Ive been using the walmart afrin version for about 10 years. I decided to quit cold turkey on both nostrils and its been about 7 days. The first few were hell but i was prepared for it. My nose still isnt fully healed but its bearable and i can sleep decently now. To anyone out there dealing with this take the bull by the horns and you got this. Its crazy how i still have moments where i want to reach for it but i'm glad i'm headed in the right direction.
After 2 weeks you'll be fine guys, the first few days are the worst but you can get through it. If your worried you wont be able to sleep just make sure your really tired the night you plan on quitting and youll fall asleep. I dont plan on ever using this shit again and no i dont believe it keeps you safe from covid lol at the 2 week mark youll be suprised how easy it was to let it go.
And my nose is good most of the time other than my allergies messing with me. After 2 weeks i didn't really have any problems sleeping. Its sad i used this shit for 10 years scared of quitting to only find out that it's super easy to quit. Just once you stop using it, never use it again.
I’m so happy that I found this, I had watched this 3 days ago & tried this method. I’m on day 3 & I never in a million years thought I would over come this. Thank you. Very informative and effective.
I took your advice and did the one nostril only deal and was able to quit in just a couple of days thank you so much you don't know how much this helped me
Same! My left nostril is back to normal after 30 years of using it. Now I just gotta quit using it on right side. Good for u! I know how miserable it is and I also come from a family where a lot of the women in my family were addicted to it as well. I would go through a bottle less than a week. It was terrible for over 25 years. Another reason is because I have horrible hypertension and I’m starting to think that it’s making my hypertension worse because I can’t get my blood pressure under control.
Hello! I would like to thank you SOOOO much for you taking the time to make this video! It has helped me so much I thought I was going to depend on Afrin until the Lord called me home! No ONE absolutely NO ONE has given your tips on how to get rid of it and you reading It in an article and sharing it has blessed the life of many like me. Again thank you for the video!!!!
Not even a doctor told me this information, I'm freaking dying here because of thunderclap headaches(caused by nasal spray). I'm starting this guy method straight away!
@@BaverIy Seriously!!! I was sooo hooked on Afrin!!!! I Am currently using a good method for my allergies! I bought Allegra 100mg and take half in morning and half night! I rinse my nose trail with Niel med and Nassacort! Im over allergies and breath amazing!!! Life changer
Another adjunct you can add is the 240mg pseudoephedrine tablets. You’ll need to ask the pharmacist directly for them and show your drivers license etc. This is an extremely powerful oral decongestant that has no addiction whatsoever. Most often, it works extremely well on its own, but I recommend using cool saline rinses throughout the day to wash out the trace elements of Afrin from your nasal passages. If the pseudoephedrine keeps you awake, then you can always add some Benadryl caplets, which ironically are a histamine antagonist which will also contribute to clearer nasal passages as well as help you sleep. If you can plan ahead and start taking the Flonase while your still taking your Afrin about a week before you embark on your journey, then the corticosteroid will be in full effect when your ready to wean off the Afrin. The Flonase takes about 7 days to start working. The corticosteroid is not a nasal decongestant like Afrin, so there’s no risk of addiction or rebound congestion etc. the corticosteroid works to gradually shrink the swollen membranes inside the nasal passages and you generally only need it for a couple or 3 weeks. Best!
This video saved me. Thank you so much. I have been trying to get over this cold and stuffy nose. I bought Afrin today and used it once and was pleasantly surprised how it cleared up my nose. I wanted to make sure I was using it right went on UA-cam to find a tutorial. I came across yours and I threw my bottle in the trash. Glad I only used it once before finding your video. Thank you so much!
Thank you for watching and commeting, and more importantly for throwing it away. This stuff is EVIL. That's how it started for me - one cold and years of suffering. I haven't used it since before I filmed this video and my nostrils have healed and they are always clear (clearer than when I was on Afrin) and I'm so glad I beat this crap.
@totesgene - I'm on day 4 with no afrin but my nostrils still switch between right clogged/left clogged. When will that stop and just be able to breathe clearly through both nostrils? Thank you for your video, by the way!! Day 4 with no Afrin!! Not going back to that stuff!!
I have been using nasal sprays for over three years, im now on day 3 of my cold turkey adventure. I really hope that it gets easier, as im detirmined. I will never use them ever again. Thank you so much, Gene.
I’m on day one right now! My rebound congestion has been really bad the last three days but I fully stoped today and it was terrible, but the one nostril at a time method is definitely the way to go from now. I’ve relied on it for years and I can’t wait to get off it! Thanks!
@@KeishaWhite-tm4lx Keisha, how are you doing now? I hope you made it! Did you make it through? How long had you been using nasal spray? How long did it take for one nostril to clear up? I have been using it for so long that I am surprised I haven't needed the surgery he was talking about. In advance, I thank you for answering my questions. 🙂
It’s been a month for me that my left nostril has been free for 30 years no joke! Now I’ve just got to bite the bullet and quit when it comes to the right side. I would say it took me almost 2 weeks and I think that’s just because like I said I was on it for 30 years. I would go through a bottle every week less than a week. It was really bad, and then I found out that you can do it one nostril at a time let me tell you something. It is so nice after all these years to at least have one of my nostrils back to normal! Now I just need to bite the bullet and stop using it on the right nostril.
@@kathyg7240same! 30 years for me of using it every single day I thought for sure I was going to need surgery and I still might need surgery, but I can tell you this for several weeks now my left nostril is free! I can breathe It’s gotten back to normal now. I just have to do it to the right nostril. I’m doing the one nostril at a time and it does work. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you. You have described everything I’m going through to a T! I went to an allergy specialist because I thought I had year round chronic allergies. Low and behold it was my dependency on nasal spray! I didn’t wanna believe it, but I’m on day 2 spray free and it’s extremely rough. I’m so happy I came across your video. ♥️
I've been using this exact same nasal spray for 10 years. Would use it 2-3 times a day every day. I've practically overcame this. Spraying in one nostril until the other heals does work. But, if you run into issues, i highly recommend consulting with your doctor and get an Allergy shot. It has helped SO MUCH with overcoming this battle. It's like night and day. I haven't used any spray in 2 days and I got the shot not even a week ago.
I was so glad to find this video and see there are so many others like me. I have been dependent on this stuff for almost 30 years im embarassed to say. I started when i had a bad cold and never thought I'd end up dependent like i have been . It has been horrible always worrying if i didn't have my Dristan with me or if the store was out of it, instead of worrying about what is was doing to my health and my nasal passages . I cant imagine how much money ive wasted over the years on this stuff, makes me angry to think about!! I had myself down to 1 nostril years ago, then i got a cold and back to square one. ENT doc said to quit cold turkey which is totally unrealistic ! You're right in describing the feeling as cement in your nose, so many of the things you said are 100% accurate. Im trying the 1 nostril method once again thanks to your video. I definitely dont want surgery or prednisone and if im lucky enough i hope i can get through this without permanent damage to my nose. Im just always scared that ill relapse once i get a cold again. Gene, are you still off of the spray? Do you use it when you have a cold? Any advice from anyone who's been through this would be greatly appreciated!
Gene, thanks for posting this!! Second time for me I’ve been dependant on nose spray and after being off it for about 25 years I had a cold a couple of months back and went and bought some. What a mistake THAT was, as in a week flat I couldn’t breathe without it!! I went about a month using the spray, noticing that it didn’t keep my nose clear for the advertised 12 hours like at first anymore, but more like 3-5 hours at most before I had to spray more in!! My nose got SO plugged without the spray I couldn’t even eat without discomfort and I was truly wondering how I would ever make it through the night as far as sleeping went without the spray. That’s until I saw YOUR video about doing one nostril at a time, so that’s the way I did it and it WORKED GENE, thx a million!! Only thing I did differently is I sprayed Flonase (OTC corticosteroid) in the left nostril, and the regular bad nose spray in the right nostril for about 3 nights until the left one starting clearing, then I used the steroid spray in my right nostril too, and after another 3-4 days it starting clearing too. 7 days in I’m still using the steroid spray in both nostrils and they are both clearing very nicely. I’m OFF the bad stuff whooo hooo!! Main key though Gene? Your suggestion of one side at a time, it truly saved the day so thanks again!!! All the best!!! 👍👍👍
How is it now? Are you completely off Afrin? Is your nose completely open now? I weaned off a month ago and is on Rhinocort, a corticosteroids nasal spray..doctor has asked to take it for two months and stop. But I experience nasal dryness and nose blockage intermittently. Is it the same for you as well??
@@sitharasasidharan8640 I went off the corticosteroids about 3-4 months ago now, and my nose is basically ok. I think I could probably have a nose doctor auger out some kind of blockage in there though, because my nose is seldom totally clear and I use those nose strips at night to sleep, which helps a lot. At least I got off the nose spray!!!
Just a quick note. Flonase (fluticasone) is not a saline spray. It is a long acting corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation of the nasal tissue. It's best used by people with chronic, ongoing allergies. Takes about a week or two to really start working, and you have to use it daily, but it is safe to use long term.
I bought a bottle for my girlfriend about 2 years ago because she was sick, she decided not to use it. I in turn got sick and said hey I’ve got this lying around, and it worked amazingly. 2 years later I’m buying a bottle a week…I’m over it. I am trying this genius plan starting tomorrow! Thank you for the info!
I’ve been addicted since I’m 9. I quit it once when I had allergy shots and my nose was relatively clear. I had my nose cauterized twice over the years. I won’t go anywhere without it, and I have to use the original, not the mist. I’ve driven to several stores to find it too if it’s out of stock somewhere. I know I have to quit. I am going to try your technique. It’s so hard to stop. I have gone through days where I haven’t needed it, but most days I use it several times a day. I have found out this is more common than I have ever known. At this point I have to do something because I will never get relief. Thanks for this video, I needed to hear this.
Also breath right masks strips help with the congestion. Work instantly! There was a huge improvement in my ability to breath through my nose. Wore them for 4-5 days straight to get through the on and off congestion. Went for the extra strength ones. Day two I tried them and didn’t use the spray again
@@JoeySan-h2o they are adhesive strips with a plastic strips that you put on your nose and it pulls open your nose. It’s hard to describe. Breath right nasal strips. If you Google that it should make sense better.
My story is very similar to yours, had a bad cold - during the holiday season. I’m a professional singer/entertainer who had a concert commitment and needed to be clear to perform well. That was right before Thanksgiving, I wound up heading to the ENT who used prednisone, Zpak, benzotonate cough pearls, astheline, Flonase and a 24 hour period where I didn’t sleep for even an hour. The cold turkey period was intense and makes you paranoid, but once you get past the first 24 hours, it gets easier. The makers of this drug should be held accountable for what they’ve done to an unsuspecting population. Thank you for sharing your story - I so identify with your frustration of trying to quit. The ENT suggested I might have to get surgery to heal the nasal membranes, she couldn’t scope me to see inside. No way I’m having surgery to fix something that could’ve been avoided. I will NEVER use it ever again, I would say just stay away from the DEMON. Stay blessed and happy New Year!
