An Overview of Neo-Synephrine Addiction
Neo-Synephrine® (
phenylephrine or
oxymetazoline nasal spray) is a commonly used non-prescription decongestant nasal spray. Although it is not traditionally considered a drug of abuse, it is possible for a person to become dependent on any decongestant nasal spray, including Neo-Synephrine. It should be noted that this is not a problem for other types of nasal sprays, such as steroid or antihistamine nasal sprays.
Why Is Neo-Synephrine Addictive?
If you use Neo-Synephrine for longer than the recommended maximum of three days, you could become "addicted" to the medication, although this is not usually an "addiction" in the classic sense of the word. Neo-Synephrine works by shrinking the blood vessels of the nose. However, the blood vessels quickly become accustomed to the medication. A higher dosage (which is not recommended) may be necessary to obtain the original effect. Continued use is necessary to avoid a return of the congestion, even if the original cause (such as a cold) has resolved. This is known as a rebound effect.
Some people may have this problem without even being aware of it. They may assume that the nasal congestion is due to an ongoing problem, such as
allergies, when, in fact, it is simply due to overuse of the medication. Other people know exactly what they are doing, but find that
Neo-Synephrine use is the only way they can make it through the night (or possibly even the day).
