The effects of antidepressants on the results of skin prick tests used in the diagnosis of allergic diseases.
BACKGROUND
Some drugs may cause false negative results by suppressing the reactivity of the skin prick tests (SPTs). The aim of this survey was to show whether escitalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline had any effect on the reactivity of SPT.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Psychiatry Department at the Hacettepe University Hospital and planned to be treated by these antidepressants were included in the study between May and October 2008. SPTs with positive control (histamine), negative control and 3 common aeroallergens were performed in the beginning, at the first and fourth weeks. A questionnaire including 26 questions about respiratory symptoms and allergic diseases was filled in face to face by the fellow-in-training. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of current respiratory and nasal symptoms was recorded at all 3 visits.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between the 3 mean diameters measured at 3 time points in addition to the mean diameters of the wheals between groups using escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease between the VAS of nasal symptoms at the 3 visits (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Escitalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline do not seem to affect the reactivity of SPTs. Nasal symptoms might have been decreased due to both the allergic treatment suggested and the end of the pollen season.
Isik
S Rana
SR
Department of Chest Diseases, Adult Allergy Unit, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. ranaisik@hotmail.com
Celikel
Serhat
S
Karakaya
Gul
G
Ulug
Berna
B
Kalyoncu
A Fuat
AF
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D006632:Histamine / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests; D055815:Young Adult
D000485:Allergens; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D005473:Fluoxetine; D015283:Citalopram; D006632:Histamine