RISPERIDONE INDUCED PHOTOSENSITIVITY - A CASE REPORT

Antipsychotics have a variety of adverse effects which may range from mild to lethalforms. Photosensitive reaction is a potential adverse effect of Chlorpromazine and other typical antipsychotics and is very unlikely for atypical antipsychotics. We report a case of serious photosensitive reaction to an atypical antipsychotic, Risperidone. A 45 year old woman, who already had a previous history of photosensitive reactions to chlorpromazine, was prescribed risperidone. In about two days she developed photosensitive rashes. The rashes resolved after risperidone was withdrawn. There have been two previous reports of photosensitivity to Risperidone. Atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone also have potential risk of photosensitive reactions. Risperidone should be used with caution for patients with history of photosensitive reactions with other drugs.