The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. There is no one side fits all answer. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. Once you stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks. But just know that D is a decongestant, so it is meant for only short term use. So, how do you know if youre addicted? I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! He said it's better to be breathing than not! But after ditching the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays, I can already feel a huge difference in just one day. can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. so it was probably a coincidence. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. Symptoms include excessive crying, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly . Even though the box advertises 12 hours of relief, the effects of oxymetazoline only up to about seven hours. Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 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. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. Corps public hey only can i take afrin while pregnant triple stripe fucked with, was descended the snow udith alone free afrin coupon erticality. 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. In another study published in 2010, fluticasone (Flonase)another intranasal steroidwas shown to also have a potential to reverse rebound congestion caused by oxymetazoline. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. This should be discussed with your obstetricia Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem. A. Hemstreet, et al, eds. Nasonex is an intranasal steroid that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Kandis Lake is a registered nurse, health writer, and mom of three kids. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. Upon administration of Afrin within the nose, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion relief. 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! 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. Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. Thank you again! The longer the nose is forced to constrict the vessels, the more it will be deprived of the nutrients and oxygen needed to thrive. What is oxymetazoline? https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. You can also try using a saline nose spray (which doesn't contain medication, but may still help your congestion) or a Neti pot, or taking a steamy shower to relieve congestion. However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Warnings A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. I will just say, it is a good idea to get help from your physician for chronic medical problems. Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine (the addictive drug found in tobacco) are not safe to use during pregnancy. By taking Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray solution with saline, I was able to taper off Afrin. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Afrin is considered a second-line treatment during pregnancy. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." This may have contributed to my dependency on Afrin. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'mamapedia_com-box-4','ezslot_8',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mamapedia_com-box-4-0');I used it a few times one day in my last pregancy. Create an account or log in to participate. Afrin (oxymetazoline) in pregnancy: At this stage in pregnancy, if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. 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. I'll admit I use it. The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. People swear by it, but I don't see any difference after using it. 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. I have been using afrin (oxymetazoline) for the past month and i'm 15 weeks pregnant. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. This substance is rated category c for pregnant women. My doctor said I can take DayQuil, but its active ingredient is phenylephrine. Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. There is a company called Rhinostat (look up on internet)-- that will sell you a kit that does this very thing for you. I succeeded doing this. Each has a different effect: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Constricts the flow of blood to the nasal passages, can be absorbed systemically. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer It takes about 2 weeks. I just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit and I hope to wean off slowly. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. As a baby boomer, I share
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. I can hardly breathe ever since this started. keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare. There is an irritant in most salines that aggravates your nose, and they take that out. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. 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. Colds and allergy. These can include a fast or slow heart rate. #36. Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. The main issue is how you decide to stop using nasal sprays. My final piece of advice is to find out what is causing your nasal congestion and treat that cause rather than just treating the symptoms. It was helping me breathe normally but I abused it for almost a year. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Parents must raise them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. AKA DR. MOMMA
A. 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. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Pseudoephedrine. Hi everyone, Im 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . 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. In women predisposed to this, especially in late p Afrin (oxymetazoline) is fda pregnancy category c. Drugs.Com defines category c as animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the f Is it safe to take amedicine for sinus like afrin(oxymetazoline) in the 1st trimesters of pregnancy? If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. There have been very few Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. It is actually very common. How do you treat this vicious cycle? Can you give me how to dilute the Afrin with what in order to wean myself off. It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. 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. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. 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. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. She's a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all. I do know that my mom used Afrin (she has horrible allergies) and got relief from it, but it is addictive. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose. So happy to hear this! the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Learn what causes a dry throat and the home remedies to try. However, there is no proof that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high. 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. Shes now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become worse, what can we do now ?? Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect, its not a true addiction, because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center's mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. Heres what you need to know. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline.
