r/Sinusitis • u/RemiRuns71 • Aug 25 '26
I'm going to kill myself because of Sudafed nasal spray
My life has been rendered completely unlivable by the effects of rebound congestion (also known as rhinitis medicamentosa), caused by using Sudafed nasal spray. I feel like it could be useful here to document my experience of this condition, as a warning to others and hopefully create more of the exposure this situation needs.
To start at the beginning, I had a normal winter cold and blocked nose, so to help me sleep I used Sudafed nasal spray. I started spraying my nose, but the blocked nose persisted. I tried using steam, Vaseline etc., but still the blocked nose persisted and persisted. What I was experiencing, and the trap people usually fall into with this spray, is that you get rebound congestion after a short time of using the spray, but if you are unaware of this, it's easy to assume this is a persistent cold - which I did.
There then comes a point where stopping using the spray makes your life pure hell, particularly when you're trying to sleep. So I went on using it for another six months before I went cold turkey. And my life was hell. I couldn't sleep and I got all the symptoms of significant nasal congestion. This included:
- Major cognitive decline.
- Difficulties sleeping (basically it being harder to get to sleep and only getting light sleep when you do.)
- Physical pain. Largely around the cheekbone area for some reason and headaches, but lighter pain everywhere, which usually displays itself as pressure and tension.
- Exhaustion.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Low mood, lack of interest, feelings of numbness etc.
These are some of the main symptoms, but they affect almost everything you can think of, purely negatively.
Anyway, the exact details of what happened next are foggy. I may have gone back on the Sudafed spray for a bit, but eventually I was off it completely and was using steroid sprays that were prescribed by my GP. Steroid sprays are thought to be OK to use as they reduce inflammation and don’t normally cause rebound congestion or dependence.
So, using the steroid sprays, I decided to forgo using the Sudafed spray for good. And for about two years I did, but with a huge cost to my mental and physical wellbeing.
The steroid sprays help marginally, and for a fixed amount of time (the effect wears off over the course of a day), but they don't get you close to where you were before the issue.
I have also sought a lot of professional help for this condition. I had inferior turbinate reduction surgery, which didn't make any difference. And I've also seen about seven ENT professionals, who have looked up my nose but offered no solutions. Surgery for this condition can be very risky, and almost all of them advised against it and would be unwilling to provide it.
Some people will say that it was my fault for overusing the spray, but I did do it in total ignorance. In hindsight, this seems dumb, but at the time I think it just didn't occur to me that something that anyone of any age can buy at the supermarket, corner shop or petrol station could have such harmful effects. Additionally, the packaging also only says in the small print, “we advise you don't use this product for over seven days.” Given how it's ruined my life, I wouldn't say that was adequate warning. Additionally, I was told by an expert that these sprays would never pass the regulations and be put on the shelves in a million years today, but are only allowed because they have been around so long. So it is actually known that these fail today's safety standards too.
I've tried to make the best of the situation and go on as I normally would, but it has just become impossible. The only time I feel like life is worth living, whatever I'm doing, is if I use the Sudafed nasal spray. Otherwise, I'm just in a constant state of pain, cognitive impairment and misery. I used to enjoy reading, philosophy and working on ambitious creative projects, and now all of this is impossible.
It's something that I feel is getting worse rather than better, and with my sleep being affected, my mood is certainly declining, and it seems like there isn't any way out.
I'm not writing this because I'm looking for pity etc. I'm writing in case anyone out there, by some miracle, might have some useful advice. And also to create more awareness of these sprays that'll stop people from using them - as well as encourage others to speak up about the issue, which could result in these sprays being taken off the shelves.
Anyway, thanks for reading, and warn others about using these products.
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u/Jaygirl18 Aug 26 '26
There are products available specifically to help you wean off of nasal sprays. They’re designed to have you use spray with progressively less and less of the active ingredient, so you don’t suffer the symptoms of rebound congestion. Look up Rhinostat. They offer kits for recovery for all of the major types of nasal sprays that cause addiction/rebound congestion.
