Dermatologic side effects of psychotropic medication and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
Dermatologic side effects of psychotropic medication and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Summary/Abstract: Psychotropic medication has a whole number of side effects, among which the dermatologic ones are less obvious and less properly treated because they are often considered rare, be¬nign and self-limiting. The most common side effects of psychotropic medication, with dermatologic manifestations are urticaria (hives), pruritus, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, alopecia, and acneiform eruptions. However, serious skin side effects were highlighted, such as Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic skin necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis or vasculitis. Often, these dermatologic side effects were highlighted by the use of mood stabilizers. Taking into account these clinical issues and the fact that we are referring to patients with mental disorders that may have a reduced compliance therapy, prior to initiating any psychotropic medication, it would be necessary and adequate to inform the patients about possible dermatologic side effects, as well as a more careful anamnesis relating to a possible previous history of dermatologic side effects induced by psychotropic medication. Also, the occurrence of skin side effect manifestations requires a dermatological assessment and changing the psychotropic medication, with one from a different class, when this is possible. In conclusion, through this paper, we want to highlight the main dermatologic side effects of psychotropic medication, in order to ensure a multidisciplinary approach in these cases, which involve psychiatrists, dermatologists, psychologists and possibly other specialties, depending on the complexity of the case.

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