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Afrin Attack
I told a buddy of mine about the congestion I sometimes experience at night, and how it impacts my CPAP use. He said he's tried Afrin, and gave me an extra bottle that he had lying around. I tried it, and really liked it. Now I'm reading on the Internet that use of it on a regular basis can actually cause irreparable harm and damage to the body's natural functioning. And that it's highly addictive. Has anybody had any first hand experience with Afrin, and should I be worried? If it is so dangerous, how could this be an over the counter drug?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Melodie on
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Mike,
This is Melodie (Mel). THROW THAT AFRIN CRAP AWAY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES, IT WILL MESS UP YOUR NASAL PASSAGES AND IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO YOUR BODY'S NATURAL FUNCTIONING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, YES - it IS highly addictive!
Instead of the AFRIN, I use Wal-mart's Brand "Equate" Extra Moisturizing Nasal Spray or their 4-Way Nasal Spray. It is also over-the-counter, but is NOT addictive like AFRIN. I have even checked it out with all my docs, and as you know, I have SEVERAL different docs for various medical problems............
Even using just a regular Saline Nasal Spray would be better than the Afrin. That stuff should be pulled off the shelves!!!!!!!! I used Afrin many years ago and it gave my nose a fit when I tried to stop using it - even made me sick.
Hope this is helpful to you..........Go to Wal-Mart and get their EQUATE Extra Moisturizing Nasal Spray and their EQUATE 4-Way Nasal Spray and mix them together. That is what I am currently doing and it works like a charm.
Let me know how it goes.
Mel
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Permalink Reply by Steven Y. Park, MD on
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If you use it only for 2-3 days, it shouldn't matter. If your nasal congestion continues, it's time to see your doctor. It's much safer to use nasal saline regularly. There are dozens of saline options. One option is a Neti-pot. Saline acts as a mild decongestant and can be used continuously. Yes, people get addicted to Afrin, but with proper treatment, they can usually come off of it safely. Alcohol is also addictive, but sold over the counter. It's how you use it that matters. Did you happen to read the directions and the warnings on the bottle?
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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I read the instructions and warnings. says that the active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. hydrochloride... does that bear any relation to hydrochloric acid?
Steven Y. Park, MD said:If you use it only for 2-3 days, it shouldn't matter. If your nasal congestion continues, it's time to see your doctor. It's much safer to use nasal saline regularly. There are dozens of saline options. One option is a Neti-pot. Saline acts as a mild decongestant and can be used continuously. Yes, people get addicted to Afrin, but with proper treatment, they can usually come off of it safely. Alcohol is also addictive, but sold over the counter. It's how you use it that matters. Did you happen to read the directions and the warnings on the bottle?
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I know for myself I have rebound effects when using Afrin or similar products -- even one day can have an impact on my tissues. I do not use them at all due to this.
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