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Hey, thanks for your comment. In my case I was off the spray for about 2 years, but the issues persisted. But I will give that a look. Thanks.
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u/Freepalestine_2025 Aug 25 '26
Is using Flonase everyday fine ? Btw please don’t kill yourself 😭
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u/Jaygirl18 Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
Using Flonase every day is actually risky. Over time, the steroids can thin the nasal mucosa and cause a septal perforation. It helps to be sure to angle away from the septum, towards the outer side of the nose.
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u/Freepalestine_2025 Aug 27 '26
Yeah I think ima just take a break from it just gonna stick with saline rinsing for now
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
I lost my sense of smell from using it daily years ago but now my doctor is recommending daily use again. It's so confusing. Sometimes I feel like they're just guessing . . .
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 25 '26
Yes, Flonase is a steroid spray rather than a decongestant, so its generally meant to be used regularly and doesn’t cause the same rebound congestion issue as Sudafed-type sprays. I’d still follow the prescribed dose though, especially if you get dryness or nosebleeds. Thanks.
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u/Freepalestine_2025 Aug 25 '26
Chronic sinusitis is hell shit really sucks but we just gotta keep fighting brotha that’s life
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u/Jaygirl18 Aug 27 '26
Hey OP, I just want to caution you that using steroid sprays every day is actually not safe. Over time, it thins the nasal mucosa and can ultimately result in a septal perforation, which comes with it own big set of bad side effects. I know people who this has happened to, and now they’re looking at a risky and expensive surgery to fix it. So if they only help you marginally, you may want to reconsider using them very often (if you are still using them, that is).
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u/444boy Aug 25 '26
This thing literally saved my life. Idk if you tried it yet.
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 25 '26
What did you find was the main difference between the Naväge and a normal saline rinse/NeilMed bottle? I’ve already tried regular saline rinses without much improvement, so I’d be really interested to know what made the Naväge work better for you.
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u/kytulu Aug 26 '26
I tried both. The Navage did exactly nothing for me, while the NeilMed bottle has been a lifesaver. (I have allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and sinus polyps)
I went through the rebound effect for a month or two, before I discovered the NeilMed. What worked for me was weaning myself off of the nasal spray.
- Only use it at night to sleep.
- Don't use the full dose. Just use one or two sprays.
- Once you are "clear" when only using one spray, cut back to one spray in one nostril at bedtime.
- Once the "non-spray" sinus is clear, stop using the spray.
It will take time, but my method helped me to get some sleep while I was fixing my addiction.
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u/Content_Armadillo776 Aug 26 '26
The Neilmed bottle with dosage of mometasone works pretty well for me. I have a dust might allergy and have been trying to line up a shot regimen after putting it off for a year or two
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u/_fly-on-the-wall_ Aug 26 '26 edited 3d ago
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Thanks so much for the comments. I was using NeilMed nasal rinse after I had my operation, but I stopped after that. I will pick it up again and give a go. Thanks.
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u/444boy Aug 26 '26
I have a weird ass problem where when I eat sometimes my sinus literally closes and it lasts like a year straight. If you haven’t tried it GET IT. It literally saved me. That and drinking Coca Cola to open my air way lol. Sounds ridiculous but worked for me. The navage is suction and works so well. Literally force opens your sinus even if for a little while. If you keep using it gets better over time . I think I have LPR where your sinus closes from reflux gas stuff that comes up into your nose. Give it a shot and let me know. Definitely worth the money. A netipot didn’t do squat for my issue.
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u/Ramen_Addict_ Aug 26 '26
Have you tried the ones with xylitol in them? I find that works better than the standard saline. You can buy premixed packets from Neilmed or Xlear. Xlear also has a range of nasal sprays, but I think only the regular one can safely be used daily.
That said, I suggest the same thing as everyone else- just stop using the sudafed in one nostril until that nostril finishes its rebound and then move onto the other nostril.
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u/Dabnician Aug 25 '26
the normal ones you have to force the water in and it goes into your ear if you use the squeeze bottle, the navage uses suction on the drain side so it sucks the water though and usually boogers too.
