What happens if you get addicted to Afrin?
While it’s not considered an “addiction” in the usual sense, your body can become dependent on the drug. Doctors call this phenomenon “rebound congestion,” or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors.
Can Afrin cause permanent damage?
After the medicine wears off, the nasal tissue swells again. Sometimes it swells even more than before. If the person continues to use it, this swelling can get more severe and lead to permanent swelling of the tissue. Long-term use of these sprays can also damage the tissue, causing infection and pain.
How long does rebound congestion last after stopping Afrin?
Just like any addiction, there are withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping the medicine. In this case, withdrawal consists of severe nasal congestion and stuffiness lasting from a week to a few months, depending on how long the nasal spray was used and the patient’s anatomy.
Can you have withdrawal from Afrin?
The withdrawal for afrin addiction is severe nasal congestion and obstruction lasting a few weeks to more rarely even months. These withdrawal symptoms are unavoidable and truly miserable unfortunately. However, there are a few medications that can help blunt the severity, though withdrawal will still be experienced.
Can a decongestant lead to an Afrin addiction?
The category that can lead to worsening problems is called a decongestant, and this includes Afrin. I used to be able to say over the counter nose sprays are the ones that can be addictive, but now nose sprays that are good for daily use are also over the counter!
Why do I get nasal congestion after taking Afrin?
Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline. The nasal spray rebound effect has no psychological component.
Is it OK to use Afrin for long term?
Afrin nose spray works wonders to improve nasal congestion but it is not meant for long term or recurrent use. I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but let’s be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction.
How long does the withdrawal from Afrin last?
Just like with any addiction, there is going to be a withdrawal process. The withdrawal for afrin addiction is severe nasal congestion and obstruction lasting a few weeks to more rarely even months. These withdrawal symptoms are unavoidable and truly miserable unfortunately.