TLDR Male mice are more susceptible to autism-like changes from valproic acid than female mice.
The study investigated the effects of Sodium Valproate (VPA) on postnatal day 14 (PND 14) BALB/c mice, corresponding to the third trimester of human development. It found that VPA exposure resulted in autistic-like behaviors and neurodevelopmental delay. Male mice were more susceptible to VPA-induced autism than females, with higher rates of change in the cerebral cortex, frontal cortex, temporal lobe, and hippocampus. 5-HT2A receptor protein levels were upregulated in VPA-treated male mice. Both male and female mice experienced hair loss from PND 17 to 25. The study involved 12 mice in total, with 6 males and 6 females.
2 citations,
November 2011 in “Current psychiatry” 36 citations,
October 2008 in “European journal of paediatric neurology” Valproic acid treatment may cause temporary hair loss due to reduced zinc and biotinidase levels, which tend to normalize after 6 months.
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3 citations,
June 2023 in “Medicines” Some antiseizure medications can cause reversible hair loss, with valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine being the most common.
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August 2018 in “Online journal of neurology and brain disorders” Sodium valproate is effective in treating epilepsy, especially in patients who don't respond to other medications.
10 citations,
October 2016 in “Epilepsy & behavior” Levetiracetam often causes behavioral issues, while oxcarbazepine is more likely to cause sleepiness in epilepsy patients.
9 citations,
January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology/The Indian journal of pharmacology” Higher doses of the medication valproate can cause hair loss, which may stop when the dose is lowered or the medication is stopped.
6 citations,
June 2013 in “Toxicological Research” Topical Valproate is safe for human skin and unlikely to cause irritation.
