Depression - Does anyone know what can be done about hair loss while on Depakote for bi-polar?

15 Jun 2011

Hey alipoo,

Alopecia or hair loss is a side effect of the depakote. I don't know what you can do about it. I can recommend some other medications that help with bipolar mood swings. I take Abilify which is an antipsychotic that helps with the manic phase of bipolar just like Depakote. The top 20 most popular meds for bipolar can be seen at: http://www.drugs.com/condition/bipolar-disorder.html

Hope this helps some,

Laurie

16 Jun 2011

Yes, that happened to me while on Depakote also. I was able to lower my dose substantially more than my doctor thought I would, but he was willing to let me try as long as I remained stable, and I did. I also took a really good multivitamin and an extra large dose of selenium and I really believe it made a difference. Be sure to go to a health food store that does not radiate their products in order to have longer shelf life, as this can cause the potency of the supplements to be less. I hope I've been some help to you. I know I sure did hate losing my hair like that! Take care - EJ

16 Jun 2011

Good morning, alipoo,
I've taken Depakote for migraine headache & had the same side effect. For Bi-polar, I take Geodon & it works really well, though not without side effects. When I took Depakote, I awoke in the mornings with hair on my pillow & lost a lot in the shower. If lowering the dose isn't an option for you, maybe try Geodon. Good Luck!
Jill