Sudafed nasal spray

[halart45]

Has anybody been addicted to Sudafed nasal spray? I have been using it now for years, every day, about 2-3 hours every day and 4 times in the night to help me sleep.

I feel miserable. My sinuses are so bad and I can't physically breathe out my nose without it.

Has anybody else had this problem and managed to successfully withdraw? Please help!!! Enough is enough ☹️

I was for years. Went cold turkey two years ago during our summer holiday (was getting so worked up about not sleeping and then not coping with work) so decided to do it during a break so I could be tired during the day and fret less. Took about three weeks though.

I still get bad sinus infections a couple of times a year and will use something then but very very limited and never in the day.

It's the fear of no sleep which is making me so anxious as well. Although I'd rather do it now before the baby arrives and be completely and utterly exhausted. 3 weeks seems such a long time 😩 @Wisteria1979

This might be a silly question, but for those that did 1 nostril at a time - does that work? The spray sticks to only one side and doesn't trickle across etc?

How was your night @halart45 ?

@Imamastermind absolute hell. 😂 at 3am I used one spray; but only in one nostril because I needed sleep! The other nostril has remained completely blocked so far.

Bloody well done @halart45 !

@halart45 has the Sterimar spray not worked at all?

Question for fellow decongestant addicts....have any of you developed post nasal drip?

I've had an issue with it for two years and I'm wondering if it's connected to using decongestant spray (it kind of makes sense that it might do - maybe drying up the nose all the time means the sinuses don't drain properly)

I'm trying to give it up at the moment (on one nostril only!)

It's worrying how many people I know who are using this stuff permanently - I've noticed three other members of my family use it all the time, and several close friends.

Yes, recently I’ve been getting post nasal drip. I don’t know how I’ve avoided it for so long, I’ve been using Sudafed sprays for 25 years+ 😳

I really need to do something about it

I really need to do something about it

I'm not sure you can do anything, apart from give up the Sudafed.

@Crikeyisthatthetime thank you! Nearly done 2 days with just one spray so far which is the best I've done in years, so it's a start at least haha! I'll try again tonight to do none.

@Imamastermind not yet, I think I'm just so blocked that it's not doing much. But I'm hoping that will change soon.

I’ve found my people!

I started on Sudafed, but have moved onto Otravine as it doesn’t feel so harsh.

I relate to what everyone is saying. It’s such a weird addiction to have!

Im not going cold turkey but I want to quit. Think I’ll gradually cut down. Following for ideas!

@TwilightSkies it's a lot more common than I thought it would be!!

I think the one nostril thing is the route I'm going to go down. It's so difficult to go cold turkey.

There are some useful videos on YouTube about draining/unblocking sinuses, they can be quite effective.

@halart45 it's interesting you say your surgery started this. I had a deviated septum, and before surgery needed to be propped up and have a spray to sleep. I used a Boots spray.
My surgery completely fixed the issue and I very rarely have to use a spray, even when I have a cold. I wonder if you need to have a referral to see if there is anything else going on? I'm sure that when I saw the specialist he said that there are 'pads' in our noses which can inflame or grow and that part of what I had. Could be worth a chat with GP.

I hope you have success coming off, keep at it.

@bitofashit thank you, I'll take a look.

@NerdyBird I don't think my surgery was very successful. I am definitely going to go back to the ENT specialist after birth to see what's going on. Thank you 🙏

Yep, that’s what I need to do. I’ve tried the Sterimar route but I was so bunged up I was getting headaches. I might try the one nostril approach.

Can I just second what @bitofashit suggested about sinus pressure points, it does work and gives quick relief. It doesn't last for long for me but it's worth it to ease that pressure for a while.

I did it, first night in years without spray. I'm exhausted 😩 barely slept!

Well done! Keep going! It will get easier I promise!

I was thinking of you at 4 in the morning (couldn't sleep either, full of cold)
It will get better.

@Crikeyisthatthetime @Imamastermind thank you both! Hope you feel better soon!

I've had this with the tablets too. I rarely take anything now but am congested and wake up gasping for air during the night sometimes. I wish there was an easy answer, I'm not sure if it's worse on or off them.