Afrin Nose Spray & Smell Loss

[AfrinSmell Loss78]

I've got a bit of a cold and it's allergy/pollen season here in Atlanta so that's not helping either, but I have used Afrin very sparingly over the past couple of days to help with symptoms. I have not used Zicam spray, I've read those can cause damage to olfactory nerves. I did notice yesterday that my sense of smell was gone although I could still breathe through my nose (still a bit congested, but able to breathe). My question is, has Afrin ever been known to cause loss of smell? Is this a temporary thing just due to sinus inflammation or has the Afrin permanently damaged something? I'm a 28 year old male and I've never experienced such a drastic loss of smell. Any help?

[2015losssencesmell]

As well as the rest of you I lost my sence of smell and taste after using three times OMG how aweful this has been since FEB 2015 I've seen 2  E.N.T.Doctors and they can't help nothing they can do so I talked with lawyer nothing he can do So who can do something what kind of life is this now coulden't even smell the flowers this year so aggervated.With all these people you think someone could make this right this product should come with warning label WILL LOSE SMELL AND TASTE FOREVER guess what I would not buy that but I did no warning now this effects my life forever thank you AFRIN....Shame on you

[stilljojo]

I was a nose spray junkie for 7 years.. I used it after getting hooked on it from a cold, then I could not stop as it felt like I would suffocate,.. I used it numerous times daily..so I talked to a pharmacist who suggested saline spray and a rough 24 hours of withdrawal...  but it worked, I was able to break the habit of Afrin however it was to late for my sense of taste and smell.   Now 20 years or so later, my sense of smell and taste are still gone.    

[seppa]

Same thing here. Complete loss of taste and smell after 3 days of use.
It's only been 2 days and have stopped using the CVS Sinus Relief.
I've started flushing with saline wash and using Ayr Saline nasal gel with aloe.
I cannot smell the aloe at all.
Hopefully my senses return..

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.

[BobbyG1966]

I have had a bad head cold for the last week and I used the Kroger equivalent to Afrin. It helped keep my sinuses open but my sense of smell is gone completely. I can taste OK. I hope this isn't permanent.

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.

[ScaredAfrinUser1111]

Hi everybody on May 14 2015 I took afrin. But unlike most of you I accidentaly lifted the Afrin Bottle and a squirt came into my nose. Making a burning effect. I though it would go away. And it did. But I could bearly smell anything. I sprayed Axe in my hand and had to be extremely close to smell it. I was so scared I started thinking of suicide. I need help PLEASE! :(

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.

[pynklion]

I used Afrin on Sunday 4-19-15 Morning at 8:00 to clear a severely stuffed nose.  I took ONE DOSE, two sprays, one in each nostril

I have not been able to smell anything since then, though I am able to taste.  I have also had a nose bleed and several blown clots

I used this on my daughter, earlier this year, and again, ONE SINGLE DOSE.  I was recommended this by an ER nurse after taking her in for severe nasal congestion.  

She has not smelled anything since, or catches very faint whiffs of the most pungent, rancid odors.

I'm going to use the saline spray with Aloe starting today and pray hard and schedule to see a doctor.  

This is insane.

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.

[Akshia]

I am sincerely wishing I didn't use this product. I'm an allergist and have always told my patients not to use this product on a regular basis. Feeling congested with a cold, I used it once as per directions and have now lost my sense of smell. I have a very acute sense of smell and even with my cold was able to appreciate the flavors of chai tea, a orange flavored chocolate and some fruits just prior to using this product. I'm  regretting that I had used this product. I'm hoping this is temporary....ugh. I'm not even able to explain why this happened...it's supposed to be just a vasoconstrictor.

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.