Does depakote cause hair loss? (Photos)

Question

2 weeks ago. I don't want to go off it. I am experiencing hair loss on the back of my head. Since I don't want to go off Depakote, will I lose all my hair? How long b4 severe hair loss occurs? Will I lose all my hair? Will it grow back with continuos use?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, it can over time. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Yes, it can. However, there are many causes of hair loss and most users do not experience hair loss. I would need to know all your story and see yoir scalp up close AND see all recent blood tests before I could render an opinion as to whether valproic acid (Depakote) is causing hair loss or not. Valproic acid can cause hair loss through several mechanims including a pure telogen effluvium as well as acceleration of one's propensity to develop androgenetic alopecia. It was interesting in a recent study that among 230 women who could be evaluated, irregular periods with hyperandrogenism developed in 9 (10.5%) of 86 women on valproate compared to just 2 (1.4%) of 144 women on nonvalproate anticonvulsants or lithium. This translated into a nearly 8 fold risk of these hyperandrogenism and menstrual cycle changes with valproate. So therr are clearly hormone mediated changes thay happen in some valproic acid users.See a dermatologist please for evaluation.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Depakote when taken over time can cause hair loss. Of course, this is something you need to discuss with your doctor if that happens to you

Does depakote cause hair loss? (Photos)

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Does depakote cause hair loss? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.