Dose-Dependent Valproate-Induced Alopecia in Patients with Mental Disorders

The document from 2015 reported three cases of alopecia (hair loss) in patients who were treated with sodium valproate for mental disorders. The alopecia appeared after long-term exposure to high plasma concentrations of valproate (approximately 100 µg/ml). However, the hair loss resolved in all cases after the dose was reduced or the treatment was discontinued. The study concluded that alopecia may develop in patients with chronic exposure to high plasma concentrations of valproate. Therefore, patients with high plasma concentrations of valproate should be closely monitored for side effects, particularly alopecia.