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Hi Doc, I’ve Been Addicted To Otrivin Nasal Spray For

Posted on Fri, 25 Jan 2019

Question: Hi doc,
I’ve been addicted to Otrivin nasal spray for a few years now, and my new doctor prescribed me a steroid nasal spray course to get me off this addiction. However I also have another secret addiction and that’s cocaine. A relative of mine warned me about steroid nasal spray and how it thins the tissue and I was wondering if there’s added risk with the steroids and the cocaine.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. The fact is that otrivin nasal spray cannot be used for long period as

Detailed Answer:
Hii. The fact is that otrivin nasal spray cannot be used for long period as it becomes ineffective over long use.So there is no point of giving otrivin. So it is always better to use steroids for long use for allergic symptoms. Steroid nasal spray are safe and it is the best medicine to decrease allergic symptoms. But cocaine is responsible for nasal septum perforation and causes the other nose side effects. Better u get rid of cocaine and use nasal spray as per requirement.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (51 minutes later)

I’m off the otrivin now.

My question is does steroid nasal spray thin my nasal tissue and as a result will exacerbate the side effects of snorting cocaine. So am I at an increased risk if these two are combined?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. Steroid nasal spray don't cause thinning of nasal tissue if used for p

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Steroid nasal spray don't cause thinning of nasal tissue if used for period 3-6months if previous history of cocaine intake is there. Along with steroid spray also use saline nasal spray which will moist the nasal tissue.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (21 hours later)

Ok thanks.

I’m struggling with the wait until the steroids take affect. Would it be safe to use both steroid drops and otrivin until the steroids take affect? Or does the otrivin hinder the progress of the steroids?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Once you start steroid spray, no need to take Otrivin

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Once u start steroid spray, no need for taking Otrivin as steroid act immediately. Otrivin will lead to reverse effect so there is no point of using it for a prolonged time.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (34 minutes later)

The steroids haven’t been so effective and my doctor did mention it would take 3 to 4 days till I see results. I’m struggling to fall asleep with a blocked nose

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
it will take some time

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

When you take Otrivin for a prolonged period even if the nose is not blocked, it will feel stuffiness of nose due to the mechanism of action of Otrivin.

So it will take some time to get the feeling of unstuffiness. Better you take steam inhalation and continue spray.

Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee