I use an over-the-counter nasal spray for congestion associated with allergies. Should I be concerned about nasal spray addiction?

Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.

What you may be referring to is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication.

As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion. Your congestion also may worsen if you stop using the medication. Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn't.

True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction.

To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

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Dec. 12, 2020 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Allergies
  2. Allergies and asthma
  3. Allergy education
  4. Allergy medications: Know your options
  5. Allergy skin tests
  6. Allergy-proof your home
  7. Anaphylaxis
  8. Anaphylaxis: First aid
  9. Aspirin allergy
  10. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  11. Atopic dermatitis: 6 ways to manage itchy skin
  12. Atopic dermatitis: Proper bathing can reduce itching
  13. Atopic dermatitis: Understand your triggers
  14. Avoid rebound nasal congestion
  15. Bradycardia
  16. Breastfeeding and medications
  17. Can baby eczema be prevented?
  18. Can I exercise if I have atopic dermatitis?
  19. Cough
  20. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
  21. Dermatitis
  22. Does honey offer sweet relief for allergies?
  23. Drug allergy
  24. Ease stress to reduce eczema symptoms
  25. Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?
  26. Food allergy
  27. Food allergy or intolerance?
  28. Hay fever
  29. Hay fever: How to avoid triggers
  30. Hives and angioedema
  31. Honey: An effective cough remedy?
  32. How to treat baby eczema
  33. I have atopic dermatitis. How can I sleep better?
  34. Living better with atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  35. Nasal Cleaning
  36. Nasal congestion
  37. Nausea and vomiting
  38. Ozone air purifiers
  39. Peeling skin
  40. Prednisone risks, benefits
  41. Prednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?
  42. Runny nose
  43. Seasonal allergies
  44. Shortness of breath
  45. Common skin rashes
  46. Types of dermatitis
  47. Stung by a Plant
  48. Sulfa allergy
  49. Tachycardia
  50. Allergy tests
  51. Watery eyes
  52. Wheezing
  53. White patch on skin: A cause for concern?