Divalproex-Induced Alopecia: A Case Report
November 1999
in “
Psychiatric services
”
New to Valproic acid? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This case report describes a woman who experienced complete but temporary scalp hair loss after a massive overdose of divalproex, suggesting a potential acute side effect of the drug.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case report described a 30-year-old woman who developed acute, transient alopecia after ingesting a large overdose of divalproex in a suicide attempt. Despite years of treatment with divalproex without hair loss, the overdose led to complete scalp hair loss, which later returned to normal. The report highlighted that alopecia is a known side effect of valproate products, affecting up to 12% of patients, and is often dose-related. The patient's hair loss was attributed to the massive overdose of divalproex, although other administered drugs could have contributed. Further clinical observations were suggested to clarify the association between divalproex overdose and alopecia.
