Adverse cutaneous effects of psychotropic medications

Psychotropic medications can be associated with dermatologic side effects. The aim of this review is to explore the skin reactions of such psychotropic medications. In our method we conducted a PubMed literature search using the key words; psychotropics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, cutaneous reactions and skin reactions. The results of this review indicate that psychotropic medications can contribute to several adverse cutaneous manifestations with varied severity ranging from benign skin reactions to rare life-threatening ones such as toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Psychotropic medications can also aggravate pre-existing skin conditions or trigger the manifestation of dormant one such as lithium-induced psoriasis. Cross sensitivity reactions may exist between medications of the same class or between the medications of different class. Careful history taking and continued monitoring and observation of psychotropic medications is important for recognition and early management of adverse cutaneous reactions particularly during the first 2 months of starting treatment.