It's not the manufacturers fault. Their product works really well. The only people to blame is the users and maybe other companies that haven't figured out how to make a product that works just as well without the side effects.
I agree with you on holding the companies accountable. It is misleading advertising they misrepresent the product to the consumer. They market it in a bottle big enough for a month or more of use although it is ONLY to be used NO MORE than 3 days. And if used more than 3 days there are drastically adverse effects, which are NOT emphasized enough on the labeling. They were obviously designed for long term use and the company was fully aware it would cause rebound congestion. That is a repeat business, and I'm sure a billion dollar industry. Making their product both addictive and readily available. Also, when I first started using these products some of them did not have the 3 day warning on them!
@@marialacona Yes the warnings are there, and yes at the end of the day it is my fault for not heeding those warnings. But, when you can't breathe through your nose it is theworst thing. Let's face it, they want people to have to use it repeatedly - that's how they make money, so the warnings are in the tiniest print.
Thank you, I’m going to try this method starting today! I’ve been addicted for about 4 months and so tired of waking up in middle of night and morning and all day needing this stuff. Thank you so much for sharing!
I have been stuck using afrin for around a year and a half now. I have been terrified to quit cold turkey because I have panic attacks when I can’t breathe through my nose. I think I may actually be able to quit like this, thank you so much!
It actually works so much better if you do it one nostril at a time, it’s still sucky but I don’t get panic attacks nearly as bad since I can still breathe through one side. Try it that way, I think it’ll really help!
I feel like a Human reading other ppl saying they experienced panic attacks I experienced my first one while unable to breath it was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced and it’s happened multiple times since then which is why I am so quick to grab the nasal spray
ITS WORKING!! Thank you!! I’m so relieved… I didn’t see an end in sight until I watched your video. I’m so so happy. I thought I’d be on this spray forever. One nostril is clear, now the other is next
OMG, I can't believe you haven't had major problems. I got so scared by what I read. It's not the most comfortable 5-7 days but it is doable one nostril at a time and I feel so much better.
In 1999 I had a bad cold. A guy at my work handed me a brand new bottle of nasal spray and said try this, the rest is history. I could of bought a house for what Ive spent on nasal spray in the last 25 years. I'm going to try your methods, thank you for making this video.
Well I hope it works. It did for me. I occasionally use Flonase but it is not addictive and doesn't have the same ingredients. You'll be slightly uncomfortable for a few days, but my method worked and in less than a week I was off Afrin.
AMAZING. AMAZING THANK YOU. THANK YOU I WAS ADDICTED TO NEO SYNEPHRINE. THREE DAYS GONE. MY ENT DOCTOR HAD NO IDEA HOW TO STOP. I AM CALLING HER ABOUT YOU MY FRIEND GOD BLESS YOU SAVED ME
UGHHH I have been struggling with this on and off for years! I'm still trying to find permanent relief. I would use this when I was sick too ONLY, and then I got a sinus infection 5 or 6 years ago and I haven't been the same since. I now have gotten to the point where I am spraying twice a day. I had a massive nosebleed last November and oh my god I was horrified. I can tell my sense have been reduced a bit, smell isn't has low as taste but nothing tastes as strongly anymore. I have went to the ENT and he gave me 3 months worth of a steroid nasal spray and it did seem to work for a bit, there was a time when i went 2 weeks without it but i grabbed the wrong nasal spray and gave myself 2 sprays of what i wasn't supposed to take. Irrigation and saline sprays do not relieve me. Sometimes I try nostril dilating and it makes air go up my nose more clearly but i just cant sleep with that in my nose. Lately I have been trying to just control how much I spray, like just a tiny bit. My septum is also deviated and points more towards the left, so my right side is more narrow which means it's not as easy to breathe. I haaaaate this and knowing the damage this is causing. Edit: for the last 5 nights/days I have completely gone without!!! I’m so proud of this accomplishment. I did hold it yesterday thinking I should take some and “treat myself because I’m a rad stuffy” but I thought “no, I CAN breathe… I was a tad stuffier than the other nights but yeah I held back and I’m proud of myself.
Holy moly! Thank you so much for posting this. Unlike a lot of the other comments, I only first bought Afrin 2 days ago and have used it twice since. I really wanted to know what it was doing to clear things up and I’m glad I stumbled upon your upload! I did notice tonight that my nose felt more stuffy than before. Gonna trash it while I’m ahead. Thanks again!
Thank you for this, it worked like a charm for me! I'd gone to seek medical advice within the first year, and I was just given allergy meds and a different spray.. it didn't work. I wish I knew this method then. My big wake up call was being on vacation and running out of spray. I had to go to the pharmacy and spend $30 or so on a new bottle. Uggggh it's awful. Having to have 3 or 4 bottles at all times just to make sure you don't forget it is a bad place to be. Thanks again!
Brotha, you are describing my life to me! I’m on probably year four of my dependency. I just had a septoplasty surgery (which I really did need) because my deviated septum was blocking my airway on one side. I was thinking I was all good, but turns out that even though I have healed and have a huge airway now, my nose (especially one side) is still totally stopped up. SO frustrating and depressing. I’m going to try your method starting tomorrow (already sprayed tonight) and come back and report. This method seems easier and faster (and smarter) than trying to ween myself off using the diminishing ratio method (is what I call it lol). Thank you!!
@@Una... It definitely works. I am still completely off of it. Expect to be a little uncomfortable the first couple of days. One thing that helped me was to put a little tissue or a cotton ball in the nostril that you are not spraying in. It helps the other nostril be more effective at breathing while you sleep. Also, if you have a sinus rinse (like NeilMed) use it. It will speed up the process since it cleans everything out, especially the residue from the spray. Good luck!
found your video searching for a way to get off the Afrin. I have been using this stuff for many years. I would be able to deal with it during the daytime, but at night I just can't BREATHE!!! I cannot sleep with my mouth open (that would be the way to deal with it). So here I am. OMG I gut laughed at your statement about not reading the article because it would "freak the shit outta me". I just saw a dr video that said to use those other things plus some Nose Cones that you put in there for opening up the passages. I will buy some of those. I have to get off this crap. The sneezing, the drainage, I sound sick all the time. I also have intermittent blurred vision and I believe it's a side effect.
I'm 71 years old and have been using Afrin for at least the last 20 years. My downfall was in these days of high inflation I decided to buy the no frills generic brand on amazon that was much cheaper thus I found myself needing to use more and more of it and now I'm very dependent on this off brand Afrin clone. I'm going to start the one nostril at a time method because it makes a lot of sense and sounds like this will work. I do have a question though, My right nostril seems to clog far worse then my left and the sinus pressure is also far worse, so should I start with the right nostril first then move on to the left or start with the less dependent nostril (Left one) first? My thinking is if I start with the less dependent one it should take less time to become not dependent and provide better comfort when treating the more dependent nostril (If that makes sense). May I also add this blog is brilliant and thank you for making it.
AT 10:39 of this brilliant video, it was exactly what I thought of doing last night and when I woke up the next morning I was feeling so great like never before in 40 years of my life. THANK GOD! YES, OH MY GOD, YOU CAN BEAT THIS DEMON SPRAY! Thank you, Gene, for this wonderful and amazing video I ever watched on UA-cam!
God Bless you for this video… My dad got me addicted because he didn’t know the effects of this medication. I have been using it for almost 20 years. I tried to stop cold turkey but I couldn’t because it felt like you said ( like you have cement in there) so thank you for the one nostril at a time idea. It’s working so far, it’s been 24 hrs. I also started using fluticasone nasal spray a few day ago
Update: the method worked. I am on day 3 I am a little congested on both sides but I can tolerate it. I haven’t used Afrin since day 2 in the morning (left nostril only)
Ugh, I wish I had never started using this!! I'm on day 2 and I'm dying! I'm determined to get off of it though, so here's to making it through this first long miserable week. The feeling of sneezing/itchy nose is unreal!
I started using the spray a week ago. I became addicted to it because it made the symptoms of my cold go away fast, especially with a CPAP. I noticed quickly that I was using it throughout the day just to be comfortable during the day. I'm glad I saw your video and I plan to use your advice. I hope I can nip this in the butt before I become to conditioned on seeking it for relief. Thank you.
Glad you posted this. I struggle bad after i caught covid. It was only thing that gave me relief. Started out maybe using it twice a day to using it maybe 8 times a day. I’m finally getting better but not out the woods fully. I’m going to adopt your method to slay this dragon once and for all.
This video is exactly what I've needed to hear. I am going to start my journey to kicking this horrible Afrin addiction first thing in the morning and I'm following your video to a T. Thank you so much I honestly thought I was alone in this.
Thank you for the video. I have been using Otrivin since a month now and have been caught in the rebound congestion. I saw other videos that helped me know about the situation, but yours helped me know how to get out of it, because you've been through this situation and surmounted it. Gratitude your way.
@@ananya1515 The day I wrote that comment; I decided that I will be kicking the habit, I was not sure how I would manage. But that night, I could easily get over Otrivin, not much problem at all. Spraying a saline spray for two nights helped. Have stayed away from Otrivin since. I wish to add that I have my heartfelt gratitude for Otrivin, it has helped me breathe during my colds for years. Its just that I did not use it the way it was supposed to, for max 5-7 days.
I've been addicted to it for at least a decade. I don't know how my tissues is right now. Once, a few years ago, I quit cold turkey and that caused me to breathe through my mouth. That dried out my mouth and I got a nasty gum infection. I'm going to try your method now, wish me luck! And thanks a lot for this video, I hope it helps tonnes of people :D
Wow. Yes it is brutal. Good luck and let me know how you do. You gotta stick it out. It will get better. I’ve been free of this crap since I made this video. It’s amazing how clear my nostrils are, how much less my nose runs, and I want from sneezing dozens of times a day to almost never. So glad to be rid of Affrin.
@@kapilkapoor3327 not well. Got a cold one and had to undo all my progress. It's easier to sleep now with using the drop on only one nostril and I've been able to severely cut down on its usage all together. But yeah still fairly problematic
You are SO right! That stuff is a demon from hell! I am going to try this method of one nostril at a time! I did order the kit .but saw the same video you mentioned of it taking SO long..so gonna try this way first! Thank you for sharing your experience. NO more nasal spray for me! At least past 2 days. I don't even want to get near the 3 day warning..too close to it happening again. Not gonna chance it. Again..thank you
Thanks, Totes Gene!! My boyfriend has been using “the devil spray” for years. Spent hundreds/thousands? of dollars on sprays, ointments, nasal rinses… you name it. He’s weaning off Afrin using your method… and a few other tricks. I think he needed to hear he wasn’t alone with this dependency. Thanks for breaking from your normal reviews to post this.
Sounds like great advice. I use a CPAP machine, and have been waking up because of clogging...throwing off my mask. I plan to try this. It makes a ton of sense. Will update.
Ty for this. Glad you noted how long you were using the stuff. I have a similar experience with this stuff, been using it for 2 years and am starting the one side thing today. Hopefully it works for me as well.
Hi Gene. I have just stumbled on your video as I have been suffering with the exact same symptoms for the last few months, and was looking for ways to alleviate my dependence on the nasal sprays. So, today is day one of the one nostril at a time method, and I will keep you posted on how I progress over the coming days. Thank you so much for posting your experience.
Thank you for this optimistic video!! I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been dependent on Afrin for over 20 years and suffer extreme panic attacks when I get clogged up, or even by the prospect of not having it with me at all times. (Luckily, my ENT said he finds absolutely no damage or evidence of usage.) May I ask how long you had been on it (if that’s not too personal). I’m wondering if the withdrawal takes longer the more time you’ve been on it. Thank you!! I’m so happy for you!
@@marrerolouisiana8285 hi! so sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time. I am too, but it’s gotten a little bit better. I ended up going to an ENT and he checked my nose and found to his surprise that there was absolutely no damage even after over 20 years. he said that if I hadn’t told him I have been out on Afrin for so long, he would never have known it. Truly a miracle I have a little bit of a special case in that I have a profound phobia about having nasal congestion, so the doctor felt that if I used the Afrin prudently one sniff in the morning and one sniff at night in each nostril, and I see him every six months for monitoring, that I could keep that regimen. He’s a very respected Boston ENT and I really trust him. he said he has other patients who are on that regimen and have been all their lives, I don’t like having to take it, but I don’t think I would be able to go through a titration and then not have it available at all. I think I would go right back on it. in any case it might be worth going to an ENT if you haven’t already to see the status of the inside of your nose and maybe see if he or she might be willing to come up with a very prudent regimen that keeps your breathing open, but it is not, hurting your nose - just a thought. Let me know how you doing. All my best to you.
@@marrerolouisiana8285 oh forgive me, I forgot that you had been so successful! I thought you were still having trouble. Thank you so much for reaching out to me and asking how I was doing. You’re very kind and I hope all is going well on the Afrin!
Omg thank you so much I’ve been addicted to nasal for about 5 months now, I have a lot of anxiety with not being able to breath while I sleep like it gives me a panic attack and I loose a lot of sleep. So I only do it right before sleep and do not use it during the day even though my nose gets stuffed up but I noticed it naturally starts to open up a little bit when I push it past 13-15 hours. I will try this now because I’m so afraid of the side effects.
thanks for the info! been struggling using it for 3 years, and recently i had a nosebleed for the first time, and its a lot. because of it my nose plugs more faster than before from 8 hours to 6 hours. for years i thought the only way was going through surgery but after watching your video i decided to use your method! I cant be relying on the spray my entire life no more. i will update back here after a couple of days!
I started using the exact same stuff that you’re holding in your hand about 3 years ago when my dr prescribed me Trazadone for sleep. One of the side effects of it was nasal congestion, thus not allowing me to sleep. I had no idea that using it regularly would cause recurring congestion. I’ve been using it only in my right nostril for almost 2 months now and my left nostril is still 70/75% clogged. It’s better during the day, but it’s still not clear enough to not have to use it at night on the right side. I’m Still going to keep at it though. It’s embarrassing going into the store and buying 5/6 packs of nasal spray at a time simply because I can’t stand the thought of running out. Thank you for posting this video!
I’ve only been using sparingly (only when I have allergies) for two years but I was sick for 3 weeks in December and January and got allergies the end of allergies so I was using it a lot the last month and I went from once a day to 3 times a day and when it wore off my congestion was so unbearable like I was hyperventilating and freaking out. Nothing helped. No amount of medicine or steam would help. I was just on the phone with a help nurse and she just said quit cold turkey, use flonaise and Claritin and wait three days to see if it helps but I can’t live like this. I found your video and prayed one nostril before the end of it. Going to try it and doing to only use if I’m having an anxiety attack. I’m also on flonaise and Claritin. They also have oral decongestants that are said to be a good way to wean as well. I’m on all of it. Love this one nostril idea I’ll report back to let you know how it works out!
I quit spraying a week ago after 4 years and i almost healed. I noticed when I breathe in cooler air like from a home with the a/c on my nostrils swell up somewhat and when I take a hot shower my nostrils open up. Breathing in warm humid air helps a lot with the healing process so summer time is the best time to quit.
Thanks a lot Gene. Thanks for sharing your experience and technique. I'll definetely try it. I've been stuck to this bad habit for far too long and you showed a possible way out of it. Cheers.
I'm glad I found this it sounds like a great method can't wait to try it I hate suffering from this every day to the point that life is miserable every day and night specially from losing sleep do to clogged nose
It got so bad that when I lost my job, I was stealing these mf from cvs and the dollar general, which was the only places I could find it. I am on day one and I won’t stop until I’m normal, I have been using it for like 5 months, I can’t imagine my life relying on the nasal spray.
Can you please please please reply and tell us if you’re feeling better now. It will give some people hope that there is a way to come out of this addiction. If you’re struggling to get out of it, let us know that too. Appreciate your help.
@@byefelicia8632 hey I’m sorry, I’ve just seen your comment. Yes, thank God I’m feeling better, I’m not using the spray anymore and I want to believe that I won’t ever go back to use it. The first days were miserable but the applying spray to only one nostril method worked for me. I have been “clean” for about two months, it took my nose like 2 weeks to go back to normal. Don’t give up friends, y’all can do it! 😊😊😊
Thank you for posting this I became dependent on nasal spray around September last year because my kids were constantly sick and I reached for it when I had some sinus issues and now I can't sleep at night without using it because I'm so stuffy at night that I can't breathe without using it I'm glad that I'm not alone
Thank you soo much! Im going on 2 years an im over it! I told myself this morning that for the new year of 2023 I will not ever use this stuff again. My wedding is next year an I didn’t want to have to be worried about being stuffed. Im start with one nostril right now. ❤️
Holy crap! This is genius. I have terrible sensory problems around being congested, and that’s why I still use this stuff. I’m concerned about my blood pressure after using it for way too long. I’m inspired to start tomorrow! Thank you for sharing this!
Excellent video. I’m beginning my process now. Starting with the left nostril first because last night I couldn’t even breathe in enough to use the afrin in my right. Exercise really helps too. If I’m riding a bike or at the gym, I have no congestion. But of course it returns right after.
I started using this spray in a similar way this past November and it’s been a little over 6 months now and I kept questioning my dependency on this spray over and over where that was never the case ever before in my life. I’m to the point where I’m doing the research, seeing all these testimonies of the benefits of quitting and all and I’m ready to make a change. I’m don’t with this nonsense garbage spray and ready to get over this nightmare. Wish me luck!
I’ve been using Afrin multiple times a day for 3 months now and I never had so much relief but I’ve also been saying I’ve never had allergies this bad and my asthma is bad too. The drainage is horrible. Now I realize it’s the Afrin causing it. Thank you. Quick question, How long before switching nostrils?
30 years here. With atleast 25 of them has been nonstop. Im going to attempt the one nostril tactic. Along with salines, nose rinsing and snoring aid (those bandaid things you put on your nose). I will save this video and try to update my progress
How are you? Did you stick to it? Didn't work? Edit: A day after this comment I quit cold turkey. It took about four days for my nose to clear up. I have an extreme deviated septum due to a broken nose 3X. I feel I spared myself weeks of extreme sinus pressure and suffering by quitting cold turkey. I was on it for 2 years, so I know other's situations may not be similar. I actually had to quit because Walgreens stopped selling the Walgreens brand, thick, on-drip severe nasal spray. So I can't say I didn't have a shove off the cliff. I hope this helps somebody.
I've been using it for a little over 30 years and had planned on using it the rest of my life because it worked so well, but I've noticed it's not working as well anymore. I even had surgery in my 20s to open up my nasal cavities more but it didn't help a bit. Lol, I'll thought about running tubes down threw my nose to see if that would help. I've never been able to breathe too good without nasal spray in my life. I remember suffering in school setting in my desk not been able to breathe with my nose constantly running before I even discovered nasal spray. My grandpa offered me some of his 4-way nasal spray and wow I could breathe and breathe like never before but it didn't last last long. Then I discovered 12 hour Afrin which only lasted about 4 hours in between spays, but my life improved like some kinda miracle . I'm going to give this one nostril thing a try. I hope it works.
Such a great video. That is a phenomenal idea to do one nostril. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that lol. I used prednisone in the past (which helps A LOT) to break the addiction. But I’d prefer to not use it if possible. I broke this dependence years ago and fell back into it when I had a bad cold (same story). I’m now 4 years into using it again 😢. I don’t know if you or anyone else experienced increased allergies while using Affrin. I’m allergic to dogs while using it but not when I break the dependence (very odd). Fantastic video and it will help a lot of people.
I am using Nesal Sprays over 20 years now. Tried kicking them off many times but couldnt do that. Tried Steroid sprays, oral steroids .. but it did not help. Will try this method now... I hope it works. Thanks for the video...
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I been on this shit for 5 years and I cried on how much this shit bothered me. I’m so excited to start!!! Thank you SO SO SO MUUUCHH
I've been addicted to nasal spray for many years. When I first tried nasal spray many years ago, I never thought u could get addicted to it. The nasal spray I'm addicted to has menthol in it. Nasal spray without menthol is meaningless for my nose. When I sleep on my right side, my right side gets stuffed, when I lay on my left side, the left side gets stuffed. I often wake up with a almost dried mouth, which is not good for the teeth when the saliva dries out because u can't breathe with the nose. I'll may try your idea of trying to beat it. My nose can get really stuffed at times, like it almost hurts in the face.
I was a rare case where I only used it five days and became addicted. I tried to quit cold turkey for weeks but the congestion didn’t go away. I had daily panic attacks. I had to have surgery, which I am so grateful helped! No matter what method, you will get through this!!
I’ve had the surgery. It was indeed horrible! And I’m still recovering from all the Afrin use months later…but I was on it for over a decade and ended up using like 14 squirts of non-drip per nostril a night, plus maybe 4 squirts per nostril another 4 times a day…😳 Don’t let it get that far, kids-trust me. All that said, the surgery itself didn’t make me miserable for more than a few days, and I’m still glad I got it. Otherwise I’d probably still be abusing the shit out of afrin
First I wanted to thank for your video. I had been using afrin for over 20 years and I had bottles everywhere. I couldn’t go anywhere without it. So I try what you suggested and I was skeptical but I give it shot and I now don’t needed anymore.
My coworker told me about Afrin I used it one time and oh my god I've smelt things I've never smelled, breathed so clear it was incredible it's been 5 years and it's time to stop i literally can't live without it this is day 1 without it and it's torture! I have to commit tho. Me and flonase are about to be more acquainted.
Gene, it's day 2, and I've just gone 24 hours without using the spray in my right nostril. I slept fine, and have woken up today with a significant improvement. In fact, I am so happy that I have stopped using the spray on the left side which is now blocked, but it's a small price to pay if I get the same results in another 24 hours. I am absolutely delighted so far, and what a great start to the week. I can't thank you enough...Steve.
I tried Gene's method of dealing with one nostril at a time. That allowed me to breathe through one whilst I was going through withdrawal in the other. I was able to sleep, and each nostril took about 2 days to finally get back to almost normal.
