Caroline A Warnock1, Abbas G Azadian. 1. Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. caroline_warnock@camh.net
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of possible cross-sensitivity between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old Southeast Asian man developed a maculopapular rash soon after starting paroxetine. Following resolution of this rash, another skin reaction with the same distribution and appearance occurred after sertraline therapy was started. DISCUSSION: Cross-reactivity between drugs with similar structures has been reported; however, cross-reactivity among SSRI antidepressants is unexpected given their differences in chemical structure. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of cross-reactivity between SSRI antidepressants should be considered by clinicians who wish to switch from one SSRI to another due to a dermatologic reaction.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of possible cross-sensitivity between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old Southeast Asian man developed a maculopapular rash soon after starting paroxetine. Following resolution of this rash, another skin reaction with the same distribution and appearance occurred after sertraline therapy was started. DISCUSSION: Cross-reactivity between drugs with similar structures has been reported; however, cross-reactivity among SSRI antidepressants is unexpected given their differences in chemical structure. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of cross-reactivity between SSRI antidepressants should be considered by clinicians who wish to switch from one SSRI to another due to a dermatologic reaction.