Misuse of Xylometazoline Nasal Drops by Inhalation

Abstract

Six male prisoners who misused xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation were interviewed by a prison physician in 2006. The prisoners received xylometazoline drops during regular visits in the prison ambulatory service. In order to get the medication, the subjects reported false symptoms of rhinosinusitis and allergic reactions. Psychoactive effects of inhaled xylometazoline were described as “stimulation,” “excitation,” and “feeling of strength.” Although preliminary, our findings suggest that topical adrenergic decongestants can produce rewarding effects when administered by inhalation.

Keywords:

• α-adrenergic decongestants
• xylometazoline
• inhalation
• misused
• prisoners

Acknowledgments

The preparation of the present report was supported by the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland (Grant no. 67/07).

Notes

¹The journal's style utilizes the category substance abuse as a diagnostic category. Substances are used or misused; living organisms are and can be abused. Editor's note.