Cross-sensitivity between paroxetine and sertraline.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of possible cross-sensitivity between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Warnock
Caroline A
CA
Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. caroline_warnock@camh.net
Azadian
Abbas G
AG
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020280:Sertraline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline