Does Nasal Spray Make You Feel Weird? Understanding Common Side Effects

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Up to 9% of allergist and ENT visits may be related to rebound congestion caused by nasal spray overuse. This phenomenon is one of several reasons why a person might feel a weird or unpleasant sensation after using a nasal spray, ranging from a strange taste to systemic effects like dizziness.

Quick Summary

The 'weird' feeling from nasal spray can stem from the type of medication, like decongestants causing rebound congestion, or systemic side effects such as headache and dizziness. Incorrect usage, where medication drips down the throat, can also cause an unpleasant taste.

Key Points

Rebound Congestion: Overusing decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days can lead to a cycle of worsening congestion, a primary cause of feeling 'weird'.
Medication-Specific Side Effects: The active ingredients in different sprays cause different side effects; decongestants can cause headaches or dizziness, while steroid sprays might cause nasal irritation or nosebleeds.
Incorrect Usage: A bad taste or throat irritation can be caused by improper technique, such as sniffing too hard or tilting the head back, which allows the medication to drip down the throat.
Systemic Effects: Some active ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to systemic side effects like increased heart rate or nervousness, especially with overuse of decongestants.
Know When to Seek Help: While most side effects are mild, severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, or vision changes warrant immediate medical attention.
Dependence vs. Addiction: The reliance on nasal decongestants is a physical dependency (rhinitis medicamentosa), not a psychological addiction, and is treatable by stopping the spray and using alternatives.

Why Nasal Spray Can Cause a Strange Sensation

Nasal sprays are a common and effective remedy for congestion caused by allergies, colds, and sinus issues. However, many users report a "weird" feeling, which can be unsettling. This sensation is typically a side effect of the medication, a consequence of improper use, or, in the case of long-term decongestant use, a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa. The specific active ingredients in different types of sprays are the main determinant of which side effects you might experience.

Decongestant Nasal Sprays

These over-the-counter sprays, which contain active ingredients like oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine, work by constricting the swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion. While effective for short-term relief, their mechanism can cause some noticeable side effects:

Rebound congestion: A significant cause of the weird feeling is overuse of decongestants for more than three days. When the medication wears off, the blood vessels swell even more, causing worse congestion than before. This creates a cycle where you feel a constant need for the spray.
Systemic effects: Because some of the medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream, some users may experience systemic side effects. These can include headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, and nervousness.
Local irritation: It is common to experience a temporary burning, stinging, or dryness inside the nose.
Unpleasant taste or smell: The spray can drip down the back of the throat, causing a bad or bitter taste.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

Often prescribed for chronic allergies and inflammation, steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) reduce inflammation over a longer period. They are generally well-tolerated but can have side effects:

Nasal irritation: Burning, stinging, or dryness are possible, especially when starting a new spray.
Nosebleeds: Steroid sprays can thin the nasal lining, increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
Sore throat or cough: The medication can sometimes cause irritation in the throat or trigger a cough.
Altered taste or smell: An unpleasant taste or a change in sense of smell is a potential, though often mild, side effect.

Antihistamine Nasal Sprays

Antihistamine sprays, such as azelastine (Astepro), work by blocking histamine, a chemical that causes allergic symptoms. Their side effects can be felt more systemically:

Drowsiness or fatigue: Some individuals may experience a sleepy or tired feeling.
Bitter taste: Similar to other sprays, the post-nasal drip can cause a lingering bitter taste in the mouth.
Headache: Headaches and dizziness are also possible side effects.

Saline Nasal Sprays

Containing only a saltwater solution, saline sprays are the least likely to cause a weird feeling. They simply moisten nasal passages and loosen mucus. Any sensation is usually mild and temporary.

Incorrect Usage and Administration Issues

Even with the right medication, the way you use a nasal spray can influence the side effects you experience. Many users make simple mistakes that lead to unpleasant sensations.

Aiming incorrectly: Aiming the spray directly at the nasal septum (the middle wall of the nose) can cause irritation, damage, or nosebleeds. The correct technique is to use the opposite hand to spray towards the outer nostril wall.
Sniffing too hard: Taking a big, hard sniff when you spray can cause the medicine to go past your nasal passages and drip down your throat, leading to that unpleasant taste. A gentle sniff is all that is needed.
Tilting your head back: Tilting your head back too far can also cause the medication to run down your throat instead of staying in your nasal cavity where it needs to work. Keeping your head slightly tilted forward is recommended.

Understanding Rhinitis Medicamentosa: The Rebound Effect

Rhinitis medicamentosa, or rebound congestion, is a serious condition that can result from the overuse of decongestant nasal sprays. After just a few days of use, the nasal tissue becomes dependent on the spray to stay decongested. When the spray wears off, the congestion returns and feels worse, prompting you to use the spray again, creating a vicious cycle. This is a physical dependence, not a psychological addiction, but it can feel that way because of the constant need for relief. The best way to break this cycle is to stop the decongestant spray completely, often with the help of a doctor who can prescribe alternative treatments. For more on breaking this dependency, you can read expert guidance on sites like MedlinePlus.

Comparison of Nasal Spray Types and Side Effects


Type	Active Ingredient Example	Primary Use	Common "Weird" Side Effects	Risk of Rebound Congestion
Decongestant	Oxymetazoline	Short-term congestion relief (colds)	Headache, dizziness, bitter taste, nervousness	High (with overuse)
Steroid	Fluticasone	Chronic allergies, inflammation	Nasal irritation, nosebleeds, altered taste/smell	Very Low
Antihistamine	Azelastine	Allergy symptoms	Bitter taste, drowsiness, fatigue, headache	Very Low
Saline	Saltwater	Moisturizing, loosening mucus	Mild burning/stinging	None

When to Contact a Healthcare Professional

While most unusual feelings from nasal spray are mild, you should contact a doctor if you experience any of the following serious symptoms:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing.
Changes in your vision, including blurred vision or seeing halos.
Severe or frequent nosebleeds.
Persistent headaches or dizziness.
Feeling faint or experiencing a pounding heartbeat.
If your congestion worsens or does not improve after a week of using an over-the-counter spray.

Conclusion

Feeling something "weird" after using a nasal spray is a common experience, but it is not a reason to panic. By understanding the different types of sprays and their potential side effects, as well as practicing correct administration techniques, you can minimize these sensations. For temporary issues, a change in technique or a brief pause may be all that is needed. For persistent or concerning symptoms, especially if you suspect rebound congestion or a more serious reaction, consulting a healthcare provider is the safest course of action. They can help you determine the cause and find a more suitable and comfortable treatment for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some nasal sprays, particularly decongestants containing oxymetazoline or steroid sprays like Flonase, list headache as a common side effect.

Decongestant sprays like Afrin can cause systemic side effects, such as dizziness, nervousness, or anxiety, because some of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream.

An unpleasant or bitter taste is often caused by post-nasal drip, where the spray runs down the back of your throat. This can be a side effect of steroid or antihistamine sprays and is sometimes due to sniffing too hard.

Yes, a temporary burning or stinging sensation is a very common side effect, especially with saline and decongestant sprays. It is usually mild and resolves quickly.

To prevent rebound congestion, limit the use of decongestant nasal sprays to no more than three days in a row. For long-term relief, use alternatives like saline or steroid sprays.

Yes, incorrect technique, such as aiming the spray at the nasal septum or inhaling too hard, can cause irritation, nosebleeds, or an unpleasant taste, all of which contribute to a 'weird' feeling.

You should see a doctor if you experience severe headaches, frequent nosebleeds, vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling or difficulty breathing.