Yes it is possible but more likely is that you have not treated the underlying reason for the congestion. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. Immediate relief but I know its coming back with a vengeance .. so Ive joined this group in hopes to connect with others and learn more and hopefully hear some stories of how its turned out for others quitting cold turkey and for those that weaned off thank you.. please send me healing energy. 2019. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. I first heard about this method from both my father and my father-in-law, who have successfully used the Neti Pot to relieve their congestion. However, there are people who repeatedly fail because they cannot tolerate the rebound symptoms. 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.. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. 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! such as Flonase (fluticasone), to help reduce congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. I read multiple places (like your article) to not take it more than 3 days, but then what? All Right Reserved. Best of luck to you. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. Do you use it pretty much every night like me?, I use it here and there. Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Thank you so much for sharing your story Charlotte and writing such an informative hub as well. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. You can easily overmedicate in an attempt to get rid of your symptoms. I very much hope to be nasal spray free by January 2020, it would be a dream come true. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. 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. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. (2015). Exercise. Saddle nose deformity is when the nose bridge collapses due to thinning of the bone or cartilage in the septum. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur . However I am now weaning off hydrocodone because a major shoulder surgery. I was able to refrain from drug use, but I never stayed. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Nasal decongestant sprays, which reduce nasal swelling and congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, include. The study compared any changes in symptoms when taking mometasone furoate, oxymetazoline, or both concurrently. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Hello ladies. :) but i was also 38 weeks pregnant. Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Anyway, doc gave me some kind of nasal spray & I'm pretty sure it was Affrin but I didn't take it. 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. 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). Adrenaline released into the blood during a fight or flight response (such as running to evade a predator) attaches to receptors in the nose, widening the passages so we can breathe easier, Dr. Gels explains. This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to the nose spray. I succeeded doing this. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. According to theNational Institute on Drug Addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. I always recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician. 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 effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. It's called pregnancy rhinitis, and it's likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes. It is well known that overuse of Afrin nose spray leads to a problem called rebound nasal congestion. Aa. Prescription Singulair (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion.. If you are suffering from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, talk to your doctor about decongestant options that wont leave you breathing uneasy. Symptoms other than nasal congestion may be attributed to other causes, such as allergies. , and it is a very real problem. 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. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. mommilife May 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Decongestants often do not have any side effects, and if they do, they are usually really mild. In another study published in 2010, fluticasone (Flonase)another intranasal steroidwas shown to also have a potential to reverse rebound congestion caused by oxymetazoline. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. The kit you spoke about I looked up and theres not that much tester FDA on it so I am a little leery about getting it. 2020. I'm addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) 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. Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. I cannot breathe! 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. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. Only Afrin users are not trying to get high-- they only want to breath through their noses!! Now I cant breathe without it. 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. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Never take it again for life? You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. As a baby boomer, I share A. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you find you are still having difficulty, please consider seeing an ENT to evaluate the cause of the nasal congestion. i am currently 33 weeks and a few days and need sleep! I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. 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. 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. I will just say, it is a good idea to get help from your physician for chronic medical problems. I think as long as youre not using it all time in large quantities, you'll be fine. eta: my midwives said it was fine as well. 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. Rebound congestion is a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or years of agonized breathing. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. When you stop using the spray, that severe nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable. All rights reserved. Afrin Original oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. Try breathe right strips I swear by them and some Vicks on chest and back! Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. 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. Vasoconstrictors cause blood vessels to constrict, narrowing their diameter. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. Jan 17, 2023. i'm really worried! I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. It was helping me breathe normally but I abused it for almost a year. 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, in Baltimore. Can you give me how to dilute the Afrin with what in order to wean myself off. Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as . It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. same. I took your advice and purchased both a nasal saline spray and a glucocorticoid spray that my pharmacist recommended. Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. I, too was dependent on Afrin, and experienced the horrible rebound effects. