Nasal Spray Addiction

[chaseap01]

So my problems all started about 2 months ago. I woke up one morning with a blocked nose that was absoloutely miserable!

The first thing I thought of was grabbing some allergy medicine/nasal spray.

I started using afrin and the very next day after using it I had dark circles under my eyes.

I discontinued use for a couple days and the circles vanished.

The nasal congestion continued so like an idiot I started using it again.

I have recently developed daily headaches, bloodshot eyes, and the dark circles around my eyes are back.

I have been to the emergency room 3 times and all of my tests including CT scans, bloodwork and the works came back negative.

My question is ... could this all be caused by the nasal spray? I have been taking it for 2 months now and the only symptoms I had was the nasal congestion intil I started using the Afrin.

If so .. What can I do to reduce withdrawl symptoms when coming off of it. I am getting severe rebound congestion and epic headaches.

Please help!

[peaceinknowing]

I didn't know one could get addicted to something like nasal spray. I suppose we learn something new everyday. I don't know what to tell you, but I'm sure there are other members here who will be along shortly to help you with your question!

[refusingbondage]

I would suggest going to the doctor or medical center and discussing with them.  I say this because I actually did know someone who was actually addicted to nasal sprays.. (couldnt go a few hours without using it -- had empty bottles all over the place.. its sort of comical,but not really).. she realized this one day and just decided to quit and deal with the rebound symptoms and got through it.  About a month later she mentioned this to her doctor who told her it can actually be dangerous to just quit nasal spray cold turkey--I dont know the exact reason, but I do know her doc was pretty upset.  I would do this sooner rather than later.. Most nasal sprays work by constricting the blood vesels in and around your sinuses .. your red eyes, dark circles and headaches are a clear indicator that something is wrong!  See your doc and explain.  Any good doc will be understanding.  Believe me, they have heard it all!  Good luck and keep us posted.. I would be curios to hear the outcome.

[Ga Guy]

This is actually very common. My grandfather did this. His doctor switched him over to a non-chemical herbal nasal spray. I think it's called Sinus Buster. It has capsaicin in it. Anyway, he had no problems after that. Give it a try.

[wen_bug]

Get off the afrin. Its horrible horrible stuff. It makes you all better for a short wihle and then you get it all back 10 fold. I finally gave up the afrin. I've bben tring everything.  I haven't went to the dorcor yet because I feel like telling him my nose is stopped up and taht I'm addicted to nasal spray sounds stupid. But I bet peaceinknowing is right--they've heard it all!

[narla]

I use a non-medicated Hypertonic saline wash with xylitol.It's product name is FESS Sinu-Cleanse.best thing I've ever used never need nasal sprays anymore.I don't know if you have an equivalent in the US,but if you show the pharmacist what's in it he'll know.

[GoingToMakeIt]

1/4 tsp salt to 1 cup warm water and rinse with an nasal irrigator or Nettie Pot. Use of Afrin can cause 'nasal rebound' where the sinuses actually produce more. This is why you need to keep using it more frequently. Use of Xylitol in the rinse, is another good tip. It should not taste sweet, so a very small amount is all that is needed.