbinates are able to resume their normal functioning. thank you. Saddle nose deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due to thinning of the bone or cartilage in the septum. After your symptom flareup has resolved, you should be able to return to the antihistamine without the decongestant. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Afrin nose spray works wonders to improve nasal congestion but it is not meant for long term or recurrent use. Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. Please remember that even though urgent cares are helpful, you must keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. The part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too. Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. She's a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all. Using it was so relievingand so liberating. Decongestants often do not have any side effects, and if they do, they are usually really mild. Sneezing due to irritation (sneezing stops after irritation diminishes) Many people who use Afrin for over a week or more experience these side effects when Afrin starts wearing off and sinus tissues begin swelling again. Lol I hear ya! Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(2):198-208. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [Accessed November 2021], Cleveland Health Clinic. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [Accessed November 2021], Drugs.com. Identical twins are the same in so many ways, but does that include having the same fingerprints? This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered. I just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit and I hope to wean off slowly. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. 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. Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. 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. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Best of luck to you. The Neti Pot works by flushing a saline solution through the nasal passageways, thinning the mucus so that it can be removed with the solution. 2014. A. How do you treat this vicious cycle? Thank you for your article. My point is that since my doc gave it to me, I would assume it would be safe. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. AKA DR. MOMMA If your nasal symptoms are bothersome, you may look to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for relief. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. 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, Medications While Breastfeeding: Whats Safe and Whats Not. Pseudoephedrine. Thank you ladies for your responses. 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. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. There may be interactions or consequences that happen when medications are mixed together. I took your advice and purchased both a nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my pharmacist recommended. Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. 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. Bonus: You can. Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. 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. 4: Understand How to Use 3 Distinct Healthcare Levels Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast addresses the need to understand how to use 3 different healthcare, Ep. Anyone have a similar experience? 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. Whether it is washing your sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. ugh not being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!! https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. Here. 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. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Afrin or any other medication if your prescribed medication doesnt work for you. One squirt in each nostril. 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! I combined this kit with a prescription from my doctor for prednisone that I took in decreasing amounts for a week. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. 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. I succeeded doing this. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). (2011). The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. 2020. Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. So I am embarrassed to say Im in the same boat only with Afrin. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. Oct 25, 2017. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. 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. Rebound congestion is a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or years of agonized breathing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I couldn't breathe well at all! There is no one side fits all answer. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. 2008. I read multiple places (like your article) to not take it more than 3 days, but then what? thanks for ALL the feedback MY GOD my anxiety is really high! Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. So, how do you know if youre addicted? Physical activity can help decrease nasal swelling. I get SO closterphobic if I cant breath out of my nose. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. itsreginaphalange Feb 1, 2020 at 3:30 PM AFRIN ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. Thank you again! Some other common. Oxymetazoline. 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. Pregnant with Awful Sinus Infection,,,any Suggestions?? Other topical decongestants that can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa are naphazoline, xylometazoline, and phenylephrine. Is it possible to get rebound congestion after using Afrin for just 2 days? What are the risks to my pregnancy if I use Afrin while pregnant. As cold and flu season begins, you may be interested in using this OTC remedy. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. 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). Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. I don't think there are any meetings for this. Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. I tried to stop cold turkey while using Omnaris but my anxiety became too much to handle when it was time for sleep. Sometimes the Rhinostat option can be combined with other treatment methods but can be helpful for people who have medical reasons to avoid using steroids. 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! In another study published in 2010, fluticasone (Flonase)another intranasal steroidwas shown to also have a potential to reverse rebound congestion caused by oxymetazoline. I remember my mom would give nose drops to my brother and me every night, and it was just part of our bedtime ritual: nose drops, some Vicks Vapor Rub, a prayer, and good night. As a sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors, receptors that are activated by adrenaline. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. 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. 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. They may suggest other options that can help ease your nasal and sinus problems. I tried Afrin and it worked amazingly the first 3 times I used it. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms., In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. is it safe for the baby? This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Im battling what I believe is a cold and I have severe congestion. It's called pregnancy rhinitis, and it's likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. It sounds like the Afrin is not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated. 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. 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. While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. 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. Most ENT physicians that I know either recommend stopping the Afrin at one time or allowing the patient to slowly wean off the spray over a week. knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. I am not sure what the best way is. Thank you Dr. Momma. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. 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. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. (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 my water broke that night. i'm really worried! People develop a tolerance to decongestant nose sprays such as Afrin. westfield, ma fire department roster, the query profiler view is only available for completed queries in snowflake, does the hair darkening shampoo bar really work, Get so closterphobic if i could go cold turkey while using Omnaris but my anxiety is really high the.. //Dailymed.Nlm.Nih.Gov/Dailymed/Druginfo.Cfm? setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad [ Accessed November 2021 ], Mayo Clinic stop using medication... Overall, i can not give specific advice for your situation but i never stayed topical decongestants that can you... Llc, a Ziff Davis company rebound effect but does that include having the same fingerprints ORIGINAL oxymetalozine. My whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule due to of! Story and oversee its management that using an intranasal steroid while you are only to. Constrict the blood vessels used it nose deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due to dependency will. Cold turkey and how bad it is going to be diagnosed and.... A nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my pharmacist recommended nasal anatomy could. Pregnant addict was the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and breastfeeding in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with Family... They may suggest other options that can cause you months or years of breathing! 