WARNING: Nose Spray Addiction

[kakiwall]

I have been on Nose SPray since Dec 1999. I use the CVS brand since it comes out in a MIST form and not a direct spray and it doesnt burn when using it. I try to limit myself to 3 times a day and use it before going to bed, hoping I dont have to wake up to use it again. I want to stop NOW! But dealing with the public, working two jobs, its almost impossible. I hate talking through my nose when speaking, and my eyes water so bad an my nose starts pouring drainage even though my nose is massivley clogged! Not to mention the headache that comes with the stopped up nose. I tried to quit a couple of times, but cant hack not being able to breathe. I sleep with my mouth closed also, but when having an episode, I wake up not breathing! Ive tried my doctor, but he gave me like 5 different things to use... I dont have time for all that. I just want to be able to breathe! Does anyone have any helpful suggestions? I am open to anything. I've read some of your stories and will try some of them. Wish me luck! Kat

[old_cold]

Try cutting down....use it in only one nostril and be satisfied you can breathe at all.
After whatever amount of time it takes for the one to stay open by itself then quit on the other.
This one side at a time method is how I do use Afrin for those rare couple of days when instant relief is irristable.
Got caught on that rebound effect once and thankfully it only took a couple of days to get out of the cycle.

[Upstate Nancy]

The netti pot beats everything else for allergies/sinus issue. You just have to try it a few times to get the hang on how to do it properly.

[yankeegirl313]

My Mom was addicted to nose spray as well. She finally broke down and went to the doctor and he gave her a spray called Flunisolide Nasal Solution. She used it as directed, and now she is off of it.

[Sonshine]

I know this is an old thread, but I want to post this for others who might come across it. I totally understand how horrible it is to be addicted to OTC nasal spray. I was addicted to the stuff for 10 years. Yes 10 years!

I found this system for weaning yourself off of the spray. It takes time, but it does work. And you don't have to suffer while you are getting off the spray.

The product is called Rhinostat. If you do a search online for the name, you will find their website. The people there are fantastic. I know if it weren't for this product I would have ended up having sinus surgery. I have been off the spray for over a year now! Yipee!

[subsound]

It's a well known side effect that when you block the receptors with Afrin (which is the worst offender) that when it comes back, it comes back with a vengeance. More so because you are putting it in an area that is covered in blood vessels and contains the only part of the brain exposed to the air (nerves for smelling, kind of weird)...instant high if you use alot of it. The longer you use it the worse it gets, and after 5 or so years it can do permanent damage. You can get away with it a bit longer if you use nasal rinses, but that's why they have big warning labels on them.

[taurus430]

I have breathing problems and use both Afrin and Nasonex, but not continually, only when I have to. I was told not to use both at the same time. Also I understand Nasonex takes 4-5 days to work. How long can one take Nasonex steady as my Doctor mentioned he's on it during the spring and gave me 5 refills. I don't like to take any medication for to long though. When I wake up plugged from allergies that's when I have to use Afrin.