I have been abusing drugs! (Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray)

Name: SusanLesley

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Product:	Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray
Date:	11/01/03 (628 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clears a blocked nose, Easy to use

Disadvantages: Be careful how often you use it

I read an opinion the other day about Sinex, the nasal spray, and it got me thinking.
This is a product that I would never be without, as I just can't stand a blocked nose. If I have a cold this is the first thing I reach for.

But hang on a minute - 'if I have a cold'? Actually no, that isn't quite correct. I have got into the habit of using this whenever I get even a slightly blocked nose. So, at night when I'm watching TV and the warm room prompts a bit of a blockage, out comes the Sinex. First thing in the morning if my nose isn't cleared with the first blow, out comes the Sinex. You get the picture?

Which brings me to why the opinion got me thinking. I have been suffering irritation in the nose and throat for some time now. It hasn't been bad enough to consult a doctor but it has been very annoying.

As I read the opinion reminding me that Sinex should not be used for longer than a week, I realised that this might well be my answer.

I suppose I'd better tell you about the product - after all that's what you're here for isn't it?
Sinex is a decongestant spray made by Vicks, the vapour rub people. Come on how many of you had that rubbed on by mom when you were little? I remember it well!

The spray comes in a small plastic bottle, having a pointed top with a hole in it. The use is pretty basic - you unscrew the lid of the bottle, hold one nostril closed, put the pointed end up the other blocked nostril, squeeze and sniff.

You then wait a minute or so and hey presto - even the stuffiest nose is cleared. As I said earlier, I wouldn't be without this when I have a cold. It really is the bee?s knees.

To be technical about it Vicks Nasal Spray contains Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride which helps to reduce any swelling of the nasal membranes, which actually cause the stuffed up feeling you get with blocked noses and will last for up to 8 hours for each dosag
e.

It is available over the counter at chemists or supermarkets and costs about £3 a time.

Now for the down side to all this.

Sinex is a drug and as with any drug it should be treated with respect. The timely reminder that I got from the aforementioned opinion was that I was not following the instructions for use. Incidentally, when I re read the instructions, I found to my surprise that diabetics shouldn't use this! I have no idea why not.

The box and the back of the plastic bottle are both clearly labelled with warnings - don't use it if taking other medication without consulting your doctor, don't use it more than three times a day and don't use it for longer than a week.

As I was using it almost every day and had been doing so for some time, I was making the problem worse, which was obviously leading to further use. As I said earlier I had also got an almost constant throat irritation, especially at night when I lay down to sleep.

Since I had been using it with only a slightly blocked nose I had been sniffing it into my throat, which I am pretty sure was what was causing my problem. I stopped using the Sinex a few days ago and already the problem has eased considerably.

That said, Sinex is still the most effective decongestant available over the counter and if used properly is invaluable, especially when used at night as it allows the sufferer to breath properly and thus get a good night's sleep, which in turn aids recovery.

In conclusion I still wouldn't be without my Sinex, but from now on I shall be more careful how often I use it.

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