Either way Im extremely anxious now. Any advice at all? Has anyone else heard of this? Ill be talking to my doctor ASAP, but Id love to hear some points of views on this matter. :) Sorry for the long read and thanks a bunch,......
I've admitted that I'm becoming dependent on the drug as it *has* started a bit of a cycle. Sometimes I'm alright without it for a few days, but occasionally it gets bad and I have to take a dose at night to help me sleep, but now I'm MUCH too afraid that it'll lead to me being on a stretcher in a hospital. I'm also hearing that some doctors strongly recommend AGAINST surgery after nasal spray addiction, but then what would we do?
Either way I'm extremely anxious now. Any advice at all? Has anyone else heard of this? I'll be talking to my doctor ASAP, but I'd love to hear some points of views on this matter. :)
Sorry for the long read and thanks a bunch,
Kat
There is no question that over-usage of Otrivin (Xylometazoline) can result in degenerative changes in nasal tissue and in rebound chronic congestion when the medication has been used for an extended time and then stopped. But the operative word here is extended.
There is a difference between using the medication twice a day every day for three months and using the medication every second or third day, or even weekly, even for an extended period. While I think it was important for the pharmacist to impart the information to you, I think she could have done so in a way that would convey her concern but not send you into panic mode.
Severe allergies are no fun and I can empathize with the inability to get any significant relief of what are undoubtedly pretty severe symptoms. Honestly, you may well be headed for surgery, but I do not think it will be because you potentially over-used this medication, but rather, because it may be the only other option available that can possibly help ease your suffering.
I would avoid using it until you see the doctor again, but my guess is that in not understanding the true frequency that you were using the medication, she exaggerated the danger to you and unwittingly sent you into panic mode.
Best wishes for some true, lasting relief.
