Oxymetazoline Abuse Side Effects And Withdrawal
Detox is vital and perhaps the most difficult step. A good nasal spray addiction treatment center can help you remove yourself from oxymetazoline abuse. As with any other addiction, treatment against oxymetazoline abuse will involve a withdrawal process.
As a result of oxymetazoline abuse withdrawal, you may experience severe nasal congestion that could last many weeks or even months. In a best-case scenario, patients fight a week of severe congestion before the body settles and clears up on its own. In most cases, rebound congestion lasts for several weeks before patients successfully wean themselves off the drug.
Some patients are able to stop using the drug in one nostril at a time. Others try to wean by gradually reducing the strength of nasal sprays by diluting them in a saline solution. This can be tried in one nostril at a time, or in both nostrils.
Some patients have success with replacing nasal sprays with oral decongestants, and theyre able to wean off nasal sprays in a few days to weeks. However, some patients need stronger medicines. Prescription steroids can be helpful in those situations, but should always be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
Buying Guide For Best Allergy Relief Nasal Sprays
An allergy relief nasal spray can help you tackle your allergy symptoms. These dispersal sprays are used locally for hayfever, allergies, and sinusitis. People suffering from these conditions often prefer the convenience and ease of administering their medication via nasal spray over taking pills or receiving allergy shots.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or hayfever , perennial allergies , or sinusitis, you may often find yourself seeking relief from congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and red, watery, irritated eyes. Over the counter allergy relief nasal sprays can help relieve these bothersome symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Allergy relief nasal sprays are easy to keep handy, as theyre packaged small enough to carry in a pocket or purse.
What Are The Side Effects Of Afrin
Afrin users rarely report allergic side effects. However, temporary side effects are common, especially if too much Afrin is sprayed into nostrils. Possible side effects of Afrin use include:
- Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues
- Runny nose
- Sneezing due to irritation
Many people who use Afrin for over a week or more experience these side effects when Afrin starts wearing off and sinus tissues begin swelling again. Within seconds of using Afrin, these side effects usually disappear.
This is called the rebound effect of nasal sprays.
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What Happens If You Use A Dns For Too Long
Typically when you experience congestion, your nasal passages have become swollen, shrinking the amount of space in your nose that air can move through. Decongestant nasal sprays work by immediately shrinking the swollen blood vessels, which provides fast relief and helps you breathe easier. However, when the drug wears off, your blood vessels swell up again .
DNSs are only intended for temporary relief . After a few days of using a nasal decongestant spray, your nose becomes less responsive to the effects of the medication. Youll find yourself needing more and more to get rid of your congestion. Or, when you stop the spray, your congestion may return right away. This rebound effect, or Rhinitis Medicamentosa , is often mistaken as addiction to nasal spray. If you continue to use a decongestant nasal spray for too long or too frequently, this swelling can become worse and lead to tissue damage inside the nose.
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What Is Rebound Congestion
Rebound congestion is increasing nasal congestion as the decongestant nasal spray wears off, causing the patient to use more spray to combat the continued congestion, says Dr. Susan Besser, MD, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians in Baltimore. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms.
In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. After a few days of use, the nasal spray will relieve your congestion for shorter and shorter periods of time, causing a rebound effect. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. The problem can go on for years.
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Myth : All Nasal Sprays Are The Same
Imagine this scenario: You have a cold or seasonal allergies and head to the pharmacy to get a nasal spray to help clear the congestion so you can breathe. All nasal sprays are the same, so you can grab the first bottle you see, right? Wrong.
There are four different types of nasal sprays, each with a different purpose.
- : Decongestant nasal sprays alleviate congestion and a runny nose by temporarily shrinking the blood vessels in the nose . This type of nasal spray is typically sold over-the-counter with two main active ingredients, oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine . Phenylephrine is now replacing pseudoephedrine in many products. Decongestant nasal sprays can be dangerous to use for an extended amount of time and that may cause rebound congestion .
- Steroid: Steroid nasal sprays contain corticosteroids that help stop the inflammation of allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergies. Steroid nasal sprays work by applying the corticosteroid directly on delicate nose tissues to stop allergy symptoms like nasal congestion. Steroid nasal sprays are available in prescription form and over-the-counter with active ingredients like fluticasone propionate and triamcinolone acetonide .
- Saline: Saline nasal sprays are an all-natural way to treat congestion and mucus build-up with a mixture of sterilized water and sodium chloride instead of medication. The combination helps loosen mucus and debris inside the nose to clear congestion and blockages.
From Habituation To Weaning
Stöver says that people can get so used to using nasal spray in their everyday lives that they begin to feel uncomfortable or unwell without it. For many, he says, it can lead to real despair if there is no nasal spray at hand.