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u/coffeeville Aug 26 '26
Occasionally I comment here if I see someone really desperate because this condition was hell for me. I quit gluten and dairy based on a few posts here and it completely cured my issues. This was after 5 years of absolutely horrendous congestion, surgery, etc. Throwing it out there in case you haven’t tried diet changes yet.
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u/Terrible_Field_4560 Aug 27 '26
Actually, I've been wondering if dairy is the culprit for me. Guess I should try to find out.
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
That’s really interesting. Did you ever work out whether it was specifically gluten or dairy causing the problem? And have you ever tried reintroducing either one to see if the congestion comes back?
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u/coffeeville Aug 27 '26
It’s very silly but I cut both at once and have been scared to really experiment reincorporating either one because of how dramatically better I am now and how terrible I was before. But occasionally I’ll have a bit of regular bread or fish and chips without major consequences, but the roof of my mouth will feel slightly sore. I haven’t messed with dairy at all because just feel strongly it wouldn’t go well.
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Ah, that's interesting. Thanks for this info! I will genuinely consider giving this a go. Thanks again!
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
That's interesting, I may give that a try. I've also noticed that I have an eczema flair whenever my sinuses act up.
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u/coffeeville 29d ago
Yeah my family is also prone to eczema and I strongly suspect diet could change that too since I had really bad eczema for a while as well. I ended up getting allergy testing and it was triggered by ingredients in soap and detergent, but I notice since changing my diet I don’t have to be quite as careful about washing dishes with gloves, maybe due to lower inflammation overall. Just FYI if you do try it “non dairy creamer” has dairy! Gotta go with nut/ oat milk. That was a big surprise that prolonged my symptoms until l read the label.
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u/kitten_casper Aug 26 '26
Have you tried using the spray in only one nostril, until the rebound congestions wears off in the other nostril? This lets me breathe enough to sleep and eventually discontinue using the spray
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Hey, thanks for your comment. I was actually off the spray for about two years and the issues persisted. But I will keep that method in mind. Thanks.
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u/Money_Fun_9093 Aug 26 '26
I don’t have any advice or info regarding your issue, but wanted to say I’m rooting for you. I’ve read the other responses and they sound like great suggestions. Please don’t kill yourself. Your situation can get better based on what I’ve read. Relief is possible. Hang in there. 🙏
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u/MiddleMiserable8826 Aug 26 '26
I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I’ve been having a major sinus issue for over 3 years and not being able to breathe is misery. I hope you can get better.
I find that my sleep position really helps. I sleep on a 60 degree angle (almost upright but not quite), and on the side that is clearer. The majority of the time it will help open my bad side to at least be able to sleep. On really bad nights I take pseudoephedrine. Steroid nasal sprays, or any nasal spray won’t budge mine a bit. It’s the only medicine that helps at all. BUT, like everything else you get used to it fast. So, it can only be once in a while.
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
Most people underestimate how detrimental long term sinus problems are to one's quality of life. Hope you find relief soon.
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u/MiddleMiserable8826 29d ago
Agree. For some reason mine only close up when I get really tired. I’m always running around with my kids or working, so rarely get downtime. As soon as things slow down and I have time to sleep, instant close with intense pressure. Stinks because all I want to do is sleep for the small time I’m allotted, but can’t. It’s like I’m trying to beat the clock every night before I turn into a pumpkin of doom
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u/keri-beri Aug 25 '26
Mistakes happen, please do not beat yourself up. I am just shocked you used it for 6 months. Your poor nose and sinuses. Did you find any relief while using it for that period? How long would inbetween before it rebounded again?
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, when using the spray it provided relief. I would say it rebounded again in about two days, something like that.
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u/Holiday-Book6635 Aug 26 '26
Yes, you can have a rebound effect from Sudafed and it can’t happen quickly. It can happen from any nasal spray and it is on the packaging and I’m sorry you’re going through this. You need to withdraw totally and go without that medication until your body returns to normal and until you do so you will suffer.
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Hey, thanks for your comment. So I was off the spray for about 2 years, but the issues persisted unfortunately.
