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?

[Stuffynosehawaii]

I've had a lingering bad cold for weeks.  Doctor told me to use Afrin for congestion.  Big mistake.  I sprayed once in each nostril, 1 time a day, for 2 days and now I can't smell or taste a thing.  It's been about 48 hours since I last used it.  I'm so upset - wish I had googled it BEFORE I squirted it in my nose.  I'm going to call the doctor on Monday.  If he had at least mentioned that this might be a possible side effect, I wouldn't have ever tried it.  And why isn't there any kind of warning on the box?   This is just horrible.  I'm hoping my senses will come back but I'm in somewhat of a panic after reading everyone's comments.  

[Subuz]

How do you feel now? I am having the same issue with Afrin right now. Does your sense come back?

[afrinaddict319]

I have taken 10 shots of afrin up each nostril since 2006... my whole sinus system is shot to crap... don't get the habit... trust me, loss of smell and taste is the least of your problems... it is an aweful addiction of the nasal passages... the makers should be locked in prison... and I should be whipped in the back for every taking this stuff... as I take 4 more sniffs... I just gotta have it to breathe... can anybody help me??

[moderation126]

I think everyone's reaction is different. I have used Afrin on several different occasions, never exceeding 2 days, and only once a day, two sprays per nostril. I haven't paid attention to my sense of smell, but I used it last on March 11th, and I recall smelling something a few days ago. I am not a doctor, but I take great caution when using decongestant nasal sprays as I hear they can be highly addictive. I don't know if this is true, but someone also told me that once you stop using the decongestant nasal spray after a couple/few days you will want to take a break from using it for at least three days, because you will feel stuffed up from the nasal spray. I won't resume using it until the next cold and only if I am sniffing so much I start feeling pressure in my head. I don't if this helps anyone, but I hope everyone's senses come back!

[Wish_I_Could_Smell]

I also have lost my sense of smelling ordinary things since using Afrin. However, I do have this sense of an overwhelming smell of "bitter chemicals."  This has been going on for about two weeks now and is driving me batty.  Help.

[Afrin_destroyed_my_smell_and_taste26]

I just spoke to a woman at the FDA she said EVERYBODY needs to report their Afrin issues. Please call 1-855-543-3784
It doesn't take long!

[Afrin_destroyed_my_smell_and_taste26]

I have not been able to smell or taste since June.  Two months now.  Kept thinking my smell/taste would come back, but now reading these comments I am terrified!  Why is Afrin still on the market!!!  Please everybody report to the FDA now!  This stuff needs to be pulled from the market!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1-855-543-3784