One strategy for weaning oneself off nasal spray is to gradually reduce its use, to become more aware of using it and to decrease the doses. Stöver says that if necessary, a log can be kept to record when the last dose was taken, and whether there were any signs of illness at all or whether it was taken just out of habit. He says there is no official therapy such as inpatient treatment in a clinic, so people have to deal with the problem on their own.
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Four Types Of Nasal Sprays
1. Saline Sprays
Over-the-counter saline sprays can help thin mucous and cleanse your nasal passages of pollen and other allergens.
Addictive? No, these dont cause irritation or dependency, although some preservatives or additives can cause irritation if you are sensitive to them.
What types can I use? Most over-the-counter saline nasal sprays are made of the same saline concentration thats in your body. They will specifically say saline or drug-free on the label. Look for sodium chloride and sterilized water as the main ingredients. While saline sprays can be effective, humidifiers can also be an alternative, especially in drier months.
2. Steroid Sprays
Steroid sprays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages. These can be a great alternative for those who experience side effects from medications taken by mouth.
Addictive? No, steroid sprays are safe to use and a good option for seasonal and environmental allergies. If you need the nasal spray longer than 6 months, however, talk to your doctor.
What types can I use? Look for steroid sprays that contain corticosteroids. They may also appear as fluticasone propionate or triamcinolone acetonide. There are several available both over the counter and by prescription, so talk to your doctor and pharmacist about which product is best to treat your symptoms.
3. Antihistamine Sprays
Addictive? No, antihistamine sprays are not habit-forming.
4. Decongestant Sprays
Nasal Spray: Separating Fact And Fiction
Nasal spray is a catch-all term for over-the-counter and prescription medications that are inhaled through the nose. These sprays are typically used to help relieve the symptoms that come with seasonal allergies and colds. There are four main types of nasal sprays: decongestant, steroid, saline, and antihistamine most of these can be used continuously. However, some can potentially cause an addiction if used for more than a few days at a time. This is not a true addiction, but using decongestant nasal sprays too often can lead to rebound congestion.
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Is Flonase Addictive Like Afrin
Flonase is a nasal spray prescribed by doctors for relieving symptoms of allergies and sinusitis. Belonging to the corticosteroid class of drugs, Flonase works differently than Afrin. In addition to reducing inflammation, Flonase also blocks the irritating effects of pollen, dust, mold and pet dander. Also, while Afrin starts working immediately to relieve congestion, Flonase users may not feel congestion relief for a few days.
Although Flonase doesnt cause a rebound effect like Afrin does, long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can promote recurring nosebleeds and headaches.
Issue #: Is The Convenience Of A Nasal Spray A Truly Added Benefit
People would love to have a convenient and rapid acting treatment for depression. Up to now, intravenous ketamine has met these requirements by being rapid acting, and somewhat convenient as it is offered seemingly everywhere. Now, as a nasal spray, ketamine will be very portable abut must be administered in the office of the physician. Will this translate to more convenience, or more burden? After someone completes 6 sessions of IV ketamine, most people only need once a month IV ketamine. Thats only one visit to a clinic a month for 45 min, or the time it would take you to have your teeth cleaned. Some would argue this is more convenient than using a nasal spray in office.
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Choose The Right Rehab For Your Situation
Its crucial that you choose an oxymetazoline abuse rehab that meshes with your own expectations and goals for the recovery process. Ask the following questions when choosing a rehab:
- What experience do the counselors and rehab staff have with addiction recovery for oxymetazoline?
- Is the staff composed of recovered addicts?
- Do they provide one-on-one counseling?
- How many clients do they accept at a time? The smaller the number, the more attention you will receive.
- How many clients are in a group therapy session? Again, if the number is small, clients tend to open up more, and the therapy sessions are more effective.
- How much privacy do clients have? Ask questions on basic infrastructure and rooming situations.
- What activities can clients engage in beside treatment?
- Can clients connect with family?
How To Avoid The Rebound Effect
Using your nasal spray correctly can keep you from having the rebound effect.
Gently blow your nose before you use nasal spray. This will clear your passages as much as possible and give the medicine room to work.
Also make sure to read the directions and shake the bottle before you spray.
When you put the tip of the nasal spray canister in your nose, aim it toward the back of your head.
Try not to blow your nose or sneeze right after you use it. You might lose some of the medicine before it has a chance to work.
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When You Need Professional Treatment For A Real Substance Addiction
Many people entering our rehab center who are addicted to snorting cocaine, crushed opioid pills or methamphetamine have become heavily dependent on Afrin or other nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline or phenylephrine hydrochloride. Snorting drugs is known to gradually destroy nasal passage tissues. Frequent nosebleeds and the development of ulcerations within the nasal passages commonly affect cocaine and meth abusers and intensify the inflammation and swelling of nasal tissues.
