[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to venlafaxine]

Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Although side effects are rare, venlafaxine has very occasionally been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman diagnosed with depressive disorder and treated with venlafaxine (Dobupal) at a dose of 150 mg/d for 18 months. When depression worsened, the dose was increased to 255 mg/d. Three weeks later she complained of nonproductive cough, shortness of breath with moderate effort, and asthenia. Clinical and radiologic findings, lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage, and histology of lung biopsies all indicated a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Other causes were ruled out and venlafaxine was discontinued. Clinical, radiologic, and lung function findings then resolved without the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroid immune modulators. All findings were normal on follow-up after 3 months.