Actually from yesterday i started doing this method but na at night i couldn't bear so i put very small drop but today im not gonna put at all .. but interesting thing is yesterday i didnot put a single drop the whole day only at night i put.. bro generally i put 4 times at night at my one nostril but unbelievable my nose is clear from yesterday night i think just because i didnot put otrivin whole day thats why i think it was already healing im shocked how my nose is still clear from yesterday's one drop shocking .. im definitely gonna try this method... guys if its hard now its ok but in future it will be more hard for us soo lets do it guys ... im on my 2nd day basically but i will consider it my 1st day because at night i put one drop .. ok so lets do it .. I will keep u guys updated Day 2 : yes my left nostril feeling much better than before its been 48 hours i didnt put otrivin in the left nose . Day 2after 4 hours : .My left nose is completely fine now🥰🥰 Soo yes guys it really works im so happy for myself its much much better than before now its time to cure my right nostril so excited to breathe 😚 Day 3 : i can breathe through the left nostril it is getting fine but im still putting drops on the right nostril
Used afrin for about 5 years everyday to relieve my sinus congestion. About a year ago I started having bad ear pain, followed by 4 straight months of moderate balance issues. Turns out my dependence on afrin led to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and my ears would fill up with fluid. I quit it by using a prescribed oral steroid (prednisone) along with nasacort and saline sprays. After about a week I started to be able to breath again and the dizzy spells lessened. I’m hoping that I continue to get better, but it’s a process.
Just started today w the one nostril. It’s crazy.. finally decided to do this! Started bc of a cocaine addiction then the spray .. well you get it. Found God. Gratitude is the attitude… I cant breatheeeeee…😅😅 thank you!
@@aminesebaa6773 after 5 years of nasal spray use, I finally stopped. I used saline water to dilute and sprayed in one nostril. Took 3-4 weeks… nose is often runny after exercising, cold weather, etc.. but it’s 90% clear. Cocaine use is has regressed significantly. I’ve learned how to combat cravings and urges but I am always on guard. One day at a time. God is good.
Why did I never think to do this? 🤣 I'm currently going cold turkey and second day in and it sucks, but I've done it before. What helps me through it is using decongestant tablets instead to help through this process, as well as hot showers, and steam inhalation with tea tree oil. I've also started swabbing the inside of my nose with tea tree oil. Also I use turmeric every day as well as eating spicy food. If it gets too tough I'll try the single nostril method. Thanks
Im going thrue it right now, im on day five now of stopping using the unswelling nosespray and its been hard, but i started this after a dosctors appointment where he comfirmed that my nose passageges are fine and that ive benn truly just addicted to the spray, i got a medication spray and also use som saltwater spray and oil to just keep the nose from drying out or hurting,it helps a little and it makes me feel a bit better mentally. Something i also got recomended is while sleeping is to use a anti snore helper, it keeps the nose opend a little and just gives me a better chance of getting air inte to the nose, it hurts to take it out in the morning but im getting thrue the nights. Thanks for a nice vedio that makes me feel a bit better that i havent been alone in this type of addiction!
Thank God I came across your video on this. It’s exactly what I’m dealing with and it’s bedtime now so I’m going to just spray one nostril 😊 Thank you so much for posting this!!
@totesgene Hi Sir, thank you for this video. I was using Demazin(oxymetazoline) for 3 weeks and went through almost all the symptoms you had. Then with the help of a family ENT, started with Rhinocort nasal spray and your one-nostril method. Weaned off from Demazin in 4 days and continued with Rhinocort. It's been almost a month of it. Today suddenly out of the blue I am feeling as if my nostrils are blocked and dry..did you have similar symptoms? How is it for you now? Hoping to get a reply from you as I had similar issues like you. I am wondering (and worried) if I have nasal polyps issue or deviated septum..(info from google)
When I got this allergy problem I thought it's only me and why me? Now I'm seeing there are thousands of people suffering from it. Your advice is absolutely working. Actually I want to get rid of spraying every single day. I was studying somewhere that taking Vitamins C is very helpful for allergies rhinitis. Do you think it make sense? If so it will be blessing of GOD
I haven't heard of that. Once you're over this you can use Flonase. It just cleans the nasal passages. It doesn't do what sprays like Afrin do. It's debilitating. I'll never use it again.
Yes, also add some tissue to your one blocked nostril to keep your mind off it(or both nostrils if both are blocked. Especially if you have trouble sleeping. This helps with cold turkey.
I hate to even say this or suggest prescription meds - but after multiple relapses what got me through my first severe addiction (+5 years of daily use) was my ENT surgeon prescribed me a 10 day course of Prednisone (steroid) and 12 hour Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and told me to do a saline rinse 4x a day for the first two weeks. That combo kept me wide open and breathing well through the worst of the withdrawals. It took my nasal membrane about 3 months to fully heal. This crap should be Rx only, or at least controlled like the decongestant tablets are where you can only buy so much at a time. It is absolutely horrible. Anyone who implies that this isnt a psychological addiction and it is only physical is absolutely crazy.
It is doable guys. I got a flu in April and since then I was using the spray, till it got to a point where I needed to spray more than once and twice in one go as it had no effect. My nasal passage would get so swollen and I would feels oemthing heavy behind my throat and nasal which was unbearable. I could not eat, talk or sleep due to suffocating till 1 day o went to the emergency and I demanded to be treated. A referral was made to ENT which I am.waoting for. But on that morning I stopped the spray and got prescribed the steroid nasal spray (avamys similar to flunase), amoxcillin antibiotic. Today is day 5 and I am sooo much happier. Both nostrils open, at nose it alternates. Ig I get up they both open a lot of times. When stopping the spray please use breathe strips to help with the 1st and 2nd day.
Thanks for your advice. I've been using it for years now and I've been having the same symtoms. Thing is I have not gotten to the point of bleeding. But it's true I've become dependant on it. Iwill follow your advice and let you know the end-result. - One nozzle at a time.
Thank you so much for this ive had 1hr 40 mins sleep all night honestly it's really debilitating because it is starting to give me sinus trouble with this awful pressure and feeling unsteady when im walking because of my ear and the doctors told me I need to stop. She's prescribed me antibiotics for dry nose sinitus and n these steriod drops with I think I'm going to stop I think it's making it worse and referred me to a ENT specialist all cause this stuff and I've literally still want to use it as I'm writing this to go to sleep but I am definitely going to take ur advice and do 1 nostril at a time because having a blocked nose give me such bad anxiety when I feel like I can't breathe as I've always breathed through my nose it's so hard to breathe through my mouth it feels like I'm suffocating
Winco has a nasal spray that was $1.78 in 2017. It is only $2.25 now. The price makes it so easy to keep getting it. I am so tired of going to the store to get 3 boxes and always have one on me. Headed to the ENT to get my septum straightened. Then if they do surgery or not, I am done. I will beat this by Thanksgiving.
Gene!!!! We could be best friends!! I’ve been addicted to afrin since I was 15 and I’m 33 now. You’ve inspired me. When it’s really bad, I can feel my pulse in my nose. It’s horrific!!
That must have been really hard for you being addicted for all those years, I have been addicted to a different brand nasal spray ( Uk version ) for about 2 years and would do anything for a good night sleep without having to get up to use this horrible stuff. Im gonna try an give it up soon, Really hope you manage to give it up, good luck.
Its 4am for me as I’m watching this video. I’m dying. With asthma and being overweight, breathing is always hard for me so I’m desperate for relief. The rebound congestion is awful!! No mucus anymore, just intense swelling/pressure. I’m losing my mind!
Ive been using the walmart afrin version for about 10 years. I decided to quit cold turkey on both nostrils and its been about 7 days. The first few were hell but i was prepared for it. My nose still isnt fully healed but its bearable and i can sleep decently now. To anyone out there dealing with this take the bull by the horns and you got this. Its crazy how i still have moments where i want to reach for it but i'm glad i'm headed in the right direction.
Any updates!?
Update?
it keeps you safe from covid though
After 2 weeks you'll be fine guys, the first few days are the worst but you can get through it. If your worried you wont be able to sleep just make sure your really tired the night you plan on quitting and youll fall asleep. I dont plan on ever using this shit again and no i dont believe it keeps you safe from covid lol at the 2 week mark youll be suprised how easy it was to let it go.
And my nose is good most of the time other than my allergies messing with me. After 2 weeks i didn't really have any problems sleeping. Its sad i used this shit for 10 years scared of quitting to only find out that it's super easy to quit. Just once you stop using it, never use it again.
I’m so happy that I found this, I had watched this 3 days ago & tried this method. I’m on day 3 & I never in a million years thought I would over come this. Thank you. Very informative and effective.
I’m so glad it is working for you.
I took your advice and did the one nostril only deal and was able to quit in just a couple of days thank you so much you don't know how much this helped me
Yay. A success story. Congratulations
@@totesgeneyea me too lol
Same! My left nostril is back to normal after 30 years of using it. Now I just gotta quit using it on right side. Good for u! I know how miserable it is and I also come from a family where a lot of the women in my family were addicted to it as well. I would go through a bottle less than a week. It was terrible for over 25 years. Another reason is because I have horrible hypertension and I’m starting to think that it’s making my hypertension worse because I can’t get my blood pressure under control.
Hello! I would like to thank you SOOOO much for you taking the time to make this video! It has helped me so much I thought I was going to depend on Afrin until the Lord called me home! No ONE absolutely NO ONE has given your tips on how to get rid of it and you reading It in an article and sharing it has blessed the life of many like me. Again thank you for the video!!!!
I’m so glad it worked for you.
Not even a doctor told me this information, I'm freaking dying here because of thunderclap headaches(caused by nasal spray).
I'm starting this guy method straight away!
@@BaverIy Seriously!!! I was sooo hooked on Afrin!!!! I Am currently using a good method for my allergies! I bought Allegra 100mg and take half in morning and half night! I rinse my nose trail with Niel med and Nassacort! Im over allergies and breath amazing!!! Life changer
Worked for me. Clear in 4 days. 11 days later, still clear! I win! Thank you Gene!
Another adjunct you can add is the 240mg pseudoephedrine tablets. You’ll need to ask the pharmacist directly for them and show your drivers license etc.
This is an extremely powerful oral decongestant that has no addiction whatsoever. Most often, it works extremely well on its own, but I recommend using cool saline rinses throughout the day to wash out the trace elements of Afrin from your nasal passages. If the pseudoephedrine keeps you awake, then you can always add some Benadryl caplets, which ironically are a histamine antagonist which will also contribute to clearer nasal passages as well as help you sleep. If you can plan ahead and start taking the Flonase while your still taking your Afrin about a week before you embark on your journey, then the corticosteroid will be in full effect when your ready to wean off the Afrin. The Flonase takes about 7 days to start working. The corticosteroid is not a nasal decongestant like Afrin, so there’s no risk of addiction or rebound congestion etc. the corticosteroid works to gradually shrink the swollen membranes inside the nasal passages and you generally only need it for a couple or 3 weeks.
Best!
