In Norway, 700,000 people are dependent on nasal sprays

[D217]

Originally Posted by Travelassie

I don't know that you'd call it addictive, but there are some that work very well the first few times you use them, but after that you build up a tolerance to them and they become less effective. After that you have to use them more and more frequently to get the desired effects. Afrin nasal spray is one of those that comes to mind.

Forget which brand I was using, but this is exactly what happened to me. I became totally dependent on the spray, as soon as it would wear off, the stuffy symptoms would come back immediately. It just prolonged and prevented any sort of healing.

This went on for months, I got sick of it and switched to Zyrtec, then after a year or so taking THAT every day, I cut it out, went cold turkey and after a bit of experimenting w/ my diet, all my sinus problems finally went away.


Haven't used nasal spray in nearly 15 years, praise the Lord and knock on wood.

[Deserterer]

i learned my lesson decades ago. Now I make sure not to use it for more than 3 days, or only use it once a day if I feel like need it.

[allenk893]

Amazing how many harmful things in the past we would just buy at the store with no question as to what the ingredients were that we were putting in our bodies.

[anononcty]

I was told by a specialist avoid the otc nasal sprays in particular. Especially the medicated ones. Saline solutions sprays to moisturize and clean are ok. But the medicated ones can dry out and irritate the sinuses. Some may be using the sprays for the moisture effect ie temporary relief right after using them. But as the sinuses dryout they will feel stuffed up.

[Ghaati]

Originally Posted by anononcty

I was told by a specialist avoid the otc nasal sprays in particular. Especially the medicated ones. Saline solutions sprays to moisturize and clean are ok. But the medicated ones can dry out and irritate the sinuses. Some may be using the sprays for the moisture effect ie temporary relief right after using them. But as the sinuses dryout they will feel stuffed up.

Well then YOU should avoid OTC nasal sprays.

Meanwhile, I find easier breathing with a snort of Fluonase in each nostril, at bedtime. A deviated septum, pollen and dust allergies, living in a manufactured home in Florida means I can choose to breathe, or not breathe. I've chosen to breathe.