Experiencing Vertigo, Sweating, and Frequent Bowel Movements—Seeking Insight
Hello, everyone. I'm a 25-year-old female, of Caucasian descent, weighing 230 pounds and standing at 5 feet 8 inches. I do not consume alcohol, smoke, or use any recreational drugs. My prescribed medications include Zoloft (150 mg in the morning), Quetiapine (100 mg at night), and Amlodipine (5 mg in the morning). Below is a summary of my concerns. To start, I recognize that Reddit is not a substitute for medical advice. This is not an urgent situation, and I have consulted physicians without receiving useful explanations beyond reassurances that it is non-life-threatening. However, I am seeking some clarity. Occasionally, I experience episodes of reactive hypoglycemia, manifesting as shakiness and balance issues, often accompanied by sensations akin to a hot flash. In 2019, I dealt with a prolonged incident of vertigo due to labyrinthitis, which included vomiting yet resolved spontaneously (the doctor did not conduct any tests nor provide clarifications). Just today, while lying on my right side, I felt a wave of vertigo that quickly subsided upon standing. Subsequently, I experienced shakiness and had five bowel movements (all solid) within the span of about two hours. Consuming a meal and staying hydrated with Liquid IV seemed beneficial. Now, I’m left feeling anxious. Fortunately, I do not have a fever, and my blood pressure and heart rate have remained within normal ranges today. Additionally, I encounter sporadic symptoms that might connect to this situation, such as vagus nerve reactions during bowel movements. I also struggle with health anxiety. For approximately a week, I have been dealing with twitching in my right eye. Yesterday, I enjoyed some time swimming in the ocean. I have been cleared of thyroid issues as confirmed by blood tests, and my recent lab work including CBC and metabolic panels from a few months ago showed no abnormalities. A quick update: I previously dealt with post-orgasm migraines, but it has been two years since my last occurrence. Two unrelated MRIs of my brain have revealed no irregularities, with the most recent scan conducted in 2020.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 9:40:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a combination of symptoms—vertigo, sweating, multiple bowel movements, and tremors—that may be interconnected and causing you anxiety. Let’s break this down to help you gain insight into what might be happening and how to address your concerns.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may stem from either autonomic nervous system responses or interactions with medications, especially given your history of anxiety and reactive hypoglycemia.
- Symptoms like vertigo can often be stress-related or linked to food intake, especially if you have episodes of hypoglycemia.
- Monitoring your diet and anxiety levels will be crucial in managing these symptoms.
Explanation:
- Vertigo and Sweating: Episodes of vertigo can be exacerbated by stress, dehydration, or changes in blood sugar levels. Given your history with labyrinthitis, recurrent issues may still occur, but at times they can also intertwine with anxiety and blood sugar fluctuations.
- Frequent Bowel Movements: The vagus nerve, involved in multiple bodily functions, can react during periods of stress or following meals, leading to increased bowel activity. This is sometimes seen in individuals who deal with anxiety or have had changes in their health (like reactive hypoglycemia).
- Shakiness and Anxiety: Shakiness can be a direct symptom of low blood sugar or a result of anxiety, particularly when paired with the other symptoms you're experiencing.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep a record of your meals and any symptoms of shakiness or vertigo. Ensure you’re eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar levels. Consider small, frequent meals to avoid dips in blood sugar.
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Hydration and Electrolytes: Continue staying hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing sweating. Adding an electrolyte solution can help maintain balance and may alleviate some symptoms.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Explore stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help manage anxiety, which can worsen your physical symptoms.
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Seek Feedback on Medications: When possible, engage with your prescribing physician about your current medications, as some can influence energy levels, mood, and bodily functions. They may consider adjustments if symptoms persist, especially related to anxiety or bowel changes.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a symptom journal for a couple of weeks, noting when episodes occur—this can help identify triggers and patterns to discuss with healthcare providers in future consultations.
I understand this can be overwhelming, but managing your symptoms through mindful observation and self-care can lead to improved well-being. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new ones, or if you have concerns that remain unresolved, please consider returning to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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