Valproate Induced Hair Loss and Curly Hair in Bipolar Disorder

    November 2019 in “ Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience/Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience ”
    Ömer Faruk Uygur, Hilal Uygur
    TLDR Valproate can cause both hair loss and curly hair in bipolar disorder patients.
    The document reported a unique case of a 50-year-old bipolar disorder patient experiencing both hair loss and curly hair due to valproate treatment, a side effect not previously documented together in the literature. Valproate, a common mood stabilizer, is known for side effects like tremor, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as cosmetic effects such as hair loss and changes in hair texture. The patient, who had been on various valproate regimens over 26 years, noticed hair loss and subsequent curling of hair after nine months of valproate use. The exact mechanism behind these hair changes remains unclear, though hypotheses include dose-dependent biotinidase activity reduction and metal enzyme inhibition. This case highlights the need for psychiatrists to inform patients about potential cosmetic side effects of valproate.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    5 / 5 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 18 results

      community Better Than Minoxidil? Topical Sodium Valproate

      in Research/Science  51 upvotes 1 month ago
      Topical sodium valproate may promote hair growth by inhibiting GSK3β, allowing beta-catenin to proliferate, but it has potential side effects and requires more research. The conversation also mentions skepticism about a product called Vdphlo1, which includes sodium valproate and other ingredients.

      community New & Improved Hair Growth Stack for Maximum Results

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 2 months ago
      A user shared a hair growth stack using minoxidil sulfate, valproic acid, bimatoprost, blue copper peptide, and other ingredients, emphasizing a gel-based formula for better skin tolerance. Another user suggested adding a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for more effective long-term results.

      community 6 months before and after pics: VDPHL01 (oral minoxidil)

      in Progress Pictures  109 upvotes 1 month ago
      A user shared their positive experience with a clinical trial for a new oral medication, VDPHL01, which is a reformulated version of oral minoxidil taken at a high dose of 17mg daily, showing significant hair regrowth after six months. The user noted that this formulation is believed to be more effective and time-released, with fewer side effects compared to regular oral minoxidil.

      community Found the solution tressbros - 1.5 years 2.5mg oral minox, 5mg finasteride, 8mg estradiol valerate (weekly)

      in Transgender  591 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses a transgender individual's successful hair loss treatment over 1.5 years using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 5mg finasteride, and 8mg weekly injectable estradiol valerate. Some users debate the appropriateness of this approach within the group's goals, while others support the individualized treatment and its additional benefits for transgender individuals.

    Related Research

    8 / 8 results