Bupropion-Induced Delayed Hypersensitivity Serum Sickness-Like Reaction

Bupropion is an antidepressant utilized widely for the treatment of various mood disorders and smoking cessation due to its favorable side effect profile, cost, and response to therapy. While serious adverse reactions are rare, in the decades since its approval by the FDA, multiple cases of serum sickness-like reactions to bupropion have been reported, amongst other adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This report is of the case of a 25-year-old female who developed a serum sickness-like reaction to bupropion 21 days after initiation of treatment. She did not respond to conservative therapy but did respond promptly to oral corticosteroids and discontinuation of bupropion. This case serves to bolster the existing literature surrounding ADRs to bupropion and other antidepressant medications in the categories of systemic and dermatologic manifestations.