Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% (Afrin)

[Rainwater]

I would be lying if I said I was not completely dependent on this for my sinuses

This nasal spray is not to be used for longer than a week or so

I’ve used it daily for years, never considered it an addiction before, until recently, but it seems like this is common, because the price of it is so expensive.

I have tried to stop using Afrin / generic nasal spray and I genuinely cannot

I see it as a problem, an addiction / dependence and a problem, given the cost of buying it and how I am not supposed to use it daily, or often. Yet, I know that, again, this is probably fairly common

I mean, one bottle is the cost of a pack of cigarettes, and I dont need either of them to survive. I should be able to just breathe normally.

I wouldn’t consider my allergy medication (claritin) to be a problem, because it is seasonal, and I try to also rinse my nasal passages out, and I found a good deal for a 90 day supply which should last me all allergy season. $20 for 90 tablets. Versus the typical $1+/tablet cost

But $10 / month for Afrin, if i buy one of these, now shrinkflation has turned the $10 bottles into 0.5 fl oz* versions, versus before it was 1 fl oz* for $10. And its not food! I shouldn’t be using this as part of my daily routine to breathe comfortably. If I had asthsma or something and needed an inhaler, sure, but I did this to myself.

I want to go into the grocery store, buy food, and occasionally cleaning supplies and toiletries and thats it.

This money adds up when i am trying to save everything, and it is just an annoyance. A crutch that I stupidly gave myself when i kept using it after using it once for a cold when i was in my teens, a long time ago. It was a George Carlin joke for a reason, lol

Does anyone have any experience with cessation of this nasal spray ingredient? I really am frustrated. Its not like i think about using it, it doesnt do anything psychoactive, but after not using it, after chronically using it, my nasal passages just tighten up and i cannot breathe, except through my mouth, which isnt good for the esophagus and whatnot

[Matt]

That sucks! Might be a good idea to see a doctor. It says here that use of oxymetazoline for longer than three days actually may cause the congestion to get worse (Oxymetazoline - Wikipedia), so, ironically, the substance you’re using to reduce congestion is actually causing your congestion (and has been for years).

Also, long term use of oxymetazoline may create permanent swelling in your nasal tissues, requiring surgery to repair it (Rhinitis medicamentosa - Wikipedia).

You should go see a doctor to see what you can do

[SassyRocks]

It is amazing what our bodies will get used to and then require. I agree with Matt on discussing with your doctor for options. Sorry you are going thru this.

This reminded me of my lips needing EOS lip cream all day long now or they dry out. I have them stashed all over. Not as drastic as your issue, but I guess they create these products so we will have to keep buying them?

Hope you find a solution.

[Sonny]

I assume you mean .5 ounce and 1 ounce bottles? Those are 15ml and 30ml each. I also take Afrin but on occasion, and it’s way cheaper to buy 2 or 3 packs on eBay. I’m still on the first bottle from a 3 pack I bought nearly a year ago on June 6th. How many times a day are you using it?

I had a problem with it years ago where I was using it daily, once or twice a day for a long time. Never went through a bottle a month, but I became dependent on it or my sinuses would close right up. What I did was drop it cold turkey and deal with the congestion caused by misuse until things got back to normal. It only took a few days. It sucked but I knew it had to be done. I realized I wasn’t following the directions. Or maybe the formulation was different then?

Now it’s more of an emergency thing, like if I’m so congested no air will pass through my nasal passages due to a cold or whatever. Haven’t had a problem becoming dependent on it this time around, but it’s definitely not daily long term use this time either.

I’m not recommending anyone use this product, but just stating my experience with it.

[Rainwater]

I am going to try as hard as i can with maybe some nasal strips to get past the congested stage of this, but i may go through a 1oz bottle…idk did i say 1mL? I meant 1 fl oz my bad, of afrin in a given month / 6 weeks.

I used to really have a big problem with it, maybe one every three weeks

Its not terribly bad, but i have to use it at some point during the day, or before i go to bed.

I really hope I didn’t develop a chronic medical condition that would require surgery. I hope this is reversible. I dont have the kind of money needed to undergo such a surgery

I just know that what i am doing is probably not good, and i would like to not have it as a crutch anymore

[Eke]

That’s rough, but great that you recognize it may be a problem.

Just based on what you’re sharing, there’s a lot of reasons to discuss this with a doctor. It’s a strangely specific thing, so I’m not sure about any physiological dependence worries.

In any case it could be an indication of other sinus issues. Or the prolonged use may have other side effects a doctor could give you advice on.

This really seems like something to talk to a doctor about. If you’re open and honest about it, I bet a one hour chat with them might not only help you get past this, but maybe find a better long term solution!

[Runningfree]

One of my old friends got addicted to afrin many years ago. She said she liked the way it made her feel, not sure if it started out that way for you. She dropped it cold turkey. I think it just became a habit and like any habit it can be stopped. It will just take work to get past the first few days. Those can be hard when breaking any habit we have.
I agree with a visit with your doctor. They may be able to recommend something to help with your congestion that is non habit forming.
Good luck!

[erntedank]

When chronically overused it has the adverse effect as you felt. See a doctor, there can be additional damage.