title: Laser treatment of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Blue or slate-gray hyperpigmentation is seen with a variety of medications, including imipramine. We describe a patient with significant imipramine-induced pigmentation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe an effective laser treatment resulting in improvement of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation, without discontinuing the medication.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient underwent treatment with carbon dioxide, erbium, alexandrite, and ruby lasers to hyperpigmented areas. Tissue biopsy specimens taken before treatment, immediately after treatment with the alexandrite laser, and at clearing were analyzed by light microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Q-switched alexandrite and ruby lasers resulted in clinical improvement in the patient's hyperpigmentation and a decrease in pigment granules on light microscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both the Q-switched alexandrite and ruby lasers are effective treatments for imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation. The improvement is progressive with successive sessions.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Associates of San Diego County, Inc, CA 92024, USA.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Atkin
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001608:Beryllium; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007099:Imipramine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007834:Lasers; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; C112654:alexandrite; D007099:Imipramine; D001608:Beryllium