Photosensitivity Precautions with SSRIs

Patient Recommendations

Patients on SSRIs who will have prolonged sun exposure should use broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when outdoors, seek shade when outside, particularly around midday when UV radiation is strongest, and be aware that UV radiation can be stronger when reflected by water, sand, or snow, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1
Patients should be informed about the potential risk before starting SSRI therapy, especially if they plan vacations or activities with significant sun exposure, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1

Clinicians should be aware of other important SSRI adverse effects, including increased risk of bleeding, especially with concomitant use of NSAIDs or aspirin, potential for serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications, risk of discontinuation syndrome, particularly with paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline, and sexual dysfunction, which can occur in adolescents and adults, as reported by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2, 3, 4, 5