Strange Smells Only I Could Perceive
As a 34-year-old male, I am currently prescribed Cymbalta for depression, Synthroid to manage my hypothyroidism, and Lipitor for cholesterol management. While I’m not sure about my exact Body Mass Index, I stand at 5 feet 10 inches and I suspect I weigh around 110 kg, though it's been quite some time since I checked my weight. Last year was particularly challenging due to severe depression, and an odd experience from that period continues to puzzle me. I found myself detecting odors that no one else seemed to notice—typically, they resembled the stench of decomposing food or intense body odor. Working in a laboratory, I'm often surrounded by an array of unpleasant smells. However, whenever I inquired with my colleagues about what I perceived, they insisted they were unaware of any odors, even when we were in close proximity. On those occasions, we were not involved in any particularly pungent procedures, like those that utilize sulfur, meaning there should have been no strong smells to mask. Given that we have a good rapport, my coworkers would surely inform me if I had an off-putting scent, especially considering my hygiene tends to decline during bouts of depression, which might have influenced my perception. Could it be possible that the odor was originating from my own nasal passages? I used to have a septum piercing, known for harboring unpleasant smells when still healing. However, that piercing closed up nearly ten years ago. During this confusing time, I also took a COVID-19 test, which thankfully came back negative. This issue appeared to be unique to my experiences during these depressive episodes, as I have never encountered such a phenomenon outside of that context!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 12:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a troubling phenomenon where you've perceived strange odors that others cannot, particularly during times of depression. This could be linked to a variety of factors, including your mental health status, medications, or even past physical issues. Let’s explore this further.
Explanation
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Phantom Odors: What you’re describing might be a form of olfactory hallucination, where you perceive smells that don’t exist in the environment. This can occur in various contexts, including depression, anxiety, or neurological conditions, though it's typically less common.
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Impact of Medications and Mental Health: Your current medications (Cymbalta, Synthroid, Lipitor) and your experiences of severe depression may be influencing your sensory perceptions. Depression, specifically, can alter sensory processing.
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Physical Factors: While it’s less common, past nasal issues (like the septum piercing) might play a role in altered smell perceptions if there’s any latent nasal condition. However, since the piercing has been closed for so long, this is likely less relevant.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of when these strange smells occur, how intense they are, and any accompanying feelings or behaviors. This might help identify patterns related to mood or environmental triggers.
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Engage with a Mental Health Professional: Since this phenomenon seems to correlate with depressive episodes, discussing these experiences with your therapist or psychiatrist could provide more insights. They may suggest adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
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Evaluate Medication: Consult with your prescribing doctor about your current medications and their potential side effects, especially in relation to your depressive episodes. They can determine if these smells could be tied to your existing prescriptions.
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General Health Check: Consider getting a general health evaluation, including a discussion about your weight and overall wellness, as physical health can significantly impact mental health and sensory experiences.
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Practice Self-Care: During periods of depression, prioritize self-care activities that promote mental health, such as regular physical activity, maintaining a support network, and establishing routines that nourish both body and mind.
It's commendable that you are reaching out about this experience. By tracking your symptoms and engaging with your healthcare team, you can better understand and address these peculiar occurrences. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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