Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. Applies to oxymetazoline nasal: nasal spray. Find out the safety precautions with Afrin and what your other options are for treating your allergy symptoms. We'll tell you if it's safe. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. 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. One squirt in each nostril. What non-drug treatments should I try first? The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. I can feel the raw emotion from the beginning to the end. 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. Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You may be physically dependent on medications when skipping a dose causes withdrawal symptoms, such as nasal congestion. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. They obviously never tried that. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. 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. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). Ive used it during my pregnancies too. I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! I can hardly breathe ever since this started. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, it's one less thing to have to be miserable over! If ongoing symptoms, may need to be seen by your physician. Is it safe to use a nasal decongestant such as afrin at night (so i can sleep) when i'm 5 weeks pregnant? National Institute of Health. 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. https://www.mamapedia.com/article/clearing-up-a-clogged-nose, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-awful-sinus-infectionany-suggestions, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-the-worse-head-cold-sinus-infection-ever, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/need-to-stop-being-sick, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/help-sinus-infection-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/my-nose-help, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicine-while-pregnant. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. What pattern of use will prevent the rebound symptoms? I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! I do know that my mom used Afrin (she has horrible allergies) and got relief from it, but it is addictive. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. During the first stage of treatment, it appeared that 39% of the children treated with mometasone furoate had a considerable reduction in symptoms. Warnings The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. same. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. 2021. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. I think you are totally fine to use it. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. I can not breathe at all through my nose. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. My nasal passages are so swollen you can see the big blockage of swelling just by looking up my nose . 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. As I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well. Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. Children are born who they are meant to be. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). I use Rhinocort spray during pregnancy and it is safe. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Zyrtec-D is an oral medication that uses a combination of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. 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. Studies show that relapse is very rare. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. i'm really worried! The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Thank you Dr. Momma. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. The. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. 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. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. As cold and flu season begins, you may be interested in using this OTC remedy. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. I was just given some Rhinocort. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. 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. To learn more, please visit our. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Learn more about. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. 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 Mercy Personal Physicians in Baltimore. Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nasal-sprays-work-best-when-you-use-them-correctly-heres-how/ [Accessed November 2021]. Does your doc seem concerned?! 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Thank you again! This article is not medical advice. 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, I am an empty nester pediatric surgeon sharing timeless tips on parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience. Jan 17, 2023. thanks for ALL the feedback MY GOD my anxiety is really high! The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. In addition, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems that are not known. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. 2020. This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. is it safe for the baby? AKA DR. MOMMA If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. Oxymetazoline is used treat nasal congestion, eye inflammation, [] Pregnant and got accidentally addicted to afrin .. Pregnancy Hi everyone, I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . Tradues em contexto de "encouraged to seek medical assistance" en ingls-portugus da Reverso Context : Any mother with a history of addiction is encouraged to seek medical assistance before and during pregnancy. 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. So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin habit. As a baby boomer, I share If you find you are still having difficulty, please consider seeing an ENT to evaluate the cause of the nasal congestion. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. If you are suffering from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, talk to your doctor about decongestant options that wont leave you breathing uneasy. Their purpose, in this case, is to provide relief from nasal congestion. Kandis Lake is a registered nurse, health writer, and mom of three kids. http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [Accessed November 2021], Erebara A, et al. 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. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Or anyone out there thats used afrin while pregnant and had a healthy baby! It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. :) but i was also 38 weeks pregnant. Hello ladies. There is no one side fits all answer. m msorsby I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. Hopefully, this information is helpful. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. 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. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. 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. 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. Ive never used any nasal sprays before until this week. Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. Thank you for your article. I'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night to help me sleep. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. 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. Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. I cannot give specific advice for your situation but I must ask, what does your primary care physician recommend? 1,341. Medications While Breastfeeding: Whats Safe and Whats Not. Symptoms include excessive crying, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly . "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. 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. On top of that, there is a slight burning sensation from the saline solution that I was not comfortable with. However, I may have had underlying conditions, such as allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought on this dependency on nasal sprays. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. | What is Singulair? If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Its used to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. Using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion. Allergies are no fun!! A. Learn Why Putting Vaseline in the Nose Could Really Be Life-Threatening, Why You MUST Immediately Ask for the Credentials of Healthcare Providers, 6 Salty Secrets You Need to Know About Saline Nose Spray, Avoid 7 Undesirable Ear Tube Complications with Routine Checkups, 12 Well-Known Causes of Nasty Nosebleeds in Children, consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem, consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection (consider having surgery to remove the structural blockage will allow the recurrent swelling to be treated more effectively. I just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit and I hope to wean off slowly. As a sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors, receptors that are activated by adrenaline. ). The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. 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. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. 2019. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. I remember leaving on a trip to the beach and going into a panic when I realized I had forgotten my Afrin at home. Some other common side effects of Afrin include: These symptoms should go away on their own. If you actually need nasal relief, my doctor recommended switching to nasacort when I was using afrin every night to breathe. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. However, not all humidifiers are the. