Afrin

Hey Jeff, thanks for thinking of me! I've been incredibly busy the past few weeks, in preparation for taking a week of work. Now I'm back, and getting ready for ANOTHER week off of work, and it's just non-stop craziness here and at home.

No wonder I'm tired.
Babs

I've used Dristane (which I think works better than Afrin) for 2-3 nights only with great results and no residual stuffiness during a time or two that I've experienced stuffiness for no apparent reason. I used it only at night. I used the 12 hour kind, and it really works for 12 hours. I don't suggest using it for more than 2-3 nights. You might want to forget the Flonase those nights if you use it.

Ted,
I like the idea of only hitting one nostril at a time and alternating. Never thought of that...I will have to try it next time I am in need.
Suzanne

I use Afrin or 4-Way occasionally (used it last night, in fact). I felt like I was suffocating and ended up using Afrin in one side only. Can't use the 12-hour variety though. Makes me feel weird for some reason.

I can't use oral decongestants because they mess with my blood pressure; the nose decongestants don't. Plain antihistimines don't help with the congestion, just if I have a runny nose or PND. Neti-pot things don't help (other than messing my ears up).

I never have a problem unless I use it in both sides at the same time. I have found, like others have mentioned, that using it only in one side is the best way. Or if you have been using it in both sides and have trouble getting off of it, taper by continuing to use in only one side while they other side recovers.

Pam