Frequency of Sodium Valproate-Induced Hair Loss and Curly Hair

June 2005

Hoseiali Ebrahimi, S Shams Aldini, Sadr Ashkevari Shahriar

sodium valproate hair loss curly hair Depakote

TLDR Sodium valproate caused hair loss and curly hair in 3.5% of patients.

In a prospective clinical study conducted over ten years (1994-2004) at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran, researchers monitored 211 epileptic patients who were treated exclusively with sodium valproate. The study aimed to observe the frequency of hair loss and the development of curly hair, which are rare side effects of this medication. The patients were checked every 3 months, and the results showed that 6 cases (3.5%) experienced hair loss and curling of hair. This side effect was observed at least 3 months after the initiation of the drug therapy. The frequency of hair loss and curly hair reported in this study was lower than the frequencies previously reported, which were around 6%. The study included both male and female patients, with an equal distribution of the side effects among the genders.

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Frequency of Sodium Valproate-Induced Hair Loss and Curly Hair

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