Photosensitivity induced by psychotropic drugs

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022,№ 3, 20-24.

E. Ivanova

Clinic of Psychiatry, University Hospital “Alexandrovska”, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University ‒ Sofia

Abstract. The patients with mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) undergo long-term treatment with psychotropic drugs. The good clinical practice requires, within the framework of overall care, including psychosocial rehabilitation, monitoring of mental state, concomitant somatic diseases, to discuss possible interactions and side effects as a result of taking drugs from different groups. There is evidence in the medical literature that after taking certain psychotropic drugs or the presence of their metabolite (metabolites) in the body, with subsequent direct exposure to sunlight, photosensitivity is induced – the skin in exposed parts of the body changes. This possibility of inducing photosensitivity reactions should be discussed with patients and precautions recommended.

Key words: mental disorders, psychotropic drugs and induced photosensitivity

Address for correspondence: Elena Ivanova-Genova, MD, e-mail: helen_aivan@abv.bg