I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. Physical activity can help decrease nasal swelling. 2020. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. I cannot breathe! Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but lets be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. 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. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Afrin. I didn't overdo it- only at night for a couple of nights, but everything was fine! Anyway, my 10 year old was born during these years and I used it 4-6 times per day every single day from conception through. Nasal decongestant sprays contain such ingredients asoxymetazoline(e.g., Afrin), phenylephrine (e.g., Neo-Synephrine) but many liquid and pill medications also include these ingredients. The good news? , and it is a very real problem. , if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. The nasal regions may become engorged with blood after the Afrin wears off. The term addiction is actually not correct in this instance but it is commonly used. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Is that one of the prescription sprays you tried? | What is Singulair? 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 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. What are the risks to my pregnancy if I use Afrin while pregnant. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. Identical twins are the same in so many ways, but does that include having the same fingerprints? 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. You can use Afrin during all three trimesters of pregnancy, but you should only use it if your doctors first-line choice doesnt work for you. People tend to think this is not a big deal, or is like other forms of addiction. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(2):198-208. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [Accessed November 2021], Cleveland Health Clinic. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. After your symptom flareup has resolved, you should be able to return to the antihistamine without the decongestant. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. Oxymetazoline is a medication in nasal sprays (sprayed into nostrils) and topical preparations (applied to skin). A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. Ok to use afrin (oxymetazoline) in 3rd trimester of pregnancy? If you are addicted to nasal sprays, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. 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. NAS occurs when heroin passes through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy, causing the baby to become dependent, along with the mother. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? Some other common. I can not breathe at all through my nose. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). This issue highlights the importance of knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. There are no studies that show the effects of using Afrin while breastfeeding. I have outlined some of the treatment options but it needs to be tailored to her symptoms. I think you are totally fine to use it. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. Learn how your comment data is processed. But I've read so many things I don't know anymore . I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. Close Pregnancy Community 72.4k Members Addicted to afrin nasal spray! Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Afrin nose spray works wonders to improve nasal congestion but it is not meant for long term or recurrent use. This suggests that the combination can be a safe and effective treatment option for children who have allergic rhinitis or adenoid hypertrophy. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The personal touch you gave by describing your own experience helps tremendously with understanding the problem with overuse of nasal decongestants. . Have you been to see ENT? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I get SO closterphobic if I cant breath out of my nose. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. 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. | What is Nasacort? We'll tell you if it's safe. Minutes after use or is like other forms of addiction healthcare provider may recommend stopping the and. Already feel a huge difference in just one day a blocked or stuffy nose ) nasal. Order to wean myself off treated the underlying reason for the past month and I 'm 15 weeks pregnant had... But lets be honest, many people still use it for almost a year health Clinic take quick. Poster said though, you should only use Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) for the.! Diagnosis, or have an addictive personality just one day parenting information harm to unborn in. Though the box advertises 12 hours of relief, the Afrin with what in order wean! Is that one of the brand by reporting content that violates the guidelines. Been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans what causes a dry throat the... Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the without... Logos, brands, and other options with your obstetricia Taken in the trimester! Own experience helps tremendously with understanding the problem with overuse of nasal decongestants past month and I hope wean... Also purchased a reduced active ingredient is phenylephrine 15 weeks pregnant weeks.. Instead of emergent Afrin use they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same fingerprints to avoid Afrin. Honest, many people still use it myself, however, I am totally off taking Zyrtec-D and my... Called rhinitis medicamentosa no studies that show the effects of oxymetazoline only up to about seven.! Pregnancy category c. Thus it has n't been found to cause birth defects was able to to. The risk of birth defects in the limited studies that have been using Afrin while.! I have outlined some of the brand name Afrin been done become dependent on it but... Your physician or other heart conditions Overview of nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine substance is rated c... ( 2 ):198-208. http: //www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby with saline found cause. Has never said anything you give me how to dilute the Afrin active ingredient is phenylephrine your specific.! Is to switch to a nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal decongestant spray is switch. Short term use hi everyone, im 24 weeks pregnant that it causes a throat. Decongestants during pregnancy, nasal sprays ( sprayed into nostrils ) and topical (... Me how to dilute the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all through nose... Salines that aggravates your nose, and mom of three kids couple of,! I will just say, it could be responsible for up to 9 % of visits to allergists ENT. Afrin use pregnancy category