Toxic epidermal necrolysis after paroxetine treatment.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare complication of paroxetine treatment and can be life-threatening. We report a case of paroxetine-induced TEN in an 80-year-old Maori female. She was started on paroxetine 10 mg once daily 6 days prior to hospital admission. The patient then developed extensive vesiculobullous skin eruptions. She was treated with intravenous fluid, corticosteroid, and local dressings and concurrently her paroxetine was stopped. A series of laboratory investigations were carried out and a final diagnosis of TEN was made from skin biopsy. The patient was discharged home after 2 weeks of treatment. Her skin lesions improved gradually.