FHE Health is a leading substance abuse and mental health treatment facility in Southern Florida that provides personalized care, medical detoxification services and inpatient/outpatient treatment programs to help adolescents and adults regain their physical and psychological health. We also specialize in treating co-occurring disorders involving substance addictions and mental illnesses. Please call us today if you or someone you know has co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.
What Is Your Professional Advice For People Who Are Overusing Decongesting Nasal Sprays
Key points I advise are:
- Be aware of the hidden hazards .
- Do not use the spray for more than three to five days.
- Do not use the spray more frequently than the product instructions recommend.
The first week of stopping decongestion sprays is often the most difficult. However, it is possible to overcome it with determination and medical assistance.
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Side Effects Of Naloxone
While helpful in reversing an Opioid overdose, Naloxone may cause some side effects. The most common side effect is Opioid withdrawal, which sometimes includes:
- Nervousness
The risk of an Opioid withdrawal increases with higher doses of Narcan.
Though rare, Naloxone may lead to severe side effects, including:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Those who do not seek medical treatment after receiving a dose of Naloxone may face an urge to take more drugs especially if they are addicted to Opioids. Naloxone stays in the body approximately 1 hour, sometimes a little more. However, some Opioids can stay in the body for up to 12 hours, meaning Naloxone will wear off long before the drug. Consuming additional Opioids after taking the medication significantly increases your risk of a second overdose.
What To Expect At A Nasal Spray Addiction Rehab Facility
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you should consider a nasal spray addiction rehab that specializes in your addiction. A rehab center is your best bet for successful recovery because it allows you to be away from your normal surroundings, and stay focused on your treatment.
Besides a fresh environment, you will also surround yourself with people who are overcoming a challenge like yours. You also have access to knowledgeable medical practitioners and mentors with experience in helping clients. Some rehabs provide a setting where you can have a balance of therapy and recreation time, which boosts your recovery process.
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Learn To Live Without Oxymetazoline
A good nasal spray addiction treatment center will position you for success, but staying off nasal sprays can be a lifelong process. You should stick to the proven 12-step program or test other established recovery programs.
Leverage your friends and family for support and continue to participate in local support groups. Positive reinforcement in a group setting can be very powerful, and it will help you sustain your recovery. Also, consider finding health services or rehab centers that provide post-recovery guidance and counseling.
How Can I Avoid Severe Afrin Addiction
Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence:
- never use it for more than 3 days.
- consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem
- consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection
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How To Use A Dns Properly
To use a decongestant nasal spray properly, you need to point the nasal spray toward the back of the nose so that you can inhale the medicine. Avoid spraying directly at the nasal septum because you can damage tissue and cause a bloody nose. Here are a few other tips for using nasal spray:
Prevent Future Oxymetazoline Abuse
After youve successfully weaned yourself from oxymetazoline, you should take preventative measures to avoid relapse. Research has shown that some clients are able to fully recover from addiction immediately following a structured treatment. Other clients experience a few relapses before they finally achieve permanent abstinence. And others may undergo repeated relapses that lead to severe health conditions or even death.
Because so many addicts go through a relapse, its important to have a prevention strategy in place. The key is to assess and stay on top of warning signs before you have an episode of relapse. You can learn to become aware of the symptoms and causes that tempt you back to nasal sprays by following a relapse-prevention strategy. Here are a few tips:
- Do not succumb to sprays when you have a stuffy nose. Our body has ways to handle many common health conditions including a stuffy nose, but you have to be patient. Taking shortcuts in the form of nasal sprays could be detrimental.
- Try to fight the infection naturally. Only switch to oral decongestants or alternative drugs if necessary. If you do use a nasal spray, only use it within dosage limits and do not use the past two or three days.
- Ask your friends and family for support. Your loved ones can help you stay on the right path.
Here are a few activities that can help you stay on a positive path:
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Can Nasal Sprays Be Addictive
It’s pretty scary to think that you’re addicted to any drug, especially one available at any grocery store! Oprah Winfrey even devoted an entire show to people who can’t live without their decongestant spray. But, fortunately, it’s safe to say that you are not really addicted to it.
Doctors and scientists define addiction in different ways. Scientists call drugs addictive if they stimulate the pleasure center in your brain. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, say something is addictive if your need for it makes you do illegal, harmful things to get it. Nasal sprays don’t do either of these things. They have no effect on the brain. And while you may “need” your medicine to breathe freely, you probably aren’t going to hold up a bank or skip work to go buy some.
Nasal sprays or drops are sold over-the-counter under brand names like Afrin, Sinex, Neo-Synephrine, Allerest, Duramist, and Sinarest. They contain a medicine that constricts the blood vessels inside your nose. When you have a cold, the flu, or allergies, these blood vessels become swollen and dilated. This stimulates the nasal membranes to produce large amounts of mucus. Like stepping on a garden hose, constricting the blood vessels reduces the blood flow to your nostrils. The swollen vessels shrink, and this helps to dry things up.
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