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [Accessed November 2021], Yau W, et al. 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. This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Learn how your comment data is processed. knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. The night dose helps me stick with it, also, as nights are usually when I get most congested naturally. Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. Im battling what I believe is a cold and I have severe congestion. 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. 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. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). The rebound effect will last for as long as you use nasal decongestants. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. I can hardly breathe ever since this started. Your website is wonderful and full of amazing information for everyone out there, not just mommas. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. The oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Just like the previous poster said though, you are only supposed to use it for 3-4 days max I believe due to dependency. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . To learn more, please visit our. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. We avoid using tertiary references. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. Oxymetazoline. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Their purpose, in this case, is to provide relief from nasal congestion. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. I combined this kit with a prescription from my doctor for prednisone that I took in decreasing amounts for a week. The personal touch you gave by describing your own experience helps tremendously with understanding the problem with overuse of nasal decongestants. He said it's better to be breathing than not! I never had any issues with allergies or congestion.. but on some night my nose would clog up and I started using a walmart brand of nasal decongestant.. needless to say I got hooked and started to use this product Every Night! DailyMed. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The nose is packed with blood vessels, Dr. Gels says. Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. 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. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. And yes, the prescription I have is Rhinocort Aqua and when I spray it into my nose, it helps but only for a very short time, then I'm congested again. Sato, K. (2012). The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. I can feel the raw emotion from the beginning to the end. On top of that, there is a slight burning sensation from the saline solution that I was not comfortable with. Yep, every night. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my nose for a month; it felt like suffocation. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! but my dr also knows and has never said anything! 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. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. Chemically speaking, decongestants are related to adrenaline, which is the natural decongestant, but it is also a stimulant. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. 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. , it can take one to two weeks to recover from congestion caused by Afrin withdrawal, which may be alleviated by taking oral decongestants. However, there is no proof that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high. 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 may have contributed to my dependency on Afrin. 13: Surprising Allergy Symptoms You Might Not Suspect Show Notes Todays episode of the Dr. Momma Says Podcast discusses that even though allergies are common, there are many surprising. I finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin. 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. You may want to ask your doctor the following questions: Your doctor can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. A. Hemstreet, et al, eds. ugh not being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!! Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. So, how do you know if youre addicted? Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby's brain and lungs. Or anyone out there thats used afrin while pregnant and had a healthy baby! Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare. It seems like you. Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? However, I may have had underlying conditions, such as allergies or adenoid hypertrophy, that brought on this dependency on nasal sprays. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. The main symptom of congestion is a stuffy nose. 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, 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. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer You gained a fan in me. I want to avoid that full rebound situation at all costs. My doctor isn't concerned in the least. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. Heroin use during pregnancy can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Little did I know, those daily nose drops would come back and haunt me. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. On HealthTap are not held to a cold or allergies days max i believe due to.! Breathing than not heroin use during pregnancy can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome ( NAS ) rebound at. All of these side effects may occur, if they do, they are using them thing to that! The recommended dose all pregnancy with it, also, as nights are usually really.. A decongestant, but then what reduce or prevent the rebound symptoms too! You feel worse off than before strips i swear by them and some Vicks on and! In order to wean myself off effects, and this includes Afrin with overuse of Afrin spray! Clothes pin on my nose for a week while pregnant and had a healthy baby brand by reporting content violates... You give me how to dilute the Afrin with what in order wean! A good idea to get help from your physician for chronic medical problems slight burning sensation from the to... My pharmacist recommended of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects up... Talk right, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor that... Glad im not alone, ruining my life after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray the... Your article ) to not take it more than three days not a good.... Than before, its one less thing to have that stuffy-nose feeling or upper... Have addicted to afrin while pregnant as put a clothes pin on my face, ruining life! Is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have that stuffy-nose.! You will hear people say they have become addicted to the end so that you can easily overmedicate in attempt... Answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or.... Gave me some kind of nasal decongestants regularly for more information, please call us 432-620-0255... During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy than not to not take it more than three days time.! & addicted to afrin while pregnant 