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Summer and Our Meds
Part 2: Medications and Sunburn

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Sunburn can be a lot more serious than just the discomfort and pain associated with it. It can lead to skin cancer, which can develop from only one serious burn. Other effects include premature aging, wrinkles, freckles, and sun spots (which can turn malignant). One factor that is capable of increasing the risk for sunburn is medications. Several drugs cause a photosensitivity reaction. Although continuing the medication is crucial to your health, there are several ways to help protect yourself from sunburn, by following the same guidelines in which you protect yourself from skin cancer.

Protecting yourself:

ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Don't forget face, ears, and back of neck. SPF 30 is recommended.
Try to keep as much of your body covered as possible.
Wear light colored, lightweight, loose fitting clothing.
Use waterproof or sport sunscreen if you will be active.

Meds that increase risk:

Anti-anxiety - Alprazolam (Xanax)
Antidepressants such as:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Venlaflaxine (Effexor)
- Amoxepin (Asedin)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
- Phenylizine (Nardil)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Anti-seizures (mood stabilizers) such as:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Valproic acid (Depakene)
- Divalproex (Depakote)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
Antipsychotics such as:
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Haloperidol (Haldol)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl)

Please note that these lists are not complete, but are intended to provide you with a handful of drug products, both over-the-counter and prescription, which may cause a photosensitivity reaction or increase your chances of heatstroke. If your medication is not listed, or if you are not sure if your medication causes a problem, please consult your pharmacist or psychiatrist.

Now that we have scared the living daylights out of you, we want to reassure you that you do not have to stop taking your medicine! It was prescribed for your particular condition, and you should continue to take your medication.

Have an enjoyable summer!

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Summer and Our Meds Part 2: Medications and Sunburn

Summer and Our Meds
Part 2: Medications and Sunburn