Vicks Sinex nose spray = loss of smell?

[diethx]

So, i've been sick for the past few days with a nasty cold. My congestion got super unbearable today (both nostrils totally clogged) so my fiance ran to CVS and picked up some of this. I've never tried it, but the pharmacist recommended it, and i've used other types of Vicks before with no harmful effects. The directions said 2-3 sprays in each nostril, at most twice a day. I did two sprays in each nostril, and they totally cleared up and tingled nicely for a minute. Then they started burning and stinging, and continued to sting for quite awhile after. It wasn't anything I couldn't deal with, but it was still rather uncomfortable. This was about five hours ago, and my nostrils are still clear and don't sting anymore. Unfortunately, now i've totally lost my sense of smell. I seriously can't smell a thing, not even a hint of anything. Stuck my nose in a bottle of V-8 and squat. I can barely taste also, just barely.

So what i'm wondering is, has anyone ever had this happen to them? Or even heard of it? I know you can get some damage if you use this stuff too often, but I used it once, heh.

[Blazing247]

Vicks' has many side effects not listed on the label, such as sudden loss of career, dead puppy syndrome when ingested near a kennel, and will also get you high as a mothefucker. FYI.

[Nieninque]

Would the fact that you have a cold not kill your sense of smell?

[Miss X]

Yeah, it's normal to lose your sense of smell and taste with a cold. I would imagine it's entirely possible for the Vick's to distort your sense of smell for a while too. The active ingredient in Vick's nasal spray is a vasoconstrictor, which means it reduces the swelling in your nasal passages for a few hours per dose, so it seems likely it might effect your sense of smell/taste. After 5 hours it will still be active so I wouldn't worry too much,

[diethx]

The thing is i've had many colds in my life - especially in the past 3 years since I moved to Atlanta. This place has been hell on my immune system. On top of brand new year-round allergies to something, I get sick every year right around this time and not once have I ever lost my sense of smell. Only right after I took the Vicks, which was burning me for like 2 or 3 hours after taking it. I guess it just freaked me out since it burned the shit out of me and then afterwards I couldn't smell a thing. Thanks for the info though Miss X, and i'll check and see if I can smell anything today if my nose ever decides to de-clog ;)

[Numbers]

Try Zicam nasal swabs instead. I haven't had a full blown cold since I started using them. They're essentially as close as you can get to a cure.

[Aenstaas]

Zicam may not be the answer if her concern is losing her sense of smell :

http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Zicam

[Methais]

Eat a raw jalapeno. That'll clear your sinuses right up.

[Stanley Burrell]

I'm'a just make this emoticon:

:(

Like I really mean it.




































And this one too :laser:

Fight that evil sunnabitch cold with some warm chicken soup (metaphor)!

[diethx]

Well, I can smell again today, at least with the one nostril that's clear. No more Vicks for me, i'll stick to Sudafed instead! I just hope this stays a cold this year. Thanks for all of the info guys :)