Concerns About Nausea Linked to Antidepressants During Sexual Arousal
Sex: Female Age: 21 years Height: 5 feet Weight: 100 pounds Pre-existing conditions: scoliosis, early congenital cataracts, allergies (to medication and nuts), depression, anxiety Daily Medications: *Duloxetine 60mg each day*, propranolol 10 mg as needed (uncertain if it impacts my experiences), also, I have a Kyleena IUD, which was inserted after these symptoms began and has not altered my arousal responses. For the past three years since starting my antidepressant regimen, I’ve experienced nausea when aroused. I’m uncertain if this reaction is a side effect of the medication since I didn’t feel particularly sexual during my depression. As I adapted to these medications, I encountered a range of emotions that were both new and challenging. Regarding my experiences of arousal, they are quite specific. This sensation doesn't emerge from direct clitoral stimulation, even if it leads to orgasm. Instead, it seems to originate from deeper within, particularly with g-spot stimulation or even just the mental anticipation associated with it. Interestingly, these feelings can also arise from engaging with erotic content without any physical contact. I don’t have a history of sexual abuse; these symptoms began prior to having any sexual partners, as I was still a virgin at that time. The sensation occurs whether I'm sitting comfortably in a chair or lying in bed. When I attempt to walk or stand while experiencing this feeling, I become somewhat disoriented, but it doesn’t quite lead to dizziness. Although I have scheduled a visit with my gynecologist, it’s two months away due to my commitments at school. I found the nurse to be unhelpful, and I’m finding it hard to concentrate on my studies because I’m anxious about the possibility of needing to stop my antidepressants or potentially feeling nauseous during intimacy. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to inquire further if needed.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 6:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the nausea linked to your experiences of arousal, especially considering your history with antidepressants and your current demands at school. Let’s break this down into manageable points and explore some actionable steps you can take while you await your gynecologist visit.
Main Points:
- Nausea during arousal could be related to your antidepressant, duloxetine, or arise from other psychological or physiological factors.
- It's important to monitor your sensations and responses during arousal and potential triggers for nausea.
- Managing anxiety and finding coping strategies can help ease your worries while you await professional guidance.
Explanation: Duloxetine, like many antidepressants, can have various side effects, including nausea and changes in sexual function, which may manifest in complex ways. The sensations you're experiencing—nausea connected specifically to arousal—can happen for a few reasons, including heightened anxiety or physical responses during arousal. The anticipation connected to arousal can also provoke strong emotions and physical sensations, leading to discomfort in some cases.
While your visit to the gynecologist is crucial, here’s what you can do in the meantime to help manage your symptoms.
Action Steps:
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Keep a Journal: Maintain a diary of your symptoms, noting when nausea occurs, what you were doing, how you felt, and any potential triggers. This will help you and your healthcare provider better understand the patterns and possible causes of your nausea.
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Explore Relaxation Techniques: Consider integrating relaxation and mindfulness exercises into your routine. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help manage anxiety and make intimate situations more comfortable.
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Monitor Your Medication: Keep track of any changes in your nausea in relation to when you take your medication. If you notice a strong correlation, jot that down for discussion with your healthcare provider. If possible, you can reach out to your prescribing doctor to discuss your symptoms before your gynecologist appointment.
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Communicate Openly: When you do see your gynecologist, express your experiences candidly. They can better help you if they understand the full context and your concerns about your current medications.
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Assess Triggers: During your intimate moments, pay attention to what might intensify or lessen your feelings of nausea. Does it come from certain movements, positions, or mental states? Acknowledging these can help you manage the experience.
Remember that it’s okay to seek support—whether through friends, family, or mental health resources—as you navigate these feelings. You’re not alone in this, and addressing your concerns with empathy and understanding can lead to finding the right solutions.
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