Commonly Prescribed Medications Associated With Alopecia
December 2023
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR Valproic acid, a common antiepileptic medication, can cause reversible hair loss in patients.
The document discusses the association between commonly prescribed antiepileptic medications and alopecia. It highlights that valproic acid (VPA), a frequently prescribed antiepileptic agent, can cause hair loss, which is usually reversible after discontinuation of the medication. The incidence of hair loss due to VPA varies from 3.5% to 12% in different studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 prospective clinical trials found an overall incidence of alopecia with VPA treatment of 11%. VPA was significantly associated with an increased risk of alopecia compared to other antiepileptic agents, particularly lamotrigine. In a study of 107 patients, hair loss was observed in 24.5% of the VPA group and only 1.9% of the lamotrigine group. The document suggests that a low starting dose of VPA with a gradual increase may minimize hair loss. The mechanisms of hair loss promotion by VPA include telogen effluvium, increased androgen levels, biotin deficiency, and deficiencies of trace elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. The document concludes that VPA should be added to the list of commonly prescribed medications associated with alopecia.
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Cited in this study
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research Cosmetic adverse effects of antiseizure medications; A systematic review
Some antiseizure medications can cause cosmetic problems like hair loss, excessive hair growth, acne, and gum overgrowth.
research Valproate‐associated hair abnormalities: Pathophysiology and management strategies
Valproate can cause hair problems, but there are ways to manage them.
research Risk of valproic acid-related alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Valproic acid increases the risk of hair loss more than other drugs, especially in migraine patients, and lamotrigine may be a safer alternative.