Myth Busters: Nasal Sprays Are Addictive

The more adaptable a product is, the more expensive it will be, but you may have to sacrifice some performance characteristics. A quality product should be able to assist you regardless of the obstacles you face. You should receive a product that stays true to its advertising. Most over-the-counter saline nasal sprays are made of the same saline concentration that’s in your body. They will specifically say “saline” or “drug-free” on the label. Look for sodium chloride and sterilized water as the main ingredients.

You should always trust us in reviews of saline decongestant nasal sprays on this site. It sounds like we’re blowing our trumpet, but there is a good reason for more about alcohol addiction and abuse this self-promotion. We are experts on saline decongestant nasal sprays, which means we’ve tried it out and believe in it enough to want to share it with you.

• If a product you buy has a limited or nonexistent warranty, you will be liable for any subsequent repairs or replacements.
• Some people mistake this effect for addiction, but it is not.
• Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages.

The exact symptoms of withdrawal can vary from nausea to seizures. We’ll look at why it’s so important to work with your doctor when stopping Xanax. One year follow-up of patients with rhinitis medicamentosa after vasoconstrictor withdrawal. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

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His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country’s leading drug experts for the consumer.” ReadJoe’s Full Bio. “In 2011 I got really sick, and used Afrin to be able to breathe through the night. The addiction comes from my inability to sleep if I cannot breathe through my nose.

Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn’t. Symptoms of chronic nasal congestion are unlikely to be eased through steam inhalation, new research finds, though nasal irrigation may be effective. This often occurs when a person uses the decongestant nasal spray too frequently or for too long.

These can be a great alternative for those who experience side effects from medications taken by mouth. Some nasal sprays contain antihistamines, which work to reduce congestion caused by an allergic immune response. Children should only use steroid nasal sprays under the guidance of a doctor for this reason. Do you breathe through your mouth when you sleep?

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It is relevant since it determines the length of time and number of years you might use your saline decongestant nasal sprays. You should purchase a durable product to acquire the best value for your money. Reading product reviews and studying the manufacturer’s warranty are the best strategies to ensure you get a durable item. If you’re seeking a product that can assist you with various chores and functions, it’s ideal for getting a versatile one.

Call your doctor right away if you experience feeling a faster or slower heartbeat than what’s usual for you. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. People should also ask a pediatrician before giving any medication to young children. These are an effective way to flush mucus and allergens out of the nose. To help people avoid this problem, the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology recommend using it no more than twice a day for only 3 days.

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That’s because they experience nighttime nasal congestion. Nighttime mouth breathers go to great lengths to try to overcome this problem. Some over-the-counter solutions are not great as this reader so vividly points out. Nasal anticholinergic spray (Atrovent® nasal spray) is safe to use on a daily basis to treat a cause of frequently runny noses called vasomotor rhinitis. These sprays work very well to reduce congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. They’re often the first drug recommended for allergies, but it takes about a week before you’ll notice your symptoms getting better.

“Since nasal decongestant sprays deliver the decongestant in a localized manner, these products relieve nasal congestion almost immediately,” says Dr. Ahmed. Of the hundreds of reviews for the best saline pharmacologic management of alcohol dependence decongestant nasal sprays available, how do you know which one to trust? While some reviews might be accurate, there are others that are misleading and may only be trying to sell you cheap products.

Cromolyn sodium), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. No, steroid sprays are safe to use and a good option for seasonal and environmental allergies. alcoholic pancreatitis If you need the nasal spray longer than 6 months, however, talk to your doctor. Steroid sprays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages.

It is important to note that nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin® are not to be used for longer than three days, as the label directs. FLONASE Allergy Relief nasal spray and FLONASE Sensimist Allergy Relief, on the other hand, can be used daily as directed for adults and children 12 years of age and older. With so many allergy symptom treatments on the market, it can be difficult to sort out which product may be right for you. FLONASE nasal sprays are a popular and effective option, but in some circumstances you may wish to consider a nasal decongestant instead.

Rebound congestion refers to the unfortunate phenomenon in which using DNSs for too long causes — rather than prevents — congestion. In fact, many researchers question whether it’s real. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Brain tumor, breast cancer, colon cancer, congenital heart disease, heart arrhythmia. People should never use them more frequently than the label advises.

They may need a different medication to relieve the swelling, such as a steroid nasal spray. Nasal sprays with corticosteroids are safe to use daily for most people. People who need to use steroid nose sprays for 6 months or more should talk with their physician.

Daily OTC Pearl: Xlear Nasal Spray

Do you have the sniffles, a runny nose or nasal congestion? With allergy season, cold seasonand the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be a little extra cautious about mucous or congestion—especially when it’s your own. With rebound congestion, a person may find that they need to use the spray more frequently over time, often several times a day or more. Each time they use the spray, the blood vessels in the nose narrow, causing the tissue inside the nose to shrink.

The active ingredients may appear on the package as fluticasone propionate or triamcinolone acetonide. Corticosteroids are useful for calming inflammation that happens because of an overactive immune system response. Many people think of anabolic steroids when they hear about steroids.

In 2014, researchers found that out of 895 participants with nasal congestion, half of them overused their medication. “Since we sleep every night, the addiction continues. Since I wasn’t sleeping, I had no need for Afrin. By the time I actually went to sleep, my nose was semi-clear.

THERE IS ONE TYPE OF NASAL SPRAY THAT IS “ADDICTIVE”

Nasal congestion may also worsen in the short term when the medication is stopped. Some people mistake this effect for addiction, but it is not. While nasal decongestants are only designed to relieve a stuffy nose, FLONASE nasal sprays are different. Non-stimulant treatment options include steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone or triamcinolone . Such drugs can help ease withdrawal stuffiness from decongestants like Afrin. Some people report relief by using a saline nasal spray.

Some steroid sprays require a prescription from your doctor, while others are available at your local drugstore. Common brand names include Nasacort and Flonase. This nasal spray prevents your body from releasing histamines, chemicals that causeallergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. For it to work best, you need to start using it one to two weeks before allergy season starts and then use it one or more times every day. It doesn’t work as well as steroid nasal sprays.

I was so exhausted that I slept easily despite my nose still being a bit blocked. When I woke up this morning, my nose was completely clear. You can still buy oral decongestants containing phenylephrine on the consumer-side of the counter. Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain contains phenylephrine as does Mucinex Sinus-Max, Tylenol Sinus and Robitussin PE Head and Chest Liquid.

Such a specialist can recommend ways to reduce reactivity. Avoiding the triggers that are causing the congestion would be the best solution. The most important question this reader needs to resolve is why is he suffering from nighttime nasal congestion? Perhaps an allergist could identify what is causing the stuffiness. When you cannot breathe through your nose it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep.

These are popular with bodybuilders who want to improve muscle mass. These sprays contain a small amount of salt and sterilized water. Some also contain preservatives that prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Preservative-free formulas are available in aerosol cans that keep the liquid sterile. In some cases, a person may need to undergo additional treatment, and possibly surgery, to correct any damage. The Patriot Act was signed by President George Bush on March 9, 2006.