Best OTC nasal spray for severe nasal congestion?

[Anonymous]

In the light of most recent FDA comments that some decongestants don’t work, what do you use?

I tried Xlear but it does not make any difference. I have also tried saline, steam, humidifier … nothing helps - so I want to get something stronger from the pharmacy. If you have your go to remedy for severe nasal congestion please share!

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Afrin. I don't know what kind of voodoo magic it contains, but it's a miracle for congestion. You can only use it for three days, though - but IME it's very worth it.

Sorry you're stuffed up! That was me over the weekend and yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Afrin for sure.

[Anonymous]

Afrin for short term use; Flonase for longer term

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Afrin for short term use; Flonase for longer term

Same.

I also steam with Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils. Old fashioned but effective. Can be done in the shower or over a bowl filled with hot water and a towel over your head. Opens things up and then I use the nasal spray.

[Anonymous]

https://www.target.com/p/no-drip-nasal-decongestant-spray-1-fl-oz-up-38-up-8482/-/A-50422592

lasts 12 hours or more. 2 pumps.
equate makes one too.
I would not recommend this product unless it worked extremely well for me. Been using it for many many years.
No burn, no nosebleed.

[Anonymous]

Avoid Afrin like the plague. I finally quit a 10+ year addiction.

That includes all derivatives. Personally I was addicted to Sinex. But anything with OXYMETAZOLINE is bad news. It works well... and then your nose needs it to function at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Afrin like the plague. I finally quit a 10+ year addiction.

That includes all derivatives. Personally I was addicted to Sinex. But anything with OXYMETAZOLINE is bad news (as well as spray phenophaline). It works well... and then your nose needs it to function at all.

Same poster here -- just adding to make the point. Being addicted meant that I had anxiety if I was anywhere without the spray bottle as my nose would fully close up and I couldn't breathe. I would need to use it 5-6 times a day. And, I burned a hole in my septum from using it. Trust me, don't do it.

Use oral pseudoephedrine sparingly. I also use both Nasonex and Astropro which are not addictive.

[Anonymous]

Afrin works, but rebound congestion is a big problem for me. Flonase helps, but works much slower.

I have a Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler that does wonders.

[Anonymous]

Afrin is fine if you use it as recommended and discontinue use after 3 days.

My doctor recommended Afrin and Flonase at the same time. Continue Flonase as long as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Afrin like the plague. I finally quit a 10+ year addiction.

That includes all derivatives. Personally I was addicted to Sinex. But anything with OXYMETAZOLINE is bad news (as well as spray phenophaline). It works well... and then your nose needs it to function at all.

Same poster here -- just adding to make the point. Being addicted meant that I had anxiety if I was anywhere without the spray bottle as my nose would fully close up and I couldn't breathe. I would need to use it 5-6 times a day. And, I burned a hole in my septum from using it. Trust me, don't do it.

Use oral pseudoephedrine sparingly. I also use both Nasonex and Astropro which are not addictive.

What's your problem with pseudoephedrine? It doesn't have a huge effect on me, but it works a little without much in the way of side effects.

[Anonymous]

To remind people, pseudoephedrine wasn't removed from cold medicine for safety reasons. It was just removed so that they could continue to sell those medications without the special controls needed for pseudoephedrine, due to illicit methamphetamine production concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To remind people, pseudoephedrine wasn't removed from cold medicine for safety reasons. It was just removed so that they could continue to sell those medications without the special controls needed for pseudoephedrine, due to illicit methamphetamine production concerns.

Pseudoephedrine does increase your heartrate so its not good to use long term. But it doesn't have the rebound congestion issues of nosespray. Much better option

[Anonymous]

OP here. I got and used Afrin about 2 hours ago, and feel so much better both in terms of stuffiness and pressure headache. Thank you to all who suggested it!

Also, thank you to PP who mentioned essential oils. I will put those in my diffuser next and maybe try to use it with steam.

I was just reading additional PP’ comments about potential issues with Afrin. I wasn’t aware of this as I have not used it in the past and hope not to have to use it for three full days. I assume the side effects everyone is talking about are from overuse only?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I got and used Afrin about 2 hours ago, and feel so much better both in terms of stuffiness and pressure headache. Thank you to all who suggested it!

Also, thank you to PP who mentioned essential oils. I will put those in my diffuser next and maybe try to use it with steam.

I was just reading additional PP’ comments about potential issues with Afrin. I wasn’t aware of this as I have not used it in the past and hope not to have to use it for three full days. I assume the side effects everyone is talking about are from overuse only?

For some rebound congestion can happen after just 2 uses. But no more than twice per day for 3 days max and you should be ok. But if you seem to be reaching for it quicker than 12 hours beware, beware, beware