Alternatives to Afrin!

[pittphantoms]

Is there anything that works as well as Afrin - that doesn't get so damn addictive so quick? If I use it once or twice - instantly I cant breathe normally without it

(Yea, I have been addicted to this stuff ten to twelve times in my life previously so that may be part of the reason)

[Dr Steve]

Is there anything that works as well as Afrin - that doesn't get so damn addictive so quick? If I use it once or twice - instantly I cant breathe normally without it

(Yea, I have been addicted to this stuff ten to twelve times in my life previously so that may be part of the reason)

You know, Afrin is made by the devil. It works so damned good, but then makes you NEED it if you use it for more than a few days. My goofy ex-wife used to use a bottle a DAY of the stuff.

Afrin works by constricting the capillaries in the nasal tissues...this causes an almost immediate shrinking of the nasal tissues, and AHHHHHHH....you can breathe through your nose!

I found that pseudoephedrine-containing non-drowsy antihistamines like Claritin D and Allegra D work just as well for me, just not as fast. And they're definitely not addictive. You shouldn't take these if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or any of the other things listed in the "do not take if you have..." section of the package insert.

If you must have a nasal spray, there is a really cool solution that a lot of doctors have forgotten about. It's called ATROVENT nasal spray and it helps to decrease congestion and mucus production and it's not addictive in the least. I've used it to help people get off Afrin. The main downside is that it's prescription only and can be a little pricey.

Hope this helps!

If all else fails, you can always resort to the ol' neti pot!

http://www.lolotov.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/neti-pot21.jpg

[kennyg92]

If you must have a nasal spray, there is a really cool solution that a lot of doctors have forgotten about. It's called ATROVENT nasal spray and it helps to decrease congestion and mucus production and it's not addictive in the least.


According to the RXList.com website (http://www.rxlist.com/atrovent-nasal-spray-drug-center.htm):
"ATROVENT Nasal Spray (ipratropium bromide nasal spray) 0.03% does not relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, or postnasal drip associated with allergic or nonallergic perennial rhinitis."

My doctor also agreed with this when I asked him about it.