I can't stop using "4way nasal spray"!!!!

[cory4way]

About 10 years ago i started using afrin for my congested nose.  I could't go an hour without using it. Then about 2 years ago a friend, with the same problem, told me to try Menthol 4way, he said it was the best. So i tried it, and now i cant use anything else.  Afrin doesnt even work anymore!!  I really want to breathe normally and am willing to try anything.  I also snore really loud and wake up about 20 times throughout the night.  I'll would appreciate any and all advice.  

[thecraigster467]

i had the same problem. i talked to a dr. he said to just stop cold turkey. the first 3 nites/days were very very hard to deal with. But it got easier. Then one day, (5days later) i was breathing easier and without any nasal spray at all !! what a relief ! when i get a common cold, i do feel like geting some nasal spray, esp 4Way, but i just tuff it out becuz its soooo addictive. so please just try and go cold turkey. It will be worth the 3-5days. trust me!  best wishes

[confused456]

I agree 100% about apnea...most think of only sleep apnea but my son was born with Apnea and he stopped breathing at any given moment. He was kept in the hospital when he was born and when I was able to bring him home, he was on an apnea monitor......VERY serious!! Get checked please!!

[confused456]

Maybe you should try breathe right nasal strips at night. I am sorry but I have no idea and I would talk to your Dr. Best of luck.

[lucyred68]

first off, i would reccommend that you see a sleep specialist.  it sounds like you have sleep apnea, which can be very dangerous.  my husband has it and waking that much at night is one of the major symptoms as is snoring.  do your legs jerk?  do you wake yourself up with a jerk, gasping for breath?  a lot of people think that sleep apnea isn't  a serious disease, but it has killed even young people.  as far as the nasal spray, if you really want to stop it, talk to your dr, and he/she can give you a steroid nasal spray that will stop the reason you need it. it takes a few days to start working, but is much better for you than the afrin or 4-way.  i have had that problem myself as i have a severely deviated septum, and allergies.  the steroid nasal sprays stop the allergic reactions to pollens etc., and take down the swelling of the nasal lining.  

Lucy