Serum drug level-related sodium valproate-induced hair loss

The document reports a case of a 26-year-old woman who experienced hair loss after starting treatment with sodium valproate for generalized tonic clonic seizures. The hair loss was suspected to be drug-induced, as other common causes were ruled out. A trichogram confirmed an increase in resting and dystrophic hair, indicative of drug-induced hair loss. Upon substitution of valproate with levetiracetam, the patient's hair loss retracted, and the seizures remained controlled. The case suggests a correlation between high serum levels of valproate and hair loss, which is consistent with previous findings. The document emphasizes the importance of awareness of this potential side effect to ensure better patient compliance and suggests that drug substitution, if possible, is a management strategy for valproate-induced hair loss.