Adverse Effects of Nasal Spray Addiction

While many people enjoy the immediate and long-lasting effects of nasal spray, some users become more and more dependent on it. Though you don't develop compulsive cravings or physical signs of addiction, your body can develop a tolerance to over-the-counter, or OTC, nasal spray, which leads to prolonged and repetitive use with reduced results. When you do become "addicted" to nasal spray, the effects are life-changing.

Function

• People use nasal spray to clear their nasal passages so they can breathe easier. When people become congested, the blood vessels in their nose expand making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Nasal spray constricts the blood vessels. When used according to package directions, nasal spray is effective at clearing congestion and creating normal nasal airflow, but when used excessively or for more than the recommended time, many people experience Rhinitis Medicamentosa, otherwise known as nasal spray addiction.

Ingredients

• The most common ingredients in nasal sprays include:
  • Oxymetazoline: This is the most common active ingredient found in OTC nasal sprays. It is a powerful drug that eliminates congestion. When used as recommended, it is considered safe and effective for most people. However, if it is used longer than directed, a condition known as rebound congestion can occur. And then the cycle begins, because the only way to reduce rebound congestion is to take another dose of nasal spray.
  • Phenylepherine: This is the second most common active ingredient listed in OTC nasal sprays. This temporarily shrinks the nasal membrane, which allows for easier breathing.

  Both of these OTC ingredients are highly effective when it comes to clearing breathing passages. However, both of these drugs are also considered addictive.

Adverse Effects

• After several days of using OTC nasal spray regularly, you are likely to have a reduced response to the spray. You may also experience continued nasal congestion and feelings of blocked nasal passages. This is known as Rhinitis Medicamentosa, rebound congestion or nasal spray addiction.

  Though the "safe period" is three days in American-made spray, and seven to eight days in European spray, any amount of nasal spray may change the nasal mucosa and result in congestion with continued use.

  Many people acknowledge their dependence on nasal spray and are often discreet about their addiction. They stash nasal spray around the house, in their car, at their office and anywhere else they spend time. People with the addiction may also shop at different pharmacies and markets so as not raise suspicion to their needs. Anyone who uses nasal spray may become addicted.

  Though you aren't physically and physiologically addicted, your body needs more and more to achieve the same response it did when you first began using the nasal spray.

Prevention/Solution

• One of the most obvious ways to prevent nasal spray addiction is to never use nasal spray, or use it exactly as the package directs. Using nasal spray as a short-term therapy is safe and effective. However, if you do find yourself with rebound congestion, you can wean yourself from the nasal spray and still find relief. Your doctor may suggest or prescribe oral decongestants, saline nasal sprays or steroid nasal sprays. These will each reduce nasal congestion and allow your nasal passages time to heal and reduce your dependence on OTC nasal sprays.

Warning

• If you need nasal congestion relief because of a cold or allergies, it is all right to use OTC nasal spray according to the directions. It is when you become dependent on the spray and use it more often than recommended that it becomes a problem. Always consult with your primary physician before taking any medication, and be sure to follow the label directions as written.