This video saved me. Thank you so much. I have been trying to get over this cold and stuffy nose. I bought Afrin today and used it once and was pleasantly surprised how it cleared up my nose. I wanted to make sure I was using it right went on UA-cam to find a tutorial. I came across yours and I threw my bottle in the trash. Glad I only used it once before finding your video. Thank you so much!
Thank you for watching and commeting, and more importantly for throwing it away. This stuff is EVIL. That's how it started for me - one cold and years of suffering. I haven't used it since before I filmed this video and my nostrils have healed and they are always clear (clearer than when I was on Afrin) and I'm so glad I beat this crap.
@totesgene - how long did it take for your nostrils to heal?
@totesgene - I'm on day 4 with no afrin but my nostrils still switch between right clogged/left clogged. When will that stop and just be able to breathe clearly through both nostrils? Thank you for your video, by the way!! Day 4 with no Afrin!! Not going back to that stuff!!
I’ve been on it for 50 years. This is my first time hearing what it actually dies and how to possibly get off of it. Thank you
I have been using nasal sprays for over three years, im now on day 3 of my cold turkey adventure. I really hope that it gets easier, as im detirmined. I will never use them ever again. Thank you so much, Gene.
Hi , can you give me an update of your condition please ?? I am thinking of cutting it off.
I’m on day one right now! My rebound congestion has been really bad the last three days but I fully stoped today and it was terrible, but the one nostril at a time method is definitely the way to go from now. I’ve relied on it for years and I can’t wait to get off it! Thanks!
How are you doing after two weeks?
Any updates? I'm doing one nostril at a time and am on day 19 and its getting close to time to start the other.
@@KeishaWhite-tm4lx Keisha, how are you doing now? I hope you made it! Did you make it through? How long had you been using nasal spray? How long did it take for one nostril to clear up? I have been using it for so long that I am surprised I haven't needed the surgery he was talking about. In advance, I thank you for answering my questions. 🙂
It’s been a month for me that my left nostril has been free for 30 years no joke! Now I’ve just got to bite the bullet and quit when it comes to the right side. I would say it took me almost 2 weeks and I think that’s just because like I said I was on it for 30 years. I would go through a bottle every week less than a week. It was really bad, and then I found out that you can do it one nostril at a time let me tell you something. It is so nice after all these years to at least have one of my nostrils back to normal! Now I just need to bite the bullet and stop using it on the right nostril.
@@kathyg7240same! 30 years for me of using it every single day I thought for sure I was going to need surgery and I still might need surgery, but I can tell you this for several weeks now my left nostril is free! I can breathe It’s gotten back to normal now. I just have to do it to the right nostril. I’m doing the one nostril at a time and it does work. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you. You have described everything I’m going through to a T! I went to an allergy specialist because I thought I had year round chronic allergies. Low and behold it was my dependency on nasal spray! I didn’t wanna believe it, but I’m on day 2 spray free and it’s extremely rough. I’m so happy I came across your video. ♥️
Are you doing the one nostril at a time. I couldn't do it without spraying into one because it was torture. My method worked beautifully.
@@totesgene Thanks for sharing your story. It helps those of us going through this currently to hear the story of someone who successfully stopped!
Your video was a ray of sunshine. I've been addicted to this stuff since 2019 and decided to do something about it today.
I’m so glad I did this. I thought before I did it “who would watch this?”
I've been using this exact same nasal spray for 10 years. Would use it 2-3 times a day every day. I've practically overcame this. Spraying in one nostril until the other heals does work. But, if you run into issues, i highly recommend consulting with your doctor and get an Allergy shot. It has helped SO MUCH with overcoming this battle. It's like night and day. I haven't used any spray in 2 days and I got the shot not even a week ago.
Any updates?
What was the name of the shot?
I was so glad to find this video and see there are so many others like me. I have been dependent on this stuff for almost 30 years im embarassed to say. I started when i had a bad cold and never thought I'd end up dependent like i have been . It has been horrible always worrying if i didn't have my Dristan with me or if the store was out of it, instead of worrying about what is was doing to my health and my nasal passages . I cant imagine how much money ive wasted over the years on this stuff, makes me angry to think about!! I had myself down to 1 nostril years ago, then i got a cold and back to square one. ENT doc said to quit cold turkey which is totally unrealistic ! You're right in describing the feeling as cement in your nose, so many of the things you said are 100% accurate. Im trying the 1 nostril method once again thanks to your video. I definitely dont want surgery or prednisone and if im lucky enough i hope i can get through this without permanent damage to my nose. Im just always scared that ill relapse once i get a cold again. Gene, are you still off of the spray? Do you use it when you have a cold? Any advice from anyone who's been through this would be greatly appreciated!
Gene, thanks for posting this!! Second time for me I’ve been dependant on nose spray and after being off it for about 25 years I had a cold a couple of months back and went and bought some. What a mistake THAT was, as in a week flat I couldn’t breathe without it!! I went about a month using the spray, noticing that it didn’t keep my nose clear for the advertised 12 hours like at first anymore, but more like 3-5 hours at most before I had to spray more in!! My nose got SO plugged without the spray I couldn’t even eat without discomfort and I was truly wondering how I would ever make it through the night as far as sleeping went without the spray. That’s until I saw YOUR video about doing one nostril at a time, so that’s the way I did it and it WORKED GENE, thx a million!! Only thing I did differently is I sprayed Flonase (OTC corticosteroid) in the left nostril, and the regular bad nose spray in the right nostril for about 3 nights until the left one starting clearing, then I used the steroid spray in my right nostril too, and after another 3-4 days it starting clearing too. 7 days in I’m still using the steroid spray in both nostrils and they are both clearing very nicely. I’m OFF the bad stuff whooo hooo!! Main key though Gene? Your suggestion of one side at a time, it truly saved the day so thanks again!!! All the best!!! 👍👍👍
How is it now? Are you completely off Afrin? Is your nose completely open now? I weaned off a month ago and is on Rhinocort, a corticosteroids nasal spray..doctor has asked to take it for two months and stop. But I experience nasal dryness and nose blockage intermittently. Is it the same for you as well??
@@sitharasasidharan8640 I went off the corticosteroids about 3-4 months ago now, and my nose is basically ok. I think I could probably have a nose doctor auger out some kind of blockage in there though, because my nose is seldom totally clear and I use those nose strips at night to sleep, which helps a lot. At least I got off the nose spray!!!
Just a quick note. Flonase (fluticasone) is not a saline spray. It is a long acting corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation of the nasal tissue. It's best used by people with chronic, ongoing allergies. Takes about a week or two to really start working, and you have to use it daily, but it is safe to use long term.
Exactly what my GP told me.
Thank u
It gives me intractable migraines, and has many other side effects.
It's a steroid, not good for you long-term. No med is good for you long-term just an fyi.
@@Khomobisyeah it gives me an odd pinpoint type pain on my face. Always in the same place on my cheek area over my sinuses. Weird…
I bought a bottle for my girlfriend about 2 years ago because she was sick, she decided not to use it. I in turn got sick and said hey I’ve got this lying around, and it worked amazingly.
2 years later I’m buying a bottle a week…I’m over it. I am trying this genius plan starting tomorrow! Thank you for the info!
Update?
I’ve been addicted since I’m 9. I quit it once when I had allergy shots and my nose was relatively clear. I had my nose cauterized twice over the years. I won’t go anywhere without it, and I have to use the original, not the mist. I’ve driven to several stores to find it too if it’s out of stock somewhere. I know I have to quit. I am going to try your technique. It’s so hard to stop. I have gone through days where I haven’t needed it, but most days I use it several times a day. I have found out this is more common than I have ever known. At this point I have to do something because I will never get relief. Thanks for this video, I needed to hear this.
It is HORRIBLE. The method I used was unbelievably easy. I couldn’t believe it. I never thought anything would work. Please keep me updated.
Yes I can’t quit either
This video saved my life, thank you! I Never thought I would stop taking this stuff
I started using it in 2011. I had no idea it was as prevalent as it is! I'm going to try this. Thank you!
Also breath right masks strips help with the congestion. Work instantly! There was a huge improvement in my ability to breath through my nose. Wore them for 4-5 days straight to get through the on and off congestion. Went for the extra strength ones. Day two I tried them and didn’t use the spray again
What is this? Can you tell more about this?
@@JoeySan-h2o they are adhesive strips with a plastic strips that you put on your nose and it pulls open your nose. It’s hard to describe. Breath right nasal strips. If you Google that it should make sense better.
My story is very similar to yours, had a bad cold - during the holiday season. I’m a professional singer/entertainer who had a concert commitment and needed to be clear to perform well. That was right before Thanksgiving, I wound up heading to the ENT who used prednisone, Zpak, benzotonate cough pearls, astheline, Flonase and a 24 hour period where I didn’t sleep for even an hour. The cold turkey period was intense and makes you paranoid, but once you get past the first 24 hours, it gets easier. The makers of this drug should be held accountable for what they’ve done to an unsuspecting population. Thank you for sharing your story - I so identify with your frustration of trying to quit. The ENT suggested I might have to get surgery to heal the nasal membranes, she couldn’t scope me to see inside. No way I’m having surgery to fix something that could’ve been avoided. I will NEVER use it ever again, I would say just stay away from the DEMON. Stay blessed and happy New Year!
It's not the manufacturers fault. Their product works really well. The only people to blame is the users and maybe other companies that haven't figured out how to make a product that works just as well without the side effects.
The product works and the warnings are there, it’s us people that can’t stick to instructions.
I agree with you on holding the companies accountable. It is misleading advertising they misrepresent the product to the consumer. They market it in a bottle big enough for a month or more of use although it is ONLY to be used NO MORE than 3 days. And if used more than 3 days there are drastically adverse effects, which are NOT emphasized enough on the labeling. They were obviously designed for long term use and the company was fully aware it would cause rebound congestion. That is a repeat business, and I'm sure a billion dollar industry. Making their product both addictive and readily available. Also, when I first started using these products some of them did not have the 3 day warning on them!
@@chadrinehart8298 100%!
@@marialacona Yes the warnings are there, and yes at the end of the day it is my fault for not heeding those warnings. But, when you can't breathe through your nose it is theworst thing. Let's face it, they want people to have to use it repeatedly - that's how they make money, so the warnings are in the tiniest print.
Thank you, I’m going to try this method starting today! I’ve been addicted for about 4 months and so tired of waking up in middle of night and morning and all day needing this stuff. Thank you so much for sharing!
I have been stuck using afrin for around a year and a half now. I have been terrified to quit cold turkey because I have panic attacks when I can’t breathe through my nose. I think I may actually be able to quit like this, thank you so much!
I'm with you on the panic attacks its so bad I don't wish it on anyone
I‘ve had many panic attacks from it too and still get really anxious and angry. Have you quit? How you doing?
It actually works so much better if you do it one nostril at a time, it’s still sucky but I don’t get panic attacks nearly as bad since I can still breathe through one side. Try it that way, I think it’ll really help!
Omg I’m not the only person who gets panic attacks from this? I’ve never freaked out so hard as when I can’t breath. I’m so scared.
