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What Causes Brain Fog, Dizziness And Lack Of Consciousness While On Xylometazoline?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Aug 2016
Question: Hi doctor,

I was prescribed Xylometazoline nasal drops for ear congestion. From second-third day of my dosage, I started feeling some kind of cognitive dysfunction. But I continued to use it for two weeks thrice a day as I was yet to get any relief from ear congestion. After all, I discontinued taking this nasal drops as I had unbearable brain fog, dizziness, lack of consciousness. I want to ask if these symptoms can be due to Xylometazoline overdose. If yes, how can I treat this problem.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Stopping medication will be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Sir

Use of Xylometazoline drops for more than 3 days is not recommended. Use for more than 3 days can result in rebound congestive symptoms , also systemic absorption can lead to cognitive dysfunction. The state associated is known as Rhinitis medica Mentosa ( Rebound occurrence of nasal/ear symptoms following prolonged use of it ).

Discontinuing the medication is all that is required and symptoms will likely regress soon .
Kindly ensure adequate intake of fluids and nutritive diet which will help un fast resolution.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you

Take Care

Regards
Dr Shobha Deepak
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (11 hours later)
Thanks madam for your kind answer.

I have discontinued this Xylometazoline nasal drops for more than nine days now, but the cognitive symptoms still persist as it is. There have been no relief yet. Kindly advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid hypoglycaemia

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Dear Sir

As Xylometazoline Drops have been discontinued long back , the cognitive symptoms are unlikely to be due to drops.

I would recommend the following

1. Ensure adequate sleep

2. Avoid CNS stimulants like caffeine

3. Avoid carbonated/alcoholic beverages

4. Ensure adequate intake of fluids

5. Oral Multivitamin supplements may help

6. Avoid hypoglycaemia by eating small quantity of meals more frequently: Fresh fruit juices will be beneficial


If the symptoms still persist then do consult your primary care physician for clinical assessment


Take Care

Regards
Shobha
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (10 hours later)
m sorry madam, but if it's not due to Xylometazoline, then what can it be? I mean I was not taking any other drug which can cause such problems. when I googled this, I found that most sites warn about Xylometazoline that "immediately rush to a hospital if u think u are overdosed with Xylometazoline". case studies of children going to coma after overdose of this drug can also be found on google. these sites say that overdose of this drug can cause serious central nervous system problems. and the symptoms I have are also related to the central nervous system, I guess. I have also visited a doctor. he also said that it's unlikely that its due to Xylometazoline. but I was not satisfied. I take a healthy diet, and i don't think anything else can create such problem. I seriously think that I am acutely poisoned with Xylometazoline. but I don't know how to negate its effect. Need your kind advice madam.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rule out hypoglycaemia

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir

As the medication have been discontinued long time back , they are unlikely to be cause for the symptoms. The margin of safety is less in children , so very rarely they may end up with CNS symptoms. the same thing does not stand true for adults. As you have already seen your primary care physician , he would have examined you thoroughly and ruled out any serious cause which is reassuring.

I would suggest you to get Fasting and Post prandial blood sugar level done , to rule out hypoglycaemia as possible cause of symptoms



Take Care

Best Regards
Shobha
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. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Shobha Deepak

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1774 Questions

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What Causes Brain Fog, Dizziness And Lack Of Consciousness While On Xylometazoline?

Brief Answer: Stopping medication will be helpful Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Sir Use of Xylometazoline drops for more than 3 days is not recommended. Use for more than 3 days can result in rebound congestive symptoms , also systemic absorption can lead to cognitive dysfunction. The state associated is known as Rhinitis medica Mentosa ( Rebound occurrence of nasal/ear symptoms following prolonged use of it ). Discontinuing the medication is all that is required and symptoms will likely regress soon . Kindly ensure adequate intake of fluids and nutritive diet which will help un fast resolution. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you Take Care Regards Dr Shobha Deepak