Originally Posted by
jdon
I used to carry Ventolin as a rescue inhaler but was advised strongly against overuse as the doctors want it to be an effective drug for use when really needed. I was recently advised that it is no longer suggested if Symbicort is being used as it doesn't make that much of a difference.
Check with your doctors though as I am not one of those! Dave may have an opinion on this as well.
Over use of a rescue inhaler will reduce it's effectiveness when you really need it.
You are far better off, if you have asthma, to use a corticosteroid/long term bronchodilator such as symbicort or advair or another name brand if they work for you long term. Everyone is very different when it comes to how these drugs react (the long term drugs I'm speaking of here)
My strong advice to you if you have asthma, get a long term bronchodilator/corticosteroid combination and using it daily according to instructions. Then, when you get tight or when you know you are going to aggravate your asthma, you can consider using your rescue inhaler as it is intended, as a "rescue" only inhaler.
If your rescue inhaler really makes your heart race, ask our doctor about xopenex as loneviking mentioned, much better rescue drug.
Finally, don't wait till your lungs lock up if you have an attack, when it gets to a certain point, head on to the hospital and get treatment.