I feel like a Human reading other ppl saying they experienced panic attacks I experienced my first one while unable to breath it was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced and it’s happened multiple times since then which is why I am so quick to grab the nasal spray
ITS WORKING!! Thank you!! I’m so relieved… I didn’t see an end in sight until I watched your video. I’m so so happy. I thought I’d be on this spray forever. One nostril is clear, now the other is next
Thank you for letting me know. I’m so happy for you.
I've been addicted to this stuff for something like 25 years, and I think it had affected my sense of smell. Will try this!
OMG, I can't believe you haven't had major problems. I got so scared by what I read. It's not the most comfortable 5-7 days but it is doable one nostril at a time and I feel so much better.
Any update on whether this worked for you or not?
In 1999 I had a bad cold. A guy at my work handed me a brand new bottle of nasal spray and said try this, the rest is history. I could of bought a house for what Ive spent on nasal spray in the last 25 years. I'm going to try your methods, thank you for making this video.
Well I hope it works. It did for me. I occasionally use Flonase but it is not addictive and doesn't have the same ingredients. You'll be slightly uncomfortable for a few days, but my method worked and in less than a week I was off Afrin.
AMAZING. AMAZING THANK YOU. THANK YOU I WAS ADDICTED TO NEO SYNEPHRINE. THREE DAYS GONE. MY ENT DOCTOR HAD NO IDEA HOW TO STOP. I AM CALLING HER ABOUT YOU MY FRIEND GOD BLESS YOU SAVED ME
I'm so glad it's working for you.
UGHHH I have been struggling with this on and off for years! I'm still trying to find permanent relief. I would use this when I was sick too ONLY, and then I got a sinus infection 5 or 6 years ago and I haven't been the same since. I now have gotten to the point where I am spraying twice a day. I had a massive nosebleed last November and oh my god I was horrified. I can tell my sense have been reduced a bit, smell isn't has low as taste but nothing tastes as strongly anymore. I have went to the ENT and he gave me 3 months worth of a steroid nasal spray and it did seem to work for a bit, there was a time when i went 2 weeks without it but i grabbed the wrong nasal spray and gave myself 2 sprays of what i wasn't supposed to take. Irrigation and saline sprays do not relieve me. Sometimes I try nostril dilating and it makes air go up my nose more clearly but i just cant sleep with that in my nose. Lately I have been trying to just control how much I spray, like just a tiny bit. My septum is also deviated and points more towards the left, so my right side is more narrow which means it's not as easy to breathe. I haaaaate this and knowing the damage this is causing.
Edit: for the last 5 nights/days I have completely gone without!!! I’m so proud of this accomplishment. I did hold it yesterday thinking I should take some and “treat myself because I’m a rad stuffy” but I thought “no, I CAN breathe… I was a tad stuffier than the other nights but yeah I held back and I’m proud of myself.
Holy moly! Thank you so much for posting this. Unlike a lot of the other comments, I only first bought Afrin 2 days ago and have used it twice since. I really wanted to know what it was doing to clear things up and I’m glad I stumbled upon your upload! I did notice tonight that my nose felt more stuffy than before. Gonna trash it while I’m ahead. Thanks again!
Thank you for this, it worked like a charm for me! I'd gone to seek medical advice within the first year, and I was just given allergy meds and a different spray.. it didn't work. I wish I knew this method then. My big wake up call was being on vacation and running out of spray. I had to go to the pharmacy and spend $30 or so on a new bottle. Uggggh it's awful. Having to have 3 or 4 bottles at all times just to make sure you don't forget it is a bad place to be.
Thanks again!
Brotha, you are describing my life to me! I’m on probably year four of my dependency. I just had a septoplasty surgery (which I really did need) because my deviated septum was blocking my airway on one side. I was thinking I was all good, but turns out that even though I have healed and have a huge airway now, my nose (especially one side) is still totally stopped up. SO frustrating and depressing. I’m going to try your method starting tomorrow (already sprayed tonight) and come back and report. This method seems easier and faster (and smarter) than trying to ween myself off using the diminishing ratio method (is what I call it lol). Thank you!!
Update: I have been completely off of nose spray for almost two weeks! After being “addicted” for four years! This method totally works!
@@smflyboy we’ll do my friend! Keep it up now and remember to use sparingly in the future 😉
@@smflyboy thank you for the update! I'm on 12 years now. I'm going to start tonight!
@@Una... It definitely works. I am still completely off of it. Expect to be a little uncomfortable the first couple of days. One thing that helped me was to put a little tissue or a cotton ball in the nostril that you are not spraying in. It helps the other nostril be more effective at breathing while you sleep. Also, if you have a sinus rinse (like NeilMed) use it. It will speed up the process since it cleans everything out, especially the residue from the spray. Good luck!
@@smflyboy thank you so much for replying! I'm hopeful, and excited!
found your video searching for a way to get off the Afrin. I have been using this stuff for many years. I would be able to deal with it during the daytime, but at night I just can't BREATHE!!! I cannot sleep with my mouth open (that would be the way to deal with it). So here I am. OMG I gut laughed at your statement about not reading the article because it would "freak the shit outta me". I just saw a dr video that said to use those other things plus some Nose Cones that you put in there for opening up the passages. I will buy some of those. I have to get off this crap. The sneezing, the drainage, I sound sick all the time. I also have intermittent blurred vision and I believe it's a side effect.
I'm 71 years old and have been using Afrin for at least the last 20 years. My downfall was in these days of high inflation I decided to buy the no frills generic brand on amazon that was much cheaper thus I found myself needing to use more and more of it and now I'm very dependent on this off brand Afrin clone. I'm going to start the one nostril at a time method because it makes a lot of sense and sounds like this will work. I do have a question though, My right nostril seems to clog far worse then my left and the sinus pressure is also far worse, so should I start with the right nostril first then move on to the left or start with the less dependent nostril (Left one) first? My thinking is if I start with the less dependent one it should take less time to become not dependent and provide better comfort when treating the more dependent nostril (If that makes sense). May I also add this blog is brilliant and thank you for making it.
AT 10:39 of this brilliant video, it was exactly what I thought of doing last night and when I woke up the next morning I was feeling so great like never before in 40 years of my life. THANK GOD! YES, OH MY GOD, YOU CAN BEAT THIS DEMON SPRAY! Thank you, Gene, for this wonderful and amazing video I ever watched on UA-cam!
I’m so glad it worked for you.
God Bless you for this video… My dad got me addicted because he didn’t know the effects of this medication. I have been using it for almost 20 years. I tried to stop cold turkey but I couldn’t because it felt like you said ( like you have cement in there) so thank you for the one nostril at a time idea. It’s working so far, it’s been 24 hrs. I also started using fluticasone nasal spray a few day ago
Update: the method worked. I am on day 3 I am a little congested on both sides but I can tolerate it. I haven’t used Afrin since day 2 in the morning (left nostril only)
Any updates
Ugh, I wish I had never started using this!! I'm on day 2 and I'm dying! I'm determined to get off of it though, so here's to making it through this first long miserable week. The feeling of sneezing/itchy nose is unreal!
how long did it take for u to get off it?
I started using the spray a week ago. I became addicted to it because it made the symptoms of my cold go away fast, especially with a CPAP. I noticed quickly that I was using it throughout the day just to be comfortable during the day. I'm glad I saw your video and I plan to use your advice. I hope I can nip this in the butt before I become to conditioned on seeking it for relief. Thank you.
Glad you posted this. I struggle bad after i caught covid. It was only thing that gave me relief. Started out maybe using it twice a day to using it maybe 8 times a day. I’m finally getting better but not out the woods fully. I’m going to adopt your method to slay this dragon once and for all.
You should it just gets worse and worse. I used it way more than eight times a day.
I'm 12 years using this crap. Please stop before it gets this bad. I'm going to try this method today!
Second time I got Covid is when it happened to me..UGGHHH..
This video is exactly what I've needed to hear. I am going to start my journey to kicking this horrible Afrin addiction first thing in the morning and I'm following your video to a T. Thank you so much I honestly thought I was alone in this.
Thank you for the video. I have been using Otrivin since a month now and have been caught in the rebound congestion.
I saw other videos that helped me know about the situation, but yours helped me know how to get out of it, because you've been through this situation and surmounted it.
Gratitude your way.
Same otrivin .. i use .. do u not use not??
@@ananya1515 The day I wrote that comment; I decided that I will be kicking the habit, I was not sure how I would manage.
But that night, I could easily get over Otrivin, not much problem at all. Spraying a saline spray for two nights helped.
Have stayed away from Otrivin since. I wish to add that I have my heartfelt gratitude for Otrivin, it has helped me breathe during my colds for years. Its just that I did not use it the way it was supposed to, for max 5-7 days.
I've been addicted to it for at least a decade. I don't know how my tissues is right now. Once, a few years ago, I quit cold turkey and that caused me to breathe through my mouth. That dried out my mouth and I got a nasty gum infection.
I'm going to try your method now, wish me luck!
And thanks a lot for this video, I hope it helps tonnes of people :D
Wow. Yes it is brutal. Good luck and let me know how you do. You gotta stick it out. It will get better. I’ve been free of this crap since I made this video. It’s amazing how clear my nostrils are, how much less my nose runs, and I want from sneezing dozens of times a day to almost never. So glad to be rid of Affrin.
Please give update on your result
How did it go?
@@kapilkapoor3327 not well. Got a cold one and had to undo all my progress. It's easier to sleep now with using the drop on only one nostril and I've been able to severely cut down on its usage all together. But yeah still fairly problematic
You are SO right! That stuff is a demon from hell!
I am going to try this method of one nostril at a time! I did order the kit .but saw the same video you mentioned of it taking SO long..so gonna try this way first! Thank you for sharing your experience. NO more nasal spray for me! At least past 2 days. I don't even want to get near the 3 day warning..too close to it happening again. Not gonna chance it. Again..thank you
Broooooooo. Thank you so much for making this video and for the treat one nostril advice! Brilliant! 🙌🏼🙏🏻🤜🏼🤛🏼
Thanks, Totes Gene!! My boyfriend has been using “the devil spray” for years. Spent hundreds/thousands? of dollars on sprays, ointments, nasal rinses… you name it. He’s weaning off Afrin using your method… and a few other tricks. I think he needed to hear he wasn’t alone with this dependency. Thanks for breaking from your normal reviews to post this.
Sounds like great advice. I use a CPAP machine, and have been waking up because of clogging...throwing off my mask. I plan to try this. It makes a ton of sense. Will update.
Thank you. I'm going to try that and start this friday. I'm so glad I found your video. This could literally save me.
Ty for this. Glad you noted how long you were using the stuff. I have a similar experience with this stuff, been using it for 2 years and am starting the one side thing today. Hopefully it works for me as well.
Hi Gene. I have just stumbled on your video as I have been suffering with the exact same symptoms for the last few months, and was looking for ways to alleviate my dependence on the nasal sprays. So, today is day one of the one nostril at a time method, and I will keep you posted on how I progress over the coming days. Thank you so much for posting your experience.
