I have been addicted to nose spray before & I’ve always had to suffer, for days, to get off of it. With no sleep, dry mouth, clogged nostrils & pure misery + pain. My sinuses have started stuffing up again & with my work, I can’t be miserable, so I used a little nose spray. Which went to a little more, so I’m addicted again. If I dont use it, I can’t breath at all. I can’t go off it cold turkey, like I’ve done before. With my job, I can’t afford to be that miserable. What is the BEST brand of over the counter sinus decongestant? Something that ACTUALLY works? Any other suggestions, to come off of the nose spray w/out misery, will be appreciated. Thanks!
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2 comments ↓
I assume the nasal sprays you have used have been steroid-based. What you are calling an “addiction” is actually called reboud effect. It’s a complicated reaction – hard to explain to a layperson in a few words. But it’s caused by steroid-based nasal sprays – all of them.
There are now non-steroid nasal sprays that work very well and don’t cause rebound effect. I have used both Flonase and Nasonex (both prescriptions and both non-steroid) and they each worked very well for me.
I would suggest you see an allergist even tho you describe your problem as “sinus congestion”. It could very well be a combination of allergies and sinus problems. An allergist can do testing to determine what you are allergic to, if anything. He will then create an individualized treatment plan for you that may include non-steroid nasal sprays, oral meds and possibly allergy shots. I haven’t worked as a nurse for a while, but I understand there is now a shot given at the beginning of allergy season that takes care of the symptoms for the entire season.
Something you can do for yourself until you see the allergist is to begin using breathe right nasal strips at bedtime. They are slim strips that go over the bridge of the nose and hold the nasal passages open to allow you to breathe freely. My husband just started using them after years of sinus and allergy problems and they are a Godsend! If you live in an area that has Safeway stores, they sell a generic brand at the pharmacy that is identical to the brand name and much less expensive. If not, look at other grocery stores, discount stores and drug stores. I’m sure there other generic brands out there.
Pls consider the allergist. I suffered for years before I finally found one. Now I have a treatment plan and the misery is gone!
I had the same problem being addicted to nose spray. I found that the best way to break the addiction was to use the nose spray in one nostril. It was miserable but at least I could breath clearly through one side. Then after a few days I would stop the nose spray all together. I found that I needed to slowly wean myself off the nose spray.
As far as over the counter sinus decongestant, I have to keep on changing brands. I have found that something works for awhile and then it no longer works for me. I haven’t found anything that wonderful though.
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