Alopecia and mood stabilizers: two case reports.
Two cases of alopecia observed during treatment with lithium and valproate are described, and the recent literature on this subject is reviewed. Our clinical observations confirm earlier reports. These toxic alopecias are characterized by a diffuse but rarely total hair loss. After stopping medication, the hair grows back generally and completely. Two cases of toxic alopecia are presented where hair grew back following a substitution of lithium by valproate in the first case and after stopping valproate in the second. The evaluation and therapeutic attitude in the presence of alopecia in patients needing mood stabilizers are also discussed.
Uehlinger
C
C
Hôpital Psychiatrique Cantona, Perreux/Neuchätel, Switzerland.
Barrelet
L
L
Touabi
M
M
Baumann
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D016666:Fluvoxamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008728:Methotrimeprazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium; D008728:Methotrimeprazine; D006220:Haloperidol; D016666:Fluvoxamine