If symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, a more serious condition may be present and reconsultation with a medical professional should be obtained. They do so by constricting blood vessels. These medications can relieve airway obstruction, pressure symptoms and help the sinuses to drain. Unfortunately they all may elevate blood pressure, cause a more rapid heart beat, cause more irregular heartbeats and cause insomnia. They should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, diabetes or insomnia.
Decongestants can raise blood pressure and increase the heart rate.
In diabetics, they can decrease insulin requirements which can lead to life threatening low blood sugar. In addition, these drugs may cause dangerous reactions if you are on MAO inhibitors or anti-Parkinson medications. Decongestant nose sprays are also available and should only be used for 3 days and only 2 to 4 times a day or addiction can occur. When addicted, a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa occurs. This condition produces only a short period of relief with use of the nose spray and severe nasal symptoms when the nose spray is not use.