Otrivin must not be used for a period of time that exceeds 5 days at most and what you're experiencing now is a side effect of the medication. Xylometazoline acts by decreasing the blood flow to the nasal mucosa, thus causing the nasal tissues to shrink in size and so the nasal cavity becomes patent (open). Once the effect of the drug wears off and with prolonged use, the blood flow to the area goes back to baseline and the nasal mucosa gets congested even more. This congestion becomes dependent on the drug to clear it if you continue to use it. The only solution now is that you gradually reduce the frequency of use (so if you're spraying your nose 3 times a day, reduce to twice daily every 12 hrs, then to once daily before bedtime). This reduction in use should be done over a few days until you stop using Otrivin completely. Concomitant use of nasal saline spray will help minimize the swelling of the nasal mucosa.
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