Yes please do. Good luck. You can do it.
Any update?
Thank you for this optimistic video!! I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been dependent on Afrin for over 20 years and suffer extreme panic attacks when I get clogged up, or even by the prospect of not having it with me at all times. (Luckily, my ENT said he finds absolutely no damage or evidence of usage.) May I ask how long you had been on it (if that’s not too personal). I’m wondering if the withdrawal takes longer the more time you’ve been on it. Thank you!! I’m so happy for you!
How has your recovery been? Mines not going too good
@@marrerolouisiana8285 hi! so sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time. I am too, but it’s gotten a little bit better. I ended up going to an ENT and he checked my nose and found to his surprise that there was absolutely no damage even after over 20 years. he said that if I hadn’t told him I have been out on Afrin for so long, he would never have known it. Truly a miracle I have a little bit of a special case in that I have a profound phobia about having nasal congestion, so the doctor felt that if I used the Afrin prudently one sniff in the morning and one sniff at night in each nostril, and I see him every six months for monitoring, that I could keep that regimen. He’s a very respected Boston ENT and I really trust him. he said he has other patients who are on that regimen and have been all their lives, I don’t like having to take it, but I don’t think I would be able to go through a titration and then not have it available at all. I think I would go right back on it. in any case it might be worth going to an ENT if you haven’t already to see the status of the inside of your nose and maybe see if he or she might be willing to come up with a very prudent regimen that keeps your breathing open, but it is not, hurting your nose - just a thought. Let me know how you doing. All my best to you.
@@marrerolouisiana8285 oh forgive me, I forgot that you had been so successful! I thought you were still having trouble. Thank you so much for reaching out to me and asking how I was doing. You’re very kind and I hope all is going well on the Afrin!
I’ve been hooked on it about 15 yrs now. I can’t stop. Never did drugs in my life but I got hooked on this 😂
Omg thank you so much I’ve been addicted to nasal for about 5 months now, I have a lot of anxiety with not being able to breath while I sleep like it gives me a panic attack and I loose a lot of sleep. So I only do it right before sleep and do not use it during the day even though my nose gets stuffed up but I noticed it naturally starts to open up a little bit when I push it past 13-15 hours. I will try this now because I’m so afraid of the side effects.
You're right in calling this a little demon. This freaking product should be removed from the shelve!!!!! If I could sue these a-holes I would!!!!
thanks for the info! been struggling using it for 3 years, and recently i had a nosebleed for the first time, and its a lot. because of it my nose plugs more faster than before from 8 hours to 6 hours. for years i thought the only way was going through surgery but after watching your video i decided to use your method! I cant be relying on the spray my entire life no more. i will update back here after a couple of days!
Yea please update me. Good luck.
update ? how is it now??
I started using the exact same stuff that you’re holding in your hand about 3 years ago when my dr prescribed me Trazadone for sleep. One of the side effects of it was nasal congestion, thus not allowing me to sleep. I had no idea that using it regularly would cause recurring congestion. I’ve been using it only in my right nostril for almost 2 months now and my left nostril is still 70/75% clogged. It’s better during the day, but it’s still not clear enough to not have to use it at night on the right side. I’m Still going to keep at it though. It’s embarrassing going into the store and buying 5/6 packs of nasal spray at a time simply because I can’t stand the thought of running out. Thank you for posting this video!
I’ve only been using sparingly (only when I have allergies) for two years but I was sick for 3 weeks in December and January and got allergies the end of allergies so I was using it a lot the last month and I went from once a day to 3 times a day and when it wore off my congestion was so unbearable like I was hyperventilating and freaking out. Nothing helped. No amount of medicine or steam would help. I was just on the phone with a help nurse and she just said quit cold turkey, use flonaise and Claritin and wait three days to see if it helps but I can’t live like this. I found your video and prayed one nostril before the end of it. Going to try it and doing to only use if I’m having an anxiety attack. I’m also on flonaise and Claritin. They also have oral decongestants that are said to be a good way to wean as well. I’m on all of it. Love this one nostril idea I’ll report back to let you know how it works out!
I quit spraying a week ago after 4 years and i almost healed. I noticed when I breathe in cooler air like from a home with the a/c on my nostrils swell up somewhat and when I take a hot shower my nostrils open up. Breathing in warm humid air helps a lot with the healing process so summer time is the best time to quit.
Thanks a lot Gene. Thanks for sharing your experience and technique. I'll definetely try it. I've been stuck to this bad habit for far too long and you showed a possible way out of it. Cheers.
Really encouraging video, i really needed this today.youve truly made a difference to my sanity
I'm glad I found this it sounds like a great method can't wait to try it I hate suffering from this every day to the point that life is miserable every day and night specially from losing sleep do to clogged nose
It got so bad that when I lost my job, I was stealing these mf from cvs and the dollar general, which was the only places I could find it. I am on day one and I won’t stop until I’m normal, I have been using it for like 5 months, I can’t imagine my life relying on the nasal spray.
Can so relate to this. Appreciate the realness sister.
Are you feeling better now??? Soo sorry you're going through this. I can't believe how terrible it ks
Can you please please please reply and tell us if you’re feeling better now. It will give some people hope that there is a way to come out of this addiction. If you’re struggling to get out of it, let us know that too. Appreciate your help.
Been on it 8 years.. bout to go for another attempt..
@@byefelicia8632 hey I’m sorry, I’ve just seen your comment. Yes, thank God I’m feeling better, I’m not using the spray anymore and I want to believe that I won’t ever go back to use it. The first days were miserable but the applying spray to only one nostril method worked for me. I have been “clean” for about two months, it took my nose like 2 weeks to go back to normal. Don’t give up friends, y’all can do it! 😊😊😊
Thanks for the video. It's been two years since I started using the stuff but now I have hope. I'm gonna try your method.
Let me know how it goes. Good luck.
How has it worked so far?
Thank you for posting this I became dependent on nasal spray around September last year because my kids were constantly sick and I reached for it when I had some sinus issues and now I can't sleep at night without using it because I'm so stuffy at night that I can't breathe without using it I'm glad that I'm not alone
Hey Kayla, did you have any success quitting (if that's what you did)? I'm starting tonight. This shit sucks,
Thank you soo much! Im going on 2 years an im over it! I told myself this morning that for the new year of 2023 I will not ever use this stuff again. My wedding is next year an I didn’t want to have to be worried about being stuffed. Im start with one nostril right now. ❤️
Holy crap! This is genius. I have terrible sensory problems around being congested, and that’s why I still use this stuff. I’m concerned about my blood pressure after using it for way too long.
I’m inspired to start tomorrow! Thank you for sharing this!
Excellent video. I’m beginning my process now. Starting with the left nostril first because last night I couldn’t even breathe in enough to use the afrin in my right.
Exercise really helps too. If I’m riding a bike or at the gym, I have no congestion. But of course it returns right after.
I started using this spray in a similar way this past November and it’s been a little over 6 months now and I kept questioning my dependency on this spray over and over where that was never the case ever before in my life. I’m to the point where I’m doing the research, seeing all these testimonies of the benefits of quitting and all and I’m ready to make a change. I’m don’t with this nonsense garbage spray and ready to get over this nightmare. Wish me luck!
Yes agree!
Give me a status update brother. I’m also ready to take it on
So helpful! I’m going to try this this weekend. I’m so sick of this stupid nose spray. Thank you for this ❤
I’ve been using Afrin multiple times a day for 3 months now and I never had so much relief but I’ve also been saying I’ve never had allergies this bad and my asthma is bad too. The drainage is horrible. Now I realize it’s the Afrin causing it. Thank you. Quick question, How long before switching nostrils?
30 years here. With atleast 25 of them has been nonstop. Im going to attempt the one nostril tactic. Along with salines, nose rinsing and snoring aid (those bandaid things you put on your nose).
I will save this video and try to update my progress
How are you? Did you stick to it? Didn't work?
Edit: A day after this comment I quit cold turkey. It took about four days for my nose to clear up. I have an extreme deviated septum due to a broken nose 3X. I feel I spared myself weeks of extreme sinus pressure and suffering by quitting cold turkey. I was on it for 2 years, so I know other's situations may not be similar. I actually had to quit because Walgreens stopped selling the Walgreens brand, thick, on-drip severe nasal spray. So I can't say I didn't have a shove off the cliff. I hope this helps somebody.
I've been using it for a little over 30 years and had planned on using it the rest of my life because it worked so well, but I've noticed it's not working as well anymore. I even had surgery in my 20s to open up my nasal cavities more but it didn't help a bit. Lol, I'll thought about running tubes down threw my nose to see if that would help. I've never been able to breathe too good without nasal spray in my life. I remember suffering in school setting in my desk not been able to breathe with my nose constantly running before I even discovered nasal spray. My grandpa offered me some of his 4-way nasal spray and wow I could breathe and breathe like never before but it didn't last last long. Then I discovered 12 hour Afrin which only lasted about 4 hours in between spays, but my life improved like some kinda miracle . I'm going to give this one nostril thing a try. I hope it works.
@@seankhughes5582 Good luck. I hope you find something that helps.
Such a great video. That is a phenomenal idea to do one nostril. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that lol. I used prednisone in the past (which helps A LOT) to break the addiction. But I’d prefer to not use it if possible. I broke this dependence years ago and fell back into it when I had a bad cold (same story). I’m now 4 years into using it again 😢. I don’t know if you or anyone else experienced increased allergies while using Affrin. I’m allergic to dogs while using it but not when I break the dependence (very odd).
Fantastic video and it will help a lot of people.
I am using Nesal Sprays over 20 years now. Tried kicking them off many times but couldnt do that. Tried Steroid sprays, oral steroids .. but it did not help. Will try this method now... I hope it works. Thanks for the video...
Thank God for you! You are a blessing!! I have been so miserable but i am now going to beat this!
That’s the first great idea I’ve heard. I’m really glad I came across your video. I’m gonna try this.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I been on this shit for 5 years and I cried on how much this shit bothered me. I’m so excited to start!!! Thank you SO SO SO MUUUCHH
You’re welcome. Let me know how it goes.
I've been addicted to nasal spray for many years. When I first tried nasal spray many years ago, I never thought u could get addicted to it. The nasal spray I'm addicted to has menthol in it. Nasal spray without menthol is meaningless for my nose. When I sleep on my right side, my right side gets stuffed, when I lay on my left side, the left side gets stuffed. I often wake up with a almost dried mouth, which is not good for the teeth when the saliva dries out because u can't breathe with the nose. I'll may try your idea of trying to beat it. My nose can get really stuffed at times, like it almost hurts in the face.
Thank you! Starting one nostril today. Best advice I have found, fingers crossed!
This actually sounds like an amazing idea I don’t know how I didn’t think of it definitely gonna try because it’s been 4 miserable years
Let me know if it works been on this for 2 years
@@alwaysog2541 it worked I don’t rely on it anymore it took a little over a week but it worked
I was a rare case where I only used it five days and became addicted. I tried to quit cold turkey for weeks but the congestion didn’t go away. I had daily panic attacks. I had to have surgery, which I am so grateful helped! No matter what method, you will get through this!!
