One of the non-prescription decongestants is benzedrex intranasal inhalers. The generic version of this drug is called propylhexedrine. People can get these inhalers over-the-counter to help relieve their nasal congestion. The problem is that they can be abused. If you have been abusing them, be sure to contact a addiction treatment center right away.

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More About Propylhexedrine

The purpose of these inhalers is to treat one’s nasal congestion on a temporary basis. People might have this type of congestion due to a common cold or even allergies. The active ingredient that used to be in these inhalers was amphetamine sulfate. However, since many people have abused amphetamines, in higher doses, and that can be dangerous, propylhexedrine became the primary ingredient during 1949.

Propylhexedrine is a type of stimulant. It causes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to be released from one’s cells. The effects from this stimulant are close to that of fight-or-flight responses that often occur when someone is stressed. It can cause tightening of the body’s arterial walls. This is called vasoconstriction. It can also do the following:

• Increase levels of blood sugar in the body
• Dilate airways
• Increase one’s blood pressure
• Increase one’s heart rate

Vasoconstriction caused by propylhexedrine is what helps with the nasal decongestant relief.

Propylhexedrine has been banned by those who compete states the World Anti-Doping Agency. This means any athletes who are performing in a sport can’t use this drug while in a competition that has accepted the codes of WADA.

Abuse of Propylhexedrine

One study specifically notes that those who abuse this drug aren’t using their inhaler in the wrong way. They are probably ingesting their medication orally or they are injecting it through their veins. The abuse of this drug has caused many health issues and even sudden death in some individuals. With this being known, why are some people still abusing this drug? They want to get a high from it in a legal way. Some people are trying to improve their productivity or concentration by abusing this drug. However, that is more of an urban myth, as most users of propylhexedrine say it doesn’t provide these effects.

Benzedrex Abuse Effects

When someone takes this drug as the packaging instructs them to, it isn’t dangerous. Someone may, however, have some side effects including the following:

• Burning of their nasal passages
• Dryness of their nasal passages
• Rebound nasal congestion
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Anxiousness
• Restlessness

Those who suffer from heart disease or who are using this medication in excess may have more of these effects than those without these issues.

When someone does start abusing this drug, they may have a wide variety of other side effects. Some of the effects from abusing propylhexedrine include the following:

• Increased heart rate
• Blood pressure issues
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excess fluid around their heart
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory distress
• Excessive fluid around their lungs
• Heart attack
• Cardiopulmonary arrest
• Psychosis
• Fever
• Chills
• Shaking
• Sepsis
• Death

If someone injects this drug into their body, they may experience swelling, death of the tissue surrounding the injection, ulcers, cellulitis, sensation changes, bruising, and an abscess.

There is a study that states there are toxic propylhexedrine effects that are close to those of amphetamine drugs. However, with this drug, the effects can be even more severe. They can cause severe organ malfunctions, especially if this drug is injected by IV. The main reason for this is because of the constriction that happens to the blood vessels, along with the increased blood pressure that happens more severely than with amphetamines.

Along with the propylhexedrine, benzedrex also has menthol and lavender oil in them. While some people who abuse this drug will extract propylhexedrine from it, the extraction may not be done properly. Some people will consume the entire cotton rod. They will ingest every ingredient in this drug, including the cotton. Doing this, especially in larger amounts, can be very dangerous.

Signs of Propylhexedrine or Benzedrex Abuse

There are some signs that someone might be abusing propylhexedrine or benzedrex. Some of these signs include the following:

• Using the drug more than instructed or in larger amounts
• Craving the drug or other stimulants
• Wanting to decrease use of the drug, but failing to do so
• Spending a lot of their time getting, using, or trying to recover from the use of these drugs
• Using these drugs even after realizing the damage it is causing to their health or their life
• Having issues in school, at home, or at work because of using these drugs
• Reducing the time spent on other activities or quitting an activity altogether because of using these drugs
• Continuing to use these drugs despite knowing the physical or psychological consequences they are causing
• Using these drugs repeatedly in various situations
• Developing tolerance to these drugs
• Going through withdrawal when not using the drugs

If you have been abusing these drugs, now is the time to seek out treatment. Whether you are abusing the inhalers, ingesting the ingredients, or abusing another stimulant, you can get the treatment you need.

Any kind of substance use disorder disorder is very serious. It is extremely essential that anyone who struggles with abuse of a drug or an addiction get the professional help they need. There is no shame in asking for the help that you need. The treatment program staff will understand the things you are going through. They will understand what led to your substance use disorder. When you are in the treatment program, you can learn how to cope with things in healthier ways. Make the call today.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.