I have used Afrin for nasal congestion. And to my ignorance, I was actually used it for several months when you were supposed to only take it for 3 days. After stopping for several months, severe anxiety attacks started to occur. I'm thinking now it might've been a rebound effect of Afrin. But I've read somewhere that Afrin is one of OTC medications you should not be taking(as a warning). Might be best to talk to your doctor first and foremost before using it. I wouldn't recommend using it at all. As it caused my body's high blood pressure to shoot up too high, heart raising, paranoia as if i was about to have a heart attack, and feeling pins and needles on parts of my face and hands. It was one of the most horrible feelings I've felt in my life. So as a warning, if anyone has not taken this medication and is thinking about it, please don't or do not take it longer than it says(preferably only for 3 days, that's it!). If your allergies or congestion do not get better, please see a doctor!
After consulting with the pharmacist, they suggested using benadryl to cope with the current episode, and then discontinue using the product.
I can affirm the same result using affrin and will stop its use immediately.
I think you've already answered this -- when you stopped, the problem stopped.