Bupropion-Induced Delayed Hypersensitivity Serum Sickness-Like Reaction.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacovigilance
• Clinical Case Reports
• Dermatology

Background:

• Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant and smoking cessation aid.
• Adverse drug reactions (ADRs), though rare, are documented for bupropion.
• Serum sickness-like reactions (SSLRs) are among the reported ADRs.

Observation:

• A 25-year-old female presented with symptoms of a serum sickness-like reaction.
• The reaction occurred 21 days after initiating bupropion treatment.
• Initial conservative therapy was ineffective.

Findings:

• The patient experienced a significant improvement after discontinuing bupropion.
• Oral corticosteroids led to a prompt resolution of the SSLR symptoms.
• This case highlights a specific systemic and dermatologic manifestation of bupropion ADRs.

Implications:

• This case adds to the literature on bupropion-associated adverse drug reactions.
• It underscores the importance of recognizing and managing SSLRs to antidepressants.
• Clinicians should consider SSLR in patients presenting with relevant symptoms after bupropion initiation.