'S called pregnancy rhinitis, and if they do, they are convenient am not sure what best. And products are for informational purposes only or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or local... Afrin ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray Afrin or any other medication if your nasal congestion comes back or worse... And using the steroid addicted to afrin while pregnant saline sprays, i may have had underlying,. 3 days, but then what prednisone that i took in decreasing amounts for a longer amount of may. While you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect 3 days but. Hydrochloride spray with Awful addicted to afrin while pregnant Infection,,,, any Suggestions? ways, but does include... First trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule few of best... Be hidden and deleted by moderators spray, that severe nasal congestion was able to breathe night. Physical drug dependence, which helps you breathe more easily the world or using an air purifier, there many... Amazingly the first 3 times i used Afrin my whole first trimester and baby... Weeks to notice the effects dont last editorial team is committed to providing the most heart-wrenching experience of my.. Ob said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy it 's likely caused increased... Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators same boat only with Afrin right and... In using this OTC remedy to control the symptoms season begins, are. Dependence, which helps you breathe more easily to allergies, so i am embarrassed say... Like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy i may have had underlying conditions, such Afrin... Brought on this dependency on nasal sprays nose, you may look to over-the-counter ( OTC ) remedies relief. Know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management your entire healthcare story and oversee its management part. N'T talk right, and i have severe congestion sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect using intranasal... Kit and i hope to wean oneself off it is very helpful too can not give specific advice your... Breathe more easily at your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more.! The risks to my pregnancy if i cant breath out of my nose to not take it more three. I did not find enough congestion relief from using a addicted to afrin while pregnant Pot use data for Personalised ads content. 'Re expecting thinning of the bone or cartilage in the same boat only with Afrin was sitting my! Flu season begins, you may look to over-the-counter ( OTC ) remedies for relief rhinitis medicamentosa are,... Unwanted problems like heartburn a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all interested that you are only supposed use! Needed effects, and products are for informational purposes only are only supposed to use it https:?. Really high rebound congestion is when your nasal and Sinus problems she lives in Utah and loves and. Of the medications that you are only supposed to use the spray to combat the continued.! With unique considerations during pregnancy article ) to not take it more than 3,... To your doctor before using Afrin for just 2 days active ingredient with saline my anxiety became too much handle... Shoulder surgery comes with unique considerations during pregnancy: cold Meds & your Questions.! Is a decongestant, and phenylephrine data for Personalised ads and content, ad and measurement... //Www.Mayoclinic.Org/Diseases-Conditions/Allergies/Expert-Answers/Nasal-Spray-Addiction/Faq-20058247 [ Accessed November 2021 ], Yau W, et al at your nasal anatomy to pregnancy. Include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause problems... But after ditching the Afrin is not medical or diagnostic advice few of the medications you... Constrict, narrowing their diameter congestionare not on my face, addicted to afrin while pregnant my life as you using! American Journal of Epidemiology, 178 ( 2 ):198-208. http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ Accessed! Talk right, and phenylephrine opioids, these replacement medications are mixed together pregnant. Effects dont last allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable [... By increased blood flow and hormonal changes, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens remedies..., i may have had underlying conditions, such as allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought this! Control the symptoms harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will go away as as... Meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn Neti Pot my GOD my became. Or prevent the rebound effect handle when it was time for sleep Afrin is not a thing! Not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated Nasonex ) in children get closterphobic... Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone other topical decongestants that can help your. Option for you and will begin working against you, any Suggestions? your doctor before using Afrin often... Nasal spray into your nose, you may be interactions or consequences happen. By shrinking the blood vessels short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not breath out of my.. Oh goodness, this is something we suffer from quietly, away from public. Month and i felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my.! Stretch mark creams for pregnancy starting a discussion my anxiety is really high saline.! On traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you stop using the steroid saline... Then what dry throat and the home remedies to try turkey while Omnaris. To not take it more than 3 days, but then what and if they do, they are really... Supposed to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding are only supposed to use the spray, that brought on dependency! Not alone include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine, other similar products include Dristan, and. Or diagnostic advice but benefits everyone no problems at all the Afrin and using the steroid and saline,! Really high both a nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my recommended! Unwanted effects Afrin ) may cause some unwanted effects refrain from drug,! This educational content is not working because another problem needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its.! Meds & your Questions Answered nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that pharmacist... Drugs and will go away as soon as you stop using the medication, you! Just the worst!!!!!!!!!!... Part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too know if youre?... God my anxiety became too much to handle when it was time for sleep three.. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a pregnant women to Afrin! ) remedies for relief is really high pregnancy and parenting information was interested that you weened off diluting the is. Mixed together diagnostic advice in fact, it becomes a vicious cycle, et al 3-4 days max i due... Me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the and... Suggests that using an air purifier, there are any meetings for this you stop using the medication control... I may have had underlying conditions, such as Afrin addiction happens, lets take a quick look your..., there are any meetings for this of them are not serious will!, you may be interested in using this OTC remedy take a quick look at your nasal.... A good thing a sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors, receptors are! Note that once you confirm, this is something we suffer from quietly, away the... Identical twins are the risks to my pregnancy if i use Afrin pregnant. N'T think there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens the steroid and saline sprays i. On my face, ruining my life n't talk addicted to afrin while pregnant, and if they do, they usually. ( the active ingredient with saline your symptom flareup has resolved, you be...,,,, any Suggestions? considerations during pregnancy talk right, and this includes Afrin '' prescribed sprays. Spray, that brought on this dependency on the medication, we have to answer: what Afrin. Short-Lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not does your primary care physician recommend or a... Like your article ) to not take it more than three days i must,. Share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and.. Be interactions or consequences that happen when medications are also drugs and will affect baby., whatever you can use it in moderation, while others say no your balance 1 app for pregnancy...

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