[allday310]

I know ive posted a lot of threads lately, but my symptoms increased after i tried to exercise. Now my random anxiety has returned. Ill be sitting trying to study and all of a sudden boom a feeling of anxiety-nervousness after taking nasal spray. I used to take it before without any problems, but now that i have pcs every time it seems to get me 3 times (the first two i was not sure if it was just me stressing or the spray). In between when my symptoms began diminishing i took Afrin once and was ok. First two times i took Afrin and the 3rd time i took fluticasone propionate. I have a deviated septum and it is hard to breathe at times. I only use to take them when it is really bad. Im going to stop taking them and just try to make a natural saline but does anyone know something about this or have experience with this? Or is it just me going anxiety mode randomly due to the input of oxygen.

[Mark in Idaho]

This sounds like a good question to ask a pharmacist. Anxiety can be easily triggered for those of us with PCS. The slightest chemical stress could be doing it. Anxiety is a known side-effect of Afrin and Flonase.

[SmilinEyesMs305]

I agree with mark, check with a pharmacist or your doc.

However, I do know that things like Afrin had a decongestant in them, which would be something that could increase anxiety. (This is why many decongestants can only be bought at the pharmacy counter, as people can make meth from them.)

However with Flonase, it's a steroid that blocks inflammation. I have been using it and have not seen an increase. (This was a better option my doctor told me, because the other meds I am on in combo with a decongestant can cause anxiety, jitters etc.) However, it may affect you differently.

Trying saline is a good idea.

Hope you can find something that provides your relief without the extra anxiety

[mrsD]

I'd like to add some information that may be helpful:

1) Chronic use of nasal sprays that are decongestants, will cause long term rebound congestion, which then requires MORE sprays to get relief. You can then become so congested that you are in a pathological state requiring a doctor. So I think 3 times a day is too much. I have seen many people who became Afrin dependent.

2) chronic use of steroid nasal sprays leads to osteoporosis, and even eye disorders, like glaucoma.

3) the safest nasal spray for allergies (not decongestant) is NasalCrom.

[allday310]

Appreciate the feedback. Called my doctor he was not too worried but said no Afrin. He said try a pill form such as claritan for congestion, but i will definitely just try homemade saline or tough it out. I searched deeper into both products and they both have anxiety and nervousness as serious side effects, but not quite high enough to seek medical attention right away.

[postconcussion]

Hello,
Yes I also experienced anxiety from those meds. Even claritin or anything with a stimulant in it. Best wishes.