Brief Answer:
Depakote side effect-hair loss, weight gain treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. Depakote (Divalproex sodium) side effects include

: Hair loss
: Weight gain
You are having both effects. Management includes confirmation and then treatment

Confirmation means these two side effects can also occur with hypothyroidism, steroid intake or deficiency of vitamin/minerals. You can consult doctor for it. He will evaluate you and advise thyroid function test, few blood investigations to rule out above disease. If he finds any of disease, it might be a possibility that Depakote along with suspected disease, both are causing hair loss and weight gain.

If no above cause, then Depakote should be suspected as the cause. It is managed by

: You can consult doctor regarding change of drug if possible. As you do not want to discontinue it, another method is gradually tapering its dose till benefits are obtained.
: Hair loss due to Depakote are reversible and non-scarring. As soon as drug is reduced in dose/stopped, your hair will regrow.
: You can take magnesium supplement along with zinc and selenium for hair
: You can also take folic acid therapy after proper prescription
:You can use hair growth oil like Minoxidil after proper prescription. Effect is temporary.
: Still no relief, either discontinue or use hair wig to cover

For weight gain, you can
: either change drug after discussing with doctor or reduce dose similar to above
: Avoid junk food/fatty food
: Drink green tea/green coffee 2-3 times daily
: Do exercise/Yoga 6 days/week
: Eat light food in dinner, 2 hours before sleep
: You can consult dietician for best diet for you.
: Do not do dieting as it will lead to more hair loss

Hope it will help you. Still no relief, consult doctor.
Thanks. Take care

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Brief Answer:
Preventive therapy and Replacement of Depakote

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking.

Now it is clear that your weight gain and hair loss are because of Depakote side effects. As your doctor had increased its dose, it will cause more side effects. I will brief you about preventive therapy of migraine for which Depakote is used in your case.

Preventive therapy means delaying attack episodes. It can be both medication and other non medical management

Medication other than Depakote/beta blockers/Prodrin/Tylenol which you can use after consulting your doctor
: Verapamil (Calcium channel blocker lowers BP)
: Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline (antidepressants)
: Topiramate or Gabapentine (anti epileptics)
: Cyproheptadine
: Botox injection therapy

Non medical management
: Avoid food which can induce migraine attack like Cheese/chocolate
: Avoid emotional up-down/mental stress. Keep yourself calm. You can do Yoga/meditation to control your nerves
: Biofeedback therapy
: Avoid sudden change in temperature/bright light. Try to observe the season in which you are having more attacks. Try to change location during that season to avoid its effect

Do not change drug on your own. Consult it with your doctor. Let him taper Depakote and start another drug to avoid migraine attack and withdrawal effects.

Thanks. take care

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