Looking for best way to counteract Afrin's rebound effect and the best way to get off of Afrin...for good.

Question

Been using it for almost a year. Started using it when I had a cold but found I needed to continue using it to keep my nose from swelling back up. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Answer 1

My husband & I both suffer from the same thing. We've been on it for about 7 yrs. I started using it b/c I have a deviated septum. I just had surgery Friday & my nose is still packed so I can't breathe thru my nose. But my doc shaved the turbinates so I shouldn't have problems with it swelling. Hopefully all of this process with get me off of it for good. A couple years ago I went to my ENT & she gave me a steroid shot & some steroid nasal sprays which did reduce my dependancy on the Afrin but I allowed myself to get back on it. I really have a difficult time breathing with my crooked nose. My sister-in-law (who's a nurse anestist) said to try using the spray in one nostril only, so that you'll always have a nostril to breathe, and after a week or 2 you should have weened yourself off of it. Sadly to say I didn't try her solution b/c I couldn't get enough air to pass thru my left nostril. Good Luck. I understand your battle. I'm having pure hell breathing thru my mouth only.

Answer 2

First start by gradually decreasing your dose. Mix the afrin with saline. Gradually start to decrease the amount of afrin and increase the amount of saline.

You may notice that "stuffy" feeling during the tapering process....IT WILL GET BETTER.

Answer 3

Your best bet is to see the doc for his help as your doc will need to note this on your chart as nasal sprays like afrin will be something you can never ever use again for the rest of your life. See your doc for the proper help on this.

Answer 4

if you take it longer then 3 days it will make your nose worse