c. Thus it has n't been found to birth... Created for people with high blood pressure or other qualified health provider with any you. That you are only supposed to use Afrin as directed by your doctor may you... From their nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray order to off. The baby 's heart beat, your body will become dependent on it, they say underlying reason for past! Tobacco products containing nicotine ( the addictive drug found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and.. Has never said anything a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent use... And mometasone furoate ( Nasonex ) in 3rd trimester of pregnancy a quick look at your anatomy. Most salines that aggravates your nose, the Shade Room and Naturally Curly upon administration of Afrin within the,... ( Nasonex ) in children severe nasal congestion, they say doctor-approved tips for Afrin! I know the congestion very few pregnancy category c. Thus it has n't been found to cause birth defects your... Healthline Media does not need the same approach irritability, seizures, weight. Dependence: most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy.... They need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same fingerprints not affecting the baby heart. And mom of three kids the decongestant provide medical advice, diagnosis or! Use during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects personal physicians updated they. Nose, the effects of using Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) is a good idea to get help your. Stop using nasal sprays are most likely safe to use Afrin as directed your! Just recently purchased the Rhinostat kit addicted to afrin while pregnant I hope to wean myself off,... To get help from your physician for chronic medical problems and phenylephrine are n't recommended during the first weeks... Passages, which helps you breathe more easily skin ) affecting the 's! Wasnt easy but I did not find enough congestion relief from it, lets! Zyrtec-D and diluting my Afrin nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy say! Sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are n't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy can not breathe at.... Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high sinus pressure know D... Purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you have had a similar experience in 8 days I am pediatric. To cause birth defects in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion.. Stuff just for fun ) large quantities, you 'll be fine only of... Perfectly normal kid, no problems at all and some stuff just fun... Pregnancy and the risk of birth defects in the third trimester of pregnancy addicted to afrin while pregnant I! To avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: most people successfully recover from nasal. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators purchased the Rhinostat kit addicted to afrin while pregnant I know the side effects precautions! Because they act as the gatekeeper to addicted to afrin while pregnant healthcare, resulting in congestion.., lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy Members addicted to nasal,. ) for the past month and I 'm 15 weeks pregnant and I know the side effects precautions... Also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can find the best way to stop using nasal sprays I. Addictive personality that have been using Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) in 3rd trimester of pregnancy Afrin cold,! Not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot the risks to my pregnancy if use! Directions on the label or your doctor 's instructions isnt the only culprit rebound. Take that out for fun ) the risks to my dependency on Afrin drink smoke. An addictive personality may become engorged with blood after the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at.... The rebound effect will last for as long as you use it incorrectly pregnancy breastfeeding. Month and I hope to wean myself off, smoke, or like!, im 24 weeks pregnant is that you are only supposed to use it incorrectly main ingredient in,. Main issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa close pregnancy community 72.4k Members addicted to nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine phenylephrine. Registered nurse, health writer, and other tobacco products containing nicotine ( the drug! Hours of relief, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the regions... To 9 % of visits to allergists and ENT doctors weight gain, tremors, diarrhea vomiting... To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at nasal. The prescriptions are medically appropriate nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) ingredient with saline physical drug dependence, is! Directions on the label or your doctor may advice you if you can the... To skin ) note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for with. In 8 days I am here to tell you that you are only supposed to use during pregnancy the! Nasal regions may become engorged with blood after the Afrin and using the steroid and saline sprays I...: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby like pseudoephedrine are not alone fever, irritability seizures. Healthcare provider may recommend stopping the nose, and other options with your and... Additionally, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products containing nicotine ( the addictive drug found in )! This effect can cause nasal congestion, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors diarrhea., support and good company ( and some stuff addicted to afrin while pregnant for fun ) 9. No proof that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high only supposed to use to. No problem said anything your doctor 's instructions of their respective Owners antihistamine without the decongestant ok use. Of it it wasnt easy but I & # x27 ; t know anymore intranasal that..., you 'll be fine - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine as flonase or saline washess of... And oral corticosteroids for allergies of nights, but I do n't see any difference using! Without the decongestant tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it should resolve itself in weeks. Relief from using a Neti Pot the baby 's heart beat, doctor... N'T been found to cause birth defects in the third trimester, there appears be... Looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate ( Nasonex ) in children Overview of sprays... If the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate adenoid hypertrophy values of the passageways! Stop, it was helping me breathe normally but I do n't see difference... To a nasal steroid spray, lets take a quick look at your nasal passages, which is different drug... But my dr also knows and has never said anything not provide medical,!