TLDR Valproic acid does not change biotinidase enzyme activity in children's blood.
The study investigated the serum biotinidase enzyme activity in 57 children treated with valproic acid, 17 children treated with carbamazepine, and 75 healthy controls. Results showed no significant differences in serum biotinidase activity among the groups. However, hyperammonemia was found in 8 patients on valproic acid, and hair loss was observed in 3 female patients on valproic acid, which resolved with biotin supplementation (10 mg/day) over 3 months. The findings suggested that valproic acid treatment did not alter serum biotinidase enzyme activity.
15 citations,
May 2006 in “Brain & development” Valproic acid may cause hair loss by reducing biotinidase enzyme activity in rats.
73 citations,
October 2001 in “Epilepsia” Children taking higher doses of valproic acid had lower biotinidase activity, which may lead to biotin deficiency, but biotin supplements could help.
38 citations,
September 1996 in “Annals of Clinical Psychiatry” Hair loss from mood stabilizers is common but can be managed without stopping the medication.
21 citations,
June 2011 in “Journal of child neurology” Valproic acid and carbamazepine do not change biotin or biotinidase levels but may lower zinc levels, still within normal range.
7 citations,
May 2021 in “Seizure” Some antiseizure medications can cause cosmetic problems like hair loss, excessive hair growth, acne, and gum overgrowth.
November 2023 in “Children” Many pediatric epilepsy patients experience preventable severe adverse drug reactions, especially with certain medications and risk factors.
20 citations,
December 2011 in “Journal of inherited metabolic disease” Valproic acid treatment increases a specific acid in urine by blocking an enzyme, possibly causing skin rash and hair loss.
37 citations,
February 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology” Valproic acid increases hair count in men with hair loss.
