Cross-sensitivity between paroxetine and sertraline.

Objective: To report a case of possible cross-sensitivity between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Case Summary: 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.

Discussion: 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.