Does Flonase cause withdrawal symptoms?

Flonase is a nasal spray containing a corticosteroid that helps manage irritation in your nose and sinus lining. It’s a brand name for the generic medication fluticasone.

Flonase helps slow down the function of chemicals in your body that trigger inflammation. People commonly use Flonase to get relief from allergic and nonallergic nasal symptoms like a runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Some corticosteroid medications may cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them, but Flonase is not known to cause withdrawal. Read on to learn more about what to expect if you stop taking Flonase.

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What to know about Flonase withdrawal symptoms

If you take corticosteroid medications, you may have concerns about whether you will experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking the drug. Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase) are not known to cause withdrawal symptoms. This is more common with topical and oral steroid medications.

Because Flonase doesn’t typically cause withdrawal symptoms, you don’t need to reduce (taper) its doses gradually.

Symptoms to watch out for when stopping Flonase

Congestion is the main symptom to watch for when stopping Flonase. Typically, whatever caused your initial symptoms may return, especially if you have chronic allergies or a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and you do not switch to an alternative treatment.

Other symptoms to watch out for include:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• postnasal drip
• sneezing
• headache
• sinus pressure
• difficulty breathing (due to sinus inflammation)

Withdrawal symptoms are more common if you take oral or topical steroids. To avoid this, your doctor will have you decrease your dose gradually over time. This is known as tapering.

Withdrawal from suddenly stopping oral steroids such as prednisone can cause symptoms including:

• fatigue
• weakness
• pain in muscles and joints
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

There’s usually a link between the symptoms and the amount and duration of the steroids your doctor prescribes.

How to safely stop Flonase

Typically, you can stop using Flonase nasal spray without tapering. But if you have been taking it for an extended period or you are also taking other oral steroids, talk with your doctor. They may suggest that you gradually reduce your dose.

If you have a long-term (chronic) condition like COPD, stopping Flonase may cause a return of your symptoms. Don’t stop taking Flonase unless your doctor recommends it.

If you would prefer to use a different treatment, let your doctor know. They can work with you to find a different treatment that works well for you.

Is Flonase addictive?

There is no research evidence to show that Flonase or other corticosteroid nasal sprays are addictive medications. But be sure to follow the prescribing doctor’s guidance. You should only take Flonase once or twice per day, depending on what you’re using it for.

Alternative sinus treatments

If Flonase is not working for you, there are several other sinus treatments, both natural and medical, that may provide relief. Always be sure to check with a doctor before starting any new health regimen.

Other sinus treatment options include the following:

Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation is a technique that uses saline to flush out your sinuses. It can help relieve congestion and other sinus symptoms. You may also want to try using a neti pot to relieve nasal congestion. Electric nasal irrigators are also available.

Saline nasal spray

Easier for traveling or on-the-go use, saline spray is a salt water mixture in a small bottle. You can take it just like Flonase. It can help you with nasal decongestion.

Sinus massage

A doctor may recommend a sinus massage to reduce congestion, pressure, and pain in your sinuses. You can use your fingers to massage your nasal sinuses gently but firmly to assist with drainage and relieve pain.

Steam

Steam is a popular home remedy for relieving sinus pressure caused by colds, congestion, or sinus infections. Boiling water produces a water vapor that can be beneficial in loosening mucus and assisting in opening nasal passages. As the sinuses open, blow your nose frequently to help remove mucus and open airways.

Grapefruit seed extract (GFSE)

According to recent research, grapefruit seed extract has both antiviral and antibacterial effects. It may relieve congestion and sinus infection and may also help relieve coronavirus symptoms.

In many countries, people use GFSE for its effective antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This helps to manage bacterial infections, sinus infections, and inflammation of the sinus cavities.

Natural anti-inflammatories

Some foods naturally have anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease inflammation in the body. Increasing your intake of these foods may help with sinus inflammation and swelling.

Some of the top anti-inflammatory foods include:

• berries
• fatty fish (such as salmon, anchovies, sardines)
• broccoli
• turmeric
• green tea
• mushrooms
• ginger

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Other medications

If Flonase is not working for you, a doctor might decide to prescribe other medications. These include:

• antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to treat allergy symptoms
• anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• other decongestant medications, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• other inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide (Pulmicort)
• medications such as formoterol (Perforomist) and vilanterol combined with fluticasone furoate (Breo Ellipta) for COPD or asthma

Summary

Unlike oral and topical steroids, Flonase does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. This means you don’t need to reduce its doses gradually (taper).

If Flonase is not working for you, let your doctor know. They may switch you to a different medication or suggest other types of treatment.

If you have questions about Flonase and how to safely stop taking it, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.