Dermatologic Side Effects of Psychopharmacologic Agents

July 1996 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Sylvia Garnis‐Jones

fixed drug eruptions lichenoid reactions barbiturates phenothiazines propranolol carbamazepine patchy alopecia hair loss

TLDR Some psychiatric drugs can cause skin problems, but serious reactions are rare.

The document from 1996 discusses the skin-related side effects of psychopharmacologic drugs, focusing on fixed drug eruptions and lichenoid reactions. Fixed drug eruptions, often caused by barbiturates, result in lesions that appear within hours of drug intake and usually resolve after the drug is discontinued. Lichenoid reactions, associated with drugs like phenothiazines, propranolol, and carbamazepine, may start months after starting the drug and can cause permanent skin damage, including patchy alopecia. The document concludes that although skin reactions to medications are common, severe cases are rare and may be missed in initial trials. It stresses the importance of stopping the offending medication promptly to prevent serious skin issues and advises patients to avoid the drug and related compounds.

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