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Products and services I use an over-the-counter nasal spray for congestion associated with allergies Should I be concerned about nasal spray addiction
Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. What you may be referring to is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion. Your congestion also may worsen if you stop using the medication. Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn't. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years. With James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Ozone air purifiers ShareTweet Dec. 12, 2020 Show references DeShazo RD, et al. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020. Understanding the different types of nasal sprays. The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. https://aaoallergy.org/allergy/you-want-me-to-spray-what-up-my-nose-%EF%BB%BF/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020. Drug, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction. Accessed Nov. 17, 2020. Segboer C, et al. Intranasal corticosteroids for non-allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://www.cochranelibrary.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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