A case of bupropion-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome with acute psoriatic exacerbation

Bupropion is a very popular medication prescribed to millions of patients globally for depression (Wellbutrin®, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) as well as an aid in smoking cessation (Zyban®, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC). It has been reported to have some common dermatologic side effects, such as pruritus, urticaria and serum-sickness like reaction. The authors report a case of bupropion-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) with a concomitant acute psoriatic exacerbation in a 56-year-old woman, who began taking bupropion for treatment of depression. While the United States (U.S.) prescribing information for bupropion does include SJS as a rare potential side effect, it does not mention worsening of psoriasis. Physicians should be aware of the potential life-threatening adverse effects of this commonly prescribed medication as well as the risk in patients with known psoriasis.