# Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome Following Carbamazepine Use in a Young Male With Psychiatric Comorbidities

## TL;DR

A young man developed a severe drug reaction called DRESS after taking carbamazepine for psychiatric issues, which improved after stopping the drug.

## Contribution

This case highlights DRESS syndrome as a rare but serious side effect of carbamazepine in psychiatric patients.

## Key findings

- The patient showed typical DRESS symptoms like fever, rash, and eosinophilia after carbamazepine use.
- Stopping the drug and providing supportive care led to clinical improvement.
- Lymph node biopsy and imaging confirmed reactive lymphadenopathy consistent with DRESS.

## Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction. It is characterized by fever, widespread rash, hematologic abnormalities including eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, and visceral organ involvement. We report a case of a 25-year-old male who developed DRESS syndrome following initiation of carbamazepine for psychiatric indications. The patient presented with systemic symptoms and a characteristic dermatologic and hematologic profile. Diagnostic workup included lymph node biopsy and imaging, with findings consistent with reactive lymphadenopathy. Prompt recognition and cessation of the offending drug, alongside supportive treatment, led to clinical improvement.