A way to kick nasal spray habit

Q. I have been using a nasal spray like Afrin for at least six years. I cannot break this cycle of congestion. If I don't use the spray, I can't sleep and can't eat. Sometimes it's even difficult to have a conversation because I am so stopped up.
My doctor prescribed a steroid nasal spray, but it wasn't enough. Do you have any helpful suggestions for breaking my addiction?
A. Others who have gone through a similar predicament have come up with some creative suggestions that might be worth trying. Here's one:
Buy two bottles of nasal spray. Use one full-strength in one nostril. In the other, use a progressively diluted spray. Begin by adding a small amount of saline solution (Ayr Saline, Breathe Free or Ocean) and gradually increase the proportion of salt water to nasal spray. When using pure saline, begin to follow the same process for the other one. This allows for a gentle withdrawal that should not interfere with sleep or conversation. Keep using the steroid spray your doctor prescribed to ease the discomfort until you've kicked your habit.
Q. I have been plagued with numbness in both legs from the knees down for at least four or five years. I notified my cardiologist several times, and he referred me to a neurologist. When I saw the neurologist, he found nothing conclusive.
I've been taking statin drugs to lower my cholesterol for years. First I took Baycol until it was pulled off the market. I have taken Zocor since then. I have the impression that this problem may be related to the statins, but I can't afford to let my cholesterol get too high. What alternatives do I have?
A. Statin-type drugs such as Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor are effective for lowering cholesterol, but some people do experience nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is considered a rare side effect of statins (American Journal of Cardiology, Supplement 1, Apr. 17, 2006). Symptoms may include numbness as well as sensations of prickling, tingling or burning in the extremities.
For people who can't tolerate statins, there are other medications that can lower cholesterol effectively. They include niacin, WelChol, Tricor and Zetia. We are sending you our Guides to Heart Health and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs with additional information.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.Peoples Pharmacy.com.
& copy; 2006 King Features Syndicate Inc.