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Conditions and Diseases > Epilepsy Forum > Epival And Hair Loss
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Q: Epival And Hair Loss
asked by: kelly207 on July 23rd, 2004
New User
Hi, i'm new here, and i'm hoping that someone can help me. I've started on epival in the last four months after years of medications and surgery to try to control my epilepsy. I've noticed some positve decreases in the amount of seizures so i'm happy about that. However, not to sound petty, but one of the major side effects is a real change in my hair. I have long hair, and previously it has always been very thick and shiny. In the last few weeks, i've noticed that it's very dull, and is breaking off all over. I have a fuzzbull around my roots from short hairs sticking up all over. I don't want to sound vain, but this is really bothering me. I had to shave my head completely for the surgery four years ago, and that was really difficult. I finally have my hair back again, but the epival is wreaking havoc on it. I've been thinking about large doses of omega oils, but thought i'd ask here first. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
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SleepyJen
replied on July 24th, 2004
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Selenium And Zinc
Wow that sucks that they shaved your whole head for your surgery. They barely shaved anything for mine.

Anyway, I had a major problem with hair loss years ago when I was taking high doses of depakote. I was visibly shedding my long hair throughout the day, and I had the fuzzball problem too. One good thing it did though was permanently make my hair more curly than it was, and I like it better now (though I think it may be thinner).

I can recall back then that my doctor advised me to take selenium and zinc supplements, though I can't remember if it helped much. But it may be worth a try. Good luck.
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kelly207
replied on July 28th, 2004
New User
Thanks sleepyjen for the info, i'm going to try that right away. As for the curly hair, when they shaved my head it's already come in definitely wavier, I used to have poker straight hair, so maybe i'll end up with curls eventually!
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SleepyJen
replied on July 29th, 2004
New User
Hi again,

i just realized that epival and depakote are the same drug. Anyway, I know it's actually a common thing for that drug to permanently make hair curly... So if you want curly hair you're in luck!

Jen
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beckerc1
replied on July 29th, 2004
New User
You're not being petty - can't the doctor put you on something else/ the newer drugs don't do that - there are other choices out there(i'm a woman, and our hair is very important - it's tough enough being epileptic, with out losing our hair too!! Congrats on your surgery!Cb
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kelly207
replied on July 29th, 2004
New User
Hi beckerc1, actually this drug is one in a long list that i've been on because even after the surgery my seizures still have not stopped, and in fact are in some ways worse. So we just keep trying to find the meds that are going to control them best. It's a pain, but the epival does make a substantial difference even if some of the side effects are miserable (nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and now this hair thing). Thanks for your positive thoughts though, you're definitely right about being a woman with epilepsy!
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fk_2003pk
replied on March 18th, 2009
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medicines
Medicines to be used for energy with epival and tegerol for epilepsy.
thanks
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ahm80
replied on April 5th, 2009
New User
hair restoration & Epival
I recently had hair restoration procedure ( floeecular j\hair transplant) & going to start EPIVAL . I am aware of the possible side effect for hair loss , can someone help me know that if this is temporary or permenant or is it going to interfere with my newly trasnplanted hair?
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