Drug-induced rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome with bupropion administration

Sustained-release bupropion is commonly used for the symptomatic relief of depressive illness and as an adjuvant in smoking cessation therapy.

To report a case of bupropion-induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome, including acute hepatitis, obstructive lung disease, and myositis.

After the patient discontinued use of bupropion, serologic tests, muscle biopsies, pulmonary function tests, a chest x-ray examination, venous Doppler ultrasounds, and an electrocardiogram were performed.

On discontinuation of bupropion and prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy, there was complete resolution of symptoms.

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome induced by bupropion therapy. We report this case to notify clinicians of the potential serious multisystem complications that can occur with sustained-release bupropion therapy.