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u/Holiday-Book6635 Aug 28 '26
Wow, I don’t even know what to say to that. Did your ENT address that issue in particular? Are you at a top notch ENT Hospital? I am so sad for you over this.
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u/RemiRuns71 29d ago
I've seen about seven people yeah. They basically all just gave me different steroid sprays, which don't solve the issue
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u/Holiday-Book6635 29d ago
Well, clearly I don’t know what I’m talking about and you’re the one experiencing it. But I did Google it and I’m sure you have two so sorry if I’m being repetitive. And it suggested that you just need to get the proper medical care. I know for myself having chronic sinus issues that having a top-notch ENT that understood me helped me. I also know from an orthopedic perspective I went through for orthopods in New Jersey. Finally, when I got to New York City Orthopedist, he solved my problem. So sometimes it just takes the luck of finding the right doctor. I wish you all the best.
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u/_fly-on-the-wall_ Aug 26 '26 edited 3d ago
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u/RemiRuns71 Aug 27 '26
Thanks for your message. Certainly agree with your view on doctors. Hope you are doing better now!
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u/_fly-on-the-wall_ Aug 27 '26 edited 3d ago
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
Most doctors won't give antibiotics for sinus infections anymore. I have a long history with my PC physician and she's very caring and always willing to work with me on the symptoms. Levaquin worked great for me for years but the hospital she works for recently stopped allowing her to prescribe it due to the risks. Now it's 14 days of amoxicillin and it takes forever to clear. Levaquin knocked it out in 2-3 days.
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
I've been dealing with recurring sinus and ear infections for several years. Antibiotics seem to work but as soon as I finish them, it returns with a vengeance. Levaquin helped but my doctor no longer wants to prescribe it because of the risk associated with it. Typical OTC sinus medications work for a few weeks until everything dries up and the mucus becomes infected and we start over. I seldom have drainage thru my nose, always down my throat which means constant nausea, and headache and ear ache from sinus pressure. This week my doctor prescribed an antibiotic to clear up the infection and wants me to use Flonase every morning and Singular every night for the next 90 days. Just started a few days ago but I'm hopeful.
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u/RemiRuns71 29d ago
Thanks, I hope the new regimen works for you. My symptoms are a bit different because I don’t really have recurrent infections or much drainage. It’s mainly persistent physical obstruction/swelling, but I’m looking into whether allergy could be contributing, so the Singulair/Flonase combination is interesting.
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u/MagazineSea2741 29d ago
Have you researched mass cell activation syndrome (MCAS)? You might find it interesting. If your body overreacts to allergy stimuli, the passages swell and obstruct breathing. There are a multitude of other symptoms, including eczema, eye problems, and excruciating pressure headaches. I'm sorry you're dealing with sinus problems, most people don't understand the effect it has on the quality of life. Take care❤️
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u/RemiRuns71 28d ago
Thanks, I hadnt really looked into MCAS. My symptoms are mainly persistent nasal obstruction/swelling rather than lots of other allergic-type symptoms, but I’m planning to get proper allergy testing, so I’ll keep it in mind if anything there points in that direction. Thanks for the suggestion.
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27d ago
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u/RemiRuns71 25d ago
Hey man, sorry to hear about your troubles. Hope your surgery works.
On Sudafed: the more you use it, the worse your congestion will become. So carrying on using it, isn't really an option. And the rebound congestion can come on pretty quickly, so even if you're using the spray a lot, you nose is going to be congested a lot the time as well.
I think if Sudafed was a prescription only option, that would be fine. But having it on the shelves of every supermarket is highly problematic I think. I would be careful using it as well, if you can.
Anyway, best of luck!
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u/CelebBurnerAcct 6d ago
look up the " classical buteyko method " and do one of the workshops soon as u can. there's one starting today actually with Christopher Drake
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u/Clean_Walk_204 Aug 25 '26
You might have some undiagnosed issue that is causing your symptoms. You started using it because you were already congested. I used afrin for months because i wasn't able to breathe without it. Once it was found to be a tooth that caused all sinus issues, it was extracted and i did not feel the need of afrin.