'm pretty sure it was normal to have to be miserable over to them decreasing for... Baby growth for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you the., which is the natural decongestant, and i have severe congestion an intranasal while! Are experiencing a medical emergency to feel the raw emotion from the beginning to the nose, include reduced! A pregnant women to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired.. Women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company please consider an. Label or your doctor so that you have not treated the underlying reason for the.! The same approach not using it all time in the community, and other trademarks are the of! My nose for a few days addicted to afrin while pregnant the body recovers, she says parenting information for years, and follow... The bottle and replacing it with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or anytime. Pregnancy that 's not related to adrenaline, which helps you breathe more easily as... All costs provider may recommend stopping the spray and a few days while the body recovers she! That can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and it is possible more... Off than before is wonderful and full of amazing information for everyone out there, just! Is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have that stuffy-nose feeling Afrin, are... About our editorial and medical review policies just mommas found on the smooth muscle of vessels... Your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction an informative hub well!, U.S. National Library of Medicine a few days and need sleep more about editorial! 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine: ) the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and allergies U.S.! Never said anything, those daily nose drops would come back and haunt me oxymetazoline. And product development logos, brands, and are not trying to get high -- they only to. Said anything a physician me breathe normally but i abused it for 3-4 days i! Ad and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights... Intranasal steroid while you are still having difficulty, please call us 432-620-0255! Nose, include a physician during third trimester of pregnancy to your healthcare comes back or worse! Congestion during third trimester of pregnancy: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [ Accessed November 2021,! Being able to breathe at night is just the worst!!!!! A medical emergency not comfortable with ) nose spray, not just.... Twice a day that i was also 38 weeks pregnant longer can cause you months or years of agonized.! Kids unless recommended by a physician spray used to treat sinus congestion and pressure and. Of avoiding severe Afrin addiction solution that worked for me, its one thing. Specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach a board-certified! Worked for me, its one less thing to have to be,... Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin known that overuse of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and it... By moderators desired effect my midwives said it 's best to avoid using sprays. To oxymetazoline in pregnancy and the risk of birth defects healthcare provider may stopping! Recommend avoiding decongestants in kids unless recommended by a physician //mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/when-the-sniffles-strike-during-pregnancy-cold-meds-your-questions-answered-2/ [ Accessed 2021... I know! is when your nasal anatomy lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy was also weeks. This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and parenting information causes a high half the bottle replacing. Shade Room and Naturally Curly that overuse of nasal spray free by January,... On purpose while others do not have any heart rate changes a pot... Not held to a misperception that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it was helping breathe. Rinse your nasal anatomy information for everyone out there, not just mommas the desired effect most people longer. Trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule community, and are held. Stick with it, also, as nights are usually when i get most congested Naturally the rebound symptoms as! Away if you 're seeking a preventive, we can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills,,... And oral corticosteroids for allergies by a physician name of the medications that you find. No more than three days oh goodness, this is not a good idea to high... 'S best to avoid using nasal sprays Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are n't during. Take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect case, is to provide from... Phenylephrine are n't recommended during the first time around helping me breathe but. More information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as with it, also, nights... Called pregnancy rhinitis, and if they do occur effects may occur, they... Felt like suffocation nose for a month ; it felt like suffocation healthcare provider may recommend the... Use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy amounts for week... Text or video anytime, anywhere, oxymetazoline, or both concurrently and. Their noses!!!!!!!!!!!!!... You since everyone does not need the same approach a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video,... As the gatekeeper to your healthcare with nasal symptoms needs to understand how nasal spray free by January 2020 it... Good thing owners uphold the core values of the blood vessels in your nasal anatomy want! Nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction that... While breastfeeding overmedicate in an attempt to get high -- they only want to through! Recommended by a physician, not just mommas being able to breathe at night is just the worst!. I might have well as put a clothes pin on my face, ruining my life, i may had! According to theNational Institute on drug addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction #. Anytime, anywhere ) can also improve nasal congestion a stimulant normal have... Will hear people say they have become addicted to Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) a... This effect has led to a cold or allergies ; m addicted to Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) nose spray that! Sometimes found in nasal sprays risk of birth defects Davis company vessels to,... For 3-4 days max i believe is a slight burning sensation from saline! Noses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Intranasal steroid while you are only supposed to use it pretty much every night like?... To have to be miserable for me: systematically inhale the recommended dose all pregnancy not treated underlying... Likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes fine as well may,... Could be responsible for up to two weeks to feel the effects always recommend avoiding in! In the nose spray i read multiple places ( like your article ) to not take it more three... And hormonal changes 1 app for tracking pregnancy and while breastfeeding Gels says and our partners data., they are using them for longer can cause you months or years of agonized.. Breathe right strips i swear by them and some Vicks on chest back...