Anyone use Benzedrex Inhaler?

I've been using the Benzedrex Inhaler for a year or so. Works like a charm to open my sinuses. But, now I'm wondering if it's safe. I've been having WICKED fast heat beats (palpitations) and anxiety. I thought it was from all the trauma around my Mother's death last September, or my stressful job, but I really don't think thats it.
Anyone ever used this stuff?

Hi Lee Lee,
I used to use Benzedrex (Dristan spray is same chemical) back when I was a scuba diver to keep my eustation tubes open.

It's a fairly powerful stimulant chemically related to methadrine and is really only for temporary use. You get a rebound effect and so end up essentially addicted to it and forced to use it just to breath. Not what an apnea sufferer needs.

People use a variety of things including saline rinses. Give up the Benzedrex and go natural.

Take care,
Jamis

No wonder my heart was pounding!!
Yes, I do all the saline sprays, rinses, etc.already.
Thanks, good advice about going natural (which is what I thought I was doing!)

Lee Lee

Lee Lee (or is it really Superwoman?),
Remember that once you stop the Benzedrex, you'll be really congested for awhile as a rebound effect.

One thing I did years ago was to fast for a few days and then I added food back, one at a time to determine which foods I was "allergic" to. Food allergies are odd, the most common symptom (assuming it's mild) is nasal congestion. I discovered I was allergic to wheat and bread and worse yet, beer. Bananas too.

You needn't do the whole fast thing, just pay attention to what foods cause congestion...and avoid them.

Eventually you could identify them all and have clear nasal passages and sinuses. I went to all that trouble because of repeated sinus infections. Haven't had one in decades.

One other thing I've noticed is that my CPAP treatment actually seems to physically clear out my nasal passages...from the pressure I assume. This can't be unique to me.
Good luck and take care,
Jamis

Yes, I do suspect food allergies. I also have an auto immune disorder that causes serios dryness of the moisture glands.
I appreciate your advice!
Superwoman (some days)

I started using one a couple months ago....occasionally. (they were on sale if I bought 3 of them....)

Basically...when I want to get breathing so I can sleep, and the sinus rinse + flonase hasn't worked its magic yet.... even though I do have mask alternatives, but I just don't like those. (I'll be all stuffed up, wearing a full face mask...and still be laying there all night trying to breath through my nose....)

Wonder how to do sinus rinse when I travel (fly)?

I did use to use a 12-hour nasal decongestant on occasion....trying to never use it more than a couple nights in a row...but not so much since I freaked myself out doing a sinus rinse once and the drainage was red.

The Dreamer.

Hi, Dreamer,
I use the Ayr Saline Nasal Mist when I can't so a full rinse. It's in a little squeeze bottle and works wonders. It's non medicated, alcohol free, and easy to carry on travel.
Lee Ann