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2006-08-21 01:45:47 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
I feel your pain. Do you mean you can't sleep because you can't breathe through your nose? I didn't know Afrin could cause dependency by making you sleep. I've been physically addicted to nasal sprays on and off throughout my whole life! When I found out I was pregnant, I was told I had to stop. Things went back to normal in about 2-3 weeks. Hang in there! You can do it!
2006-08-28 11:46:39 · answer #1 · answered by Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not a junky. People here are acting as if you are addicted to Percocet. If I am guessing correctly, when you say that you can't sleep all you mean is that you get so congested that you can't breathe. This is normal when people use afrin and this is not a medical emergency.
What you will have to do is just stop using it. You will feel congested for a week or two but it will go away. There are products that you can use to ease the transition. Ocean spray is a saline spray that is completely harmless and can help a little. You could use a Sudafed product to help control the congestion (but don't start taking this all the time or the same thing will happen). There are certain health conditions that mean that you can't use Sudafed so don't use it if you have any of these. If it is really bad, your doctor could give you a prescription for Flonase (a nasal corticosteroid) that can help ease the transition. If you want, you can start out using it every other night and taper down slowly. If you have allergies, you might ask your doctor about an antihistamine. Good Luck
2006-08-21 09:41:52 · answer #2 · answered by mrodrx 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try taking some vacation time from work, probably 1 or 2 weeks. Throw away all your Affrin, and make sure that it's somewhere you can't get it back, like a dumpster at a store or something.
Then, plan on just staying up all night and the next day (36 hours total), then try to sleep that evening (after the 36 hours). I bet you will be tired enough to do it, and you have plenty of days to catch up on your missed sleep/messed up schedule.
In the mean time, your body will be learning to function without the Affrin, and your dependency will be reduced.
You should also see a doctor, because I believe there is physical damage caused by long term use of Affrin. He might be able to give you a substitute to keep your nasal passages open that isn't an addictive stimulant, like a prescription antihistamine/decongestant.
Good luck.
2006-08-21 08:56:58 · answer #3 · answered by CJP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go see a doctor, he'll put you on a saline to ween you off of the Afrin, you'll be stuffy for awhile but will get through it! Good luck.
2006-08-21 08:53:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Afrin is addictive. You need to speak with you Dr on how to get off of it. Like any addiction it's going to be difficult. Sorry!!
2006-08-21 08:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by fit4life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there - done that. You are just going to have to spend a couple of sleepless nights - stop cold turkey. It's hard, but its worth it. About the 3 rd night you will be laying there and your nose will open up all on its own. Keep a bottle of saline solution w/you while you are "detoxing". It makes it a little easier.
2006-08-21 08:53:38 · answer #6 · answered by kimgirlscout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold turkey is the only way.
This is your sinus
This is your sinus on Afrin
Get the picture?
Good luck, you can do it.
2006-08-21 09:04:18 · answer #7 · answered by sparkletina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go see a nose, ear and throat specialist. You might have adenoids. He's the only one that will helk you.
2006-08-26 13:38:12 · answer #8 · answered by lady love 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need proffesional help in the worse kind of way! seek medical help asap!
2006-08-21 09:01:08 · answer #9 · answered by rje46805 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
see a doctor, addiction to anything is not a good thing.
2006-08-21 08:49:19 · answer #10 · answered by mischugenah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