Otrivin and Headaches: What Users Say

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 17, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "Be wary of this drug, highly addictive. Maximum use is 3 days. Could not go without it, always a bottle carried around with me. Spent a fortune over the years! Couldn’t go without it for a clear nose. It is called rebound congestion. So, went to the doctor and was told to go off it cold turkey or would end up with a cocaine nose. Went cold turkey and had headaches, sinus, dizziness, and nausea. I had to sleep in an upright position to breathe. Been off it for 3 years. Took 2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms. Don’t touch it."

• Vip...
• January 23, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "Never use this medicine. It left my nose hurting and burning. Definitely clears the congestion. But gives you side effects like headache, toothache, nose hurting badly. Worst nasal spray I've ever seen."

• lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Nasal Congestion "I woke up with a terrible cold and sinus congestion. I've used Otrivin in the past with no issues, but after using it once today, my nostrils are now so irritated and uncomfortable, it feels like they're on fire. My gums are also feeling sore, and I'm starting to get a headache. This is terrible."

• Kir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2020

For Nasal Congestion "Used Otrivin for a few days as I suffer from congestion constantly. While it does unblock your nose, it doesn't last very long, and the rebound congestion is awful. My nose is now bloody and sore, large chunks of bloodied mucus pile up, and I have headaches. My nose is worse than it was before! Going to go back to Sudafed, it seems gentler and hasn't caused a bloody nose ever!"

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

For Nasal Congestion "Horrible nasal spray! I followed instructions and only used 2 sprays in each nostril every 8 hours for only 1.5 days (not even the 3 days mentioned on the bottle). The third time I used it, it was horrible! My left nostril burned like crazy! I had a severe burning sensation for 20 minutes. And then after, my nostril felt sore. Never again! Not only that, my face was a bit sore, and my gums were a bit sore hours later. And I felt a headache coming on. Those side effects are not worth clearing up nasal congestion from a cold! Be aware, this nasal spray is dangerous! It could possibly damage the inside of your nose. I’ll never forget that burning feeling. It was like my nostril was on fire. I hope there is no damage at this point. And if there is, I hope it heals."

• Con...
• December 10, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "This nasal spray works in seconds and lasts for hours. I had a cold, stuffy, runny nose and a constant draining at the back of my throat, which caused me to cough incessantly. After taking Otrivin, all of my symptoms stopped. It can cause a slight headache if you take too much, and you can get addicted because it works so well. Then, after a while, you get rebound congestion, so be aware of that, and only use it for a few days."