It takes less than five days to become dependent which is so F’ed up. Sorry you had to have surgery.
What surgery did you get that helped @sherells
Thank you for this video will try this because I’m soooooo miserable 😢 Wish me luck please!
I’ve had the surgery. It was indeed horrible! And I’m still recovering from all the Afrin use months later…but I was on it for over a decade and ended up using like 14 squirts of non-drip per nostril a night, plus maybe 4 squirts per nostril another 4 times a day…😳 Don’t let it get that far, kids-trust me.
All that said, the surgery itself didn’t make me miserable for more than a few days, and I’m still glad I got it. Otherwise I’d probably still be abusing the shit out of afrin
What type of surgery did you have if I may ask?
First I wanted to thank for your video. I had been using afrin for over 20 years and I had bottles everywhere. I couldn’t go anywhere without it. So I try what you suggested and I was skeptical but I give it shot and I now don’t needed anymore.
My coworker told me about Afrin I used it one time and oh my god I've smelt things I've never smelled, breathed so clear it was incredible it's been 5 years and it's time to stop i literally can't live without it this is day 1 without it and it's torture! I have to commit tho. Me and flonase are about to be more acquainted.
Ooh update!! I’m on day 3
Gene, it's day 2, and I've just gone 24 hours without using the spray in my right nostril. I slept fine, and have woken up today with a significant improvement. In fact, I am so happy that I have stopped using the spray on the left side which is now blocked, but it's a small price to pay if I get the same results in another 24 hours. I am absolutely delighted so far, and what a great start to the week. I can't thank you enough...Steve.
How are u feeling now??
Almost back to normal. Some occasional stuffiness, but not using the spray, and feel transformed. It's fantastic! Thank you.
@@stephenlumb1582 omg im so happy for u im also not gonna use at all now .. can u give me some tips u applied or something like that
I tried Gene's method of dealing with one nostril at a time. That allowed me to breathe through one whilst I was going through withdrawal in the other. I was able to sleep, and each nostril took about 2 days to finally get back to almost normal.
@@stephenlumb1582 thank u so much bcz of ur words i feel confident noww
Actually from yesterday i started doing this method but na at night i couldn't bear so i put very small drop but today im not gonna put at all .. but interesting thing is yesterday i didnot put a single drop the whole day only at night i put.. bro generally i put 4 times at night at my one nostril but unbelievable my nose is clear from yesterday night i think just because i didnot put otrivin whole day thats why i think it was already healing im shocked how my nose is still clear from yesterday's one drop shocking .. im definitely gonna try this method... guys if its hard now its ok but in future it will be more hard for us soo lets do it guys ... im on my 2nd day basically but i will consider it my 1st day because at night i put one drop .. ok so lets do it ..
I will keep u guys updated
Day 2 : yes my left nostril feeling much better than before its been 48 hours i didnt put otrivin in the left nose .
Day 2after 4 hours : .My left nose is completely fine now🥰🥰
Soo yes guys it really works im so happy for myself its much much better than before now its time to cure my right nostril so excited to breathe 😚
Day 3 : i can breathe through the left nostril it is getting fine but im still putting drops on the right nostril
@ananya1515 could you please update in this? How did it help you? Are you completely free from otrivin?
As you said, How did I not think about it myself?:) Thanks so much for thinking of us, my dad is going to be thrilled!
Used afrin for about 5 years everyday to relieve my sinus congestion. About a year ago I started having bad ear pain, followed by 4 straight months of moderate balance issues. Turns out my dependence on afrin led to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and my ears would fill up with fluid. I quit it by using a prescribed oral steroid (prednisone) along with nasacort and saline sprays. After about a week I started to be able to breath again and the dizzy spells lessened. I’m hoping that I continue to get better, but it’s a process.
Just started today w the one nostril. It’s crazy.. finally decided to do this! Started bc of a cocaine addiction then the spray .. well you get it. Found God. Gratitude is the attitude…
I cant breatheeeeee…😅😅 thank you!
Yahweh!❤
I quit coke a year ago but this shit is wordt then the coke
@@aminesebaa6773 after 5 years of nasal spray use, I finally stopped. I used saline water to dilute and sprayed in one nostril. Took 3-4 weeks… nose is often runny after exercising, cold weather, etc.. but it’s 90% clear.
Cocaine use is has regressed significantly. I’ve learned how to combat cravings and urges but I am always on guard.
One day at a time. God is good.
Why did I never think to do this? 🤣
I'm currently going cold turkey and second day in and it sucks, but I've done it before.
What helps me through it is using decongestant tablets instead to help through this process, as well as hot showers, and steam inhalation with tea tree oil.
I've also started swabbing the inside of my nose with tea tree oil.
Also I use turmeric every day as well as eating spicy food.
If it gets too tough I'll try the single nostril method.
Thanks
I tried everything and nothing worked for me. I couldn’t believe the one nostril method worked in less than a week.
Wonderfully explained video, thank you! 👍
Im going thrue it right now, im on day five now of stopping using the unswelling nosespray and its been hard, but i started this after a dosctors appointment where he comfirmed that my nose passageges are fine and that ive benn truly just addicted to the spray, i got a medication spray and also use som saltwater spray and oil to just keep the nose from drying out or hurting,it helps a little and it makes me feel a bit better mentally. Something i also got recomended is while sleeping is to use a anti snore helper, it keeps the nose opend a little and just gives me a better chance of getting air inte to the nose, it hurts to take it out in the morning but im getting thrue the nights.
Thanks for a nice vedio that makes me feel a bit better that i havent been alone in this type of addiction!
Thank God I came across your video on this. It’s exactly what I’m dealing with and it’s bedtime now so I’m going to just spray one nostril 😊 Thank you so much for posting this!!
Let me know how it goes. It worked for me. Haven't used Affrin since.
@totesgene Hi Sir, thank you for this video. I was using Demazin(oxymetazoline) for 3 weeks and went through almost all the symptoms you had. Then with the help of a family ENT, started with Rhinocort nasal spray and your one-nostril method. Weaned off from Demazin in 4 days and continued with Rhinocort. It's been almost a month of it. Today suddenly out of the blue I am feeling as if my nostrils are blocked and dry..did you have similar symptoms? How is it for you now? Hoping to get a reply from you as I had similar issues like you. I am wondering (and worried) if I have nasal polyps issue or deviated septum..(info from google)
When I got this allergy problem I thought it's only me and why me? Now I'm seeing there are thousands of people suffering from it.
Your advice is absolutely working. Actually I want to get rid of spraying every single day. I was studying somewhere that taking Vitamins C is very helpful for allergies rhinitis.
Do you think it make sense? If so it will be blessing of GOD
I haven't heard of that. Once you're over this you can use Flonase. It just cleans the nasal passages. It doesn't do what sprays like Afrin do. It's debilitating. I'll never use it again.
@@totesgene currently the nasal spray I am using is made of Naphazoline nitrate, Ephedrine HCL. Should I stop this or continue to use?
Thanks
@@muhammadasghar246 I'm not a doctor so I can't advise you. I am just sharing my experience with Afrin and what I did to get over it.
Yes, also add some tissue to your one blocked nostril to keep your mind off it(or both nostrils if both are blocked. Especially if you have trouble sleeping. This helps with cold turkey.
I hate to even say this or suggest prescription meds - but after multiple relapses what got me through my first severe addiction (+5 years of daily use) was my ENT surgeon prescribed me a 10 day course of Prednisone (steroid) and 12 hour Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and told me to do a saline rinse 4x a day for the first two weeks. That combo kept me wide open and breathing well through the worst of the withdrawals. It took my nasal membrane about 3 months to fully heal. This crap should be Rx only, or at least controlled like the decongestant tablets are where you can only buy so much at a time. It is absolutely horrible. Anyone who implies that this isnt a psychological addiction and it is only physical is absolutely crazy.
It is doable guys. I got a flu in April and since then I was using the spray, till it got to a point where I needed to spray more than once and twice in one go as it had no effect. My nasal passage would get so swollen and I would feels oemthing heavy behind my throat and nasal which was unbearable. I could not eat, talk or sleep due to suffocating till 1 day o went to the emergency and I demanded to be treated. A referral was made to ENT which I am.waoting for. But on that morning I stopped the spray and got prescribed the steroid nasal spray (avamys similar to flunase), amoxcillin antibiotic. Today is day 5 and I am sooo much happier. Both nostrils open, at nose it alternates. Ig I get up they both open a lot of times. When stopping the spray please use breathe strips to help with the 1st and 2nd day.
Thanks for your advice. I've been using it for years now and I've been having the same symtoms. Thing is I have not gotten to the point of bleeding. But it's true I've become dependant on it. Iwill follow your advice and let you know the end-result. - One nozzle at a time.
Update?
You get off it?
Thank you so much for this ive had 1hr 40 mins sleep all night honestly it's really debilitating because it is starting to give me sinus trouble with this awful pressure and feeling unsteady when im walking because of my ear and the doctors told me I need to stop. She's prescribed me antibiotics for dry nose sinitus and n these steriod drops with I think I'm going to stop I think it's making it worse and referred me to a ENT specialist all cause this stuff and I've literally still want to use it as I'm writing this to go to sleep but I am definitely going to take ur advice and do 1 nostril at a time because having a blocked nose give me such bad anxiety when I feel like I can't breathe as I've always breathed through my nose it's so hard to breathe through my mouth it feels like I'm suffocating
Yeah I'm so scared I'm going to be in a car accident won't be able to tell somebody make sure I have my nasal spray.
@@buckash6148 I got locked up in February without my nasal spray. 12 days
Winco has a nasal spray that was $1.78 in 2017. It is only $2.25 now. The price makes it so easy to keep getting it. I am so tired of going to the store to get 3 boxes and always have one on me. Headed to the ENT to get my septum straightened. Then if they do surgery or not, I am done. I will beat this by Thanksgiving.
Gene!!!! We could be best friends!! I’ve been addicted to afrin since I was 15 and I’m 33 now. You’ve inspired me.
When it’s really bad, I can feel my pulse in my nose. It’s horrific!!
That must have been really hard for you being addicted for all those years, I have been addicted to a different brand nasal spray ( Uk version ) for about 2 years and would do anything for a good night sleep without having to get up to use this horrible stuff. Im gonna try an give it up soon, Really hope you manage to give it up, good luck.
@@jamesbradley9470 Thanks, James. It’s horrible. I hope you can kick it too! We should try to get rid of this nasty stuff asap!
@@BrittanyCH Thanks, Brittany. I think it should be banned after the misery it's caused us and so many other people.
@@jamesbradley9470 I totally agree with you!
Its 4am for me as I’m watching this video. I’m dying. With asthma and being overweight, breathing is always hard for me so I’m desperate for relief. The rebound congestion is awful!! No mucus anymore, just intense swelling/pressure. I’m losing my mind!
Yes im a user, its the only thing that provides relief, I hate that I use it, but I will try the one nostril at a time method, thanx