Based on NIH | Can sertraline cause a skin rash, and what signs indicate I should stop the medication and seek medical care?

Sertraline can cause a skin rash in some people, and most rashes are mild, but a few can be serious and need urgent care. ^{[1] [2]} In general, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline have a small risk of skin reactions, and when they occur they are often simple “drug rashes” that improve after stopping the medicine under medical guidance. ^[3]

How common and what it looks like

Mild drug rashes from antidepressants occur in a minority of users, and most are “exanthematous” (widespread small red spots or patches) that may itch. ^[3] With sertraline specifically, rash and hives are listed side effects that should prompt you to contact your clinician, especially if they are bothersome or spreading. ^{[1] [2]} Less commonly, SSRIs can trigger urticaria (hives), photosensitivity, or other patterns; while these are unusual with sertraline, they have been reported with antidepressants as a group. ^[3]

When to contact your prescriber promptly

You should reach out to your prescriber soon if you develop a new rash after starting sertraline, particularly within the first few weeks, or if an existing rash is getting worse. ^{[1] [2]} It’s reasonable to ask about dose adjustment or switching medications if the rash is persistent or very itchy, because most mild drug rashes improve after discontinuation and symptomatic treatment. ^[3]

Red flags that mean stop the drug and seek urgent care

Some skin reactions are medical emergencies and require you to stop sertraline and get immediate help:

• Signs of a severe allergic/hypersensitivity reaction: rash with hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or any difficulty breathing. ^[2]
• Symptoms suggesting Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare but serious): a rapidly spreading red or purple rash, blisters on the skin or in the mouth, eyes, nose, or genitals, skin pain, fever, and skin peeling. ^{[4] [5]}
• Rash accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever, confusion, or other signs of severe illness. ^{[4] [5]}

These severe reactions can lead to hospitalization and even be life‑threatening, so stopping the drug at the first warning signs and seeking urgent evaluation is advised. ^{[4] [5]} Although serious skin reactions may occur without warning, being alert to rash with blisters, mucosal lesions, fever, or intense skin pain helps you act quickly. ^{[4] [5]}

Practical steps if a rash appears

If a mild, non‑blistering, itchy rash develops and you otherwise feel well, contact your prescriber for guidance; many clinicians will advise evaluation and may recommend antihistamines or topical steroids for symptom relief while deciding whether to taper or switch the antidepressant. ^[3] For any rash with hives, swelling, trouble breathing, blisters, mouth/eye sores, high fever, or skin peeling, stop sertraline and seek urgent medical care immediately. ^{[2] [4] [5]} Do not restart the medicine unless your clinician says it is safe, because re‑exposure can trigger the reaction again. ^[3]

Why this matters

Even though most sertraline rashes are mild and resolve after stopping the drug, rare severe reactions require fast action to prevent complications. ^[3] Sertraline’s official guidance lists rash, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulty as reasons to call a doctor right away, and severe skin reactions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome warrant immediate discontinuation and emergency care. ^{[2] [4] [5]}

Key takeaways

• Yes, sertraline can cause a skin rash; most are mild, but serious reactions are possible. ^{[1] [2]}
• Call your prescriber for any new or worsening rash soon after starting sertraline. ^{[1] [2]}
• Stop the medication and seek urgent care for hives with swelling, breathing problems, blisters, mouth/eye/genital sores, extensive painful rash, fever, or skin peeling. ^{[2] [4] [5]}

If you’re unsure whether your rash is mild or serious, it’s safest to contact a clinician promptly, as early evaluation helps distinguish simple drug eruptions from rare emergencies. ^[3]