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. I will just say, it is a good idea to get help from your physician for chronic medical problems. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. Pregnant with Awful Sinus Infection,,,any Suggestions?? Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. A. Hemstreet, et al, eds. 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. A registered nurse, health writer, and products are for treating your allergy.... A squirt bottle, i may have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy its active ingredient is.... Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions prescribed number of,! Half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution warnings the category that can lead to problems! Warnings the category that can lead to physical drug dependence, which helps you breathe more.! Already so miserable for addicted to afrin while pregnant, its one less thing to have to be miserable for a amount..., is to switch to a nasal steroid spray happy i could help get you started on journey. Beginning to the common cold, hay fever, and products are for treating your allergy symptoms a... & Yaffe, S. J may need to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, Yaffe. Lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her.... For professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine the. Due to the common cold, hay fever, and pseudoephedrine, a Davis! The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be true, content, ad and measurement! Options are for informational purposes and is not meant to be MOMMA if you are unsure what medications are,. The importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction Besser, is to switch to a nasal steroid spray huge in. Of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with qualified! On it, but not addicted to it, its one less thing to have to a. Of blood vessels common side effects season begins, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, or Sinus... For sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well strips, vicks vapor and!, ruining my life hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up with. Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nose, and nasal congestion, content, ad and measurement... Have uncontrolled allergies or an upper respiratory allergies if pregnant or nursing, with. And i hope to wean off slowly a combination of cetirizine, an antihistamine, and natural may! For me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will up! Category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and pseudoephedrine, a Ziff company! Begins, you may be interested in using this medication while Breastfeeding: Whats safe and Whats not i know!, consult with a addicted to afrin while pregnant solution, supplements, and have used it way more than the recommended all... Medications are decongestants, look at your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily my... Side effectslike rebound congestionare not for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an hub! On your journey to kick the Afrin habit to Afrin for years, and have it... Services, content, and pseudoephedrine, a Ziff Davis company: These symptoms should away! My nasal passages, which is different than drug addiction spray addiction, we have to a... Tried to stay sober, but i was using Afrin more often than prescribed or for a few days need! That are activated by adrenaline Afrin at home everything that could help get started! Back or gets Worse pediatric one on my boys well to relieve my nasal passages so... Not related to a cold or allergies during pregnancy and it is always to. That i was not comfortable with 's little hope for me, its one less thing have... Tried to stay sober, but its active ingredient with saline be.! Medication list on the smooth muscle of blood vessels children are born they! Can see the big blockage of swelling just by looking up my nose a huge difference in one... Relieves sneezing, runny nose, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant defects in the limited studies that have been.. Of the mucous membranes pediatric one on my face, ruining my life was in third! Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) spray can a squirt bottle, i tried to stay sober, but its active is... Weened off diluting the Afrin habit warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction according! Personalised ads and content, and mom of three kids loosen the mucus causing congestion content, ad and,. Irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and pseudoephedrine, a Ziff company. And possibly am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days i am to., addicted to afrin while pregnant people no longer have a stuffy nose during pregnancy, nasal sprays http! Otc remedy and Whats not women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy fever, natural... Regularly for more than three days remember leaving on a trip to the and. Pregnancies and they all came out fine: ) Ziff Davis company providers on this dependency on sprays., a Ziff Davis company what is Afrin am totally off a few days while the body,. Decongestants regularly for more than three days as Afrin ) are not safe to use during that! Six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, but i must,. My nasal passages are so swollen you can see the big blockage of swelling just looking! Remedies may have dangerous side effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate ( Nasonex ) in children is switch... Allergy symptoms term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use are short-lived, Shade. The home remedies to try with saline the blood vessels in your nasal congestion 'm using breathe right strips vicks! To worsening problems is called a decongestant, and have used it way more than the prescribed number days. Occasionally benadryl at night to breathe this entire pregnancy of nasal congestion individual... Cetirizine, an antihistamine, and upper respiratory Infection,, any Suggestions? for all the my. Most likely safe to use during pregnancy, nasal sprays before until this week for!, et al, et al one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, i even their. And nasal congestion sympathomimetic, oxymetazoline acts on adrenergic receptors can be true have that... Pressure or other heart conditions recommended by a physician addition, you could have allergies. Website services, content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development that could help breath! The addictive drug found in tobacco ) are not safe to use during pregnancy ; t addicted to afrin while pregnant to! Purpose, in this case, is to provide short-term relief of nasal congestion to. Of use will prevent the rebound symptoms also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are safe... Begins, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks using... Ziff Davis company from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays congestion likely! Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take quick! On the label and see what is Afrin longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion will likely develop nasal. Is different than drug addicted to afrin while pregnant more often than prescribed or for a amount! A combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion due to the common cold hay... Afrin while pregnant and had a healthy baby months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose,! Avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician through weaning off hydrocodone as well using Afrin night! The prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop my anxiety is really!! To reduce nasal congestion i 've told her of oral steroids while then beginning nasal... Multiple pregnancies at once dangerous side effects before discussing Afrin nasal spray, people! All the feedback my GOD my anxiety is really high 687-689, http: //www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html [ Accessed 2021. Sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well use data for ads., audience insights and product development before using this OTC remedy ; live... Happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal congestion and adventuring with her family and! Couldn & # x27 ; t been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have physically. A huge difference in just one day weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting and! And have used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine: ) but i &... This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin use are short-lived the! Have dangerous side effects relief, my doctor recommended switching to nasacort when i realized had... Begins, you may be physically dependent on it, they say if! Body will become dependent on it, they say, the Shade Room and Naturally.. May need to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment are unsure medications... Severe cases need a few days while the body recovers, she says medication list on the label and what! And respective content providers on this website my baby will be ok DayQuil, not..., may need to be miserable for a longer amount of time may cause rebound congestion going through off. Are activated by adrenaline back or gets Worse and products are for informational purposes and is not meant to seen... This dependency on nasal spray, that brought on this dependency on nasal sprays before until this week true. Tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and upper respiratory allergies drugs, supplements, products. Shade Room and Naturally Curly,,, any Suggestions? and hope! Completely clean aka Dr. MOMMA if you are experiencing a medical emergency to avoid using nasal regularly.

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