Afrin

Babs who can't log in · Post by **Babs who can't log in** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:45 pm

Okay, I've never been a big fan of over the counter nasal sprays. I think they do more harm than good.

But I've had a stuffy nose for weeks, and am sorely tempted by the new nighttime Afrin commercials that claim they will de-stuff my nose.

I'm not RUNNY NOSED, just STUFFY. Yes, I've been doing the Neti Pot, and it doesn't make any bit of difference. Grrr....

So, what do you think? Is it worth trying?

Cheers,
Babette

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:51 pm

Your question suggests that you already know the ill effects of Afrin!

That being said, someone once suggested that if you must use it, do so for as short a period as possible.

In order to counter the inevitable rebound, stop using it in one nostril, allowing the other to clear naturally and then stop using it in the other nostril. That way you are sure of having one open breathing passage.

Good luck,
Susan

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:55 pm

Yes, rebound congestion after frequent use is a big issue. I had a coworker who lived on the stuff and the ENT made her get off it. Here is an article that explains it rather well.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/health/14spra.html

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:55 pm

Well, I don't know that I KNOW, I just have HEARD they are very bad for you. I don't know anything particular. Is there some heinous side effects I should watch for? Tremors? Projectile Snot? Homicidal Tendencies?

So, you're saying to just use it for a short time, then when I'm going off to taper off one nostril at a time?

Hmmmm.... Sounds like good advice. I think I'll try it.

Thanks!!!!
B.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:02 pm

Thanks for that article LavenderMist! I'm now NOT going to go there!!!

For one, I'm already on Flonase, and according to this article, that's probably the max amount of de-stuffy-fication I can probably expect.

I'll probably just keep cranking up my humidifier. I'm surviving this, but maybe doing the neti pot twice a day, cranking up the humidifier and contemplating adding some Pseudophed to the med mix might be a better answer than the Afrin.

Thanks much!!!!
B.

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:05 pm

The main problem with Afrin is the rebound. Your stuffy nose is likely to return with a vengeance after you quit using it. And it will eventually return with a vengeance if you continue to use it long term.

But, if you are talking about short term use to weather a cold, and nothing else is helping (have you tried oral decongestants?) use as little as possible.

I would try oral decongestants and steroid sprays like Flonase for long term nasal congestion. Like all drugs, they carry risks and side effects, but they are better than the OTC nasal sprays.

Good article, BTW! Thanks, Lavender Mist.

Susan

Bearded_One · Post by **Bearded_One** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:23 pm

Occasionally using Afrin for two or three days shouldn't be a problem.

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:35 pm

I've had two colds in the last couple of months. The doctor that perdcribed my perscription cold medicine told me to get it and take it, but only for a couple of nights to get me through the worst of it. I've used it for maybe three or four nights and then stopped once I was "out of the woods" mostly. It does do the job quick but I hate the way my nose feels right after I use it. I use the 12 hour variety and have only taken it once a day to be on the safe side.

My allergist has perscribed Astelin for me at times too. It also does about the same thing but doesn't ahve the side effects. However, I think it works best when the cause of the stuffiness is allergies.

Everyone is different, but I found that decreasing the humidity helped me. It seemed to dry up the extra moisture. However my pulmonologist says that some people do need to increase the humidity to get reilef. Hope you will see some improvment soon!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:41 pm

I would not get proper therapy about 5 nights a month if it werent for afrin. Especially when I was on a nasal only mask. I have sinus issues and every once in awhile getting unclogged is impossible. I never use it more than 3 nights in a row no matter how desperate I am, but Ive only had one time where I ever needed help more than 3 nights in a row. Afrin is AWESOME in my mind as it works within minutes no matter how much cement seems packed in my sinuses it always works - it is very addisctive and using it more then a few nights can easliy cause dependency to where you cant declog without it and will cause a bigger problem. SO in close its my opinion this stuff is FABULOUS but only if used responsibly.

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 6:19 pm

Afrin is BAD STUFF! I was addicted to it several years ago and it was harder to get off Afrin than it was cigarettes,
Instead of Afrin try Benadryl a half hour before bedtime. My wife is allergic and this time of year she uses Benadryl every night and it really works for her.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 6:26 pm

OP - Yeah, I've been using Benadryl just about every night for the past few weeks. I was just wondering. TV ads sometimes suck me in...

I've been reading that Nasonex thread and thinking about upping my Flonase dosage, too. I do one puff in each nostril in the AM only. Maybe I should switch that to PM and try two puffs in each nostril for a few days.

Cheers,
Babs

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 6:49 pm

I use Afrin ONLY in an emergency (ie totally congested, cannot breath through my nose at night, miserable . . .). Then, I use it in only one nostril--that side opens, and I can breath fine. Then, if I have to use it on other nights as well, I can switch nostrils and help avoid the inevitable side effects of longer term use. I found years ago that if I used in both nostrils for more than three consecutive days, it actually caused me to be congested.

Ted

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 6:59 pm

Sorry to hear you are having trouble, Babette. I was beginning to think you fell off the planet or something. Haven't seen many post from you as of late. Take care of yourself and hope you get better soon.

Your Oklahoma buddy,

JeffH

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 7:47 pm

viewtopic.php?p=160144#160144

Some of this may help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:17 pm

Thanks Rooster! Very helpful indeed!

I tried a shot of Flonase last night, and I think that's what woke me up at 1 am and left me lolling around awake and bored. I finally went back to sleep.

I WAS doing a neti pot rinse in the AM during my vacation, since I had a cold and was flying and was in a different climate. Soon as I got home I discontinued that. I'll take it up again, plus add the PM neti pot.

Maybe just do Flonase in the AM. I think I remember now why I only take it in the AM.

LOL,
Babs the Blurry

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

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