Hair loss can be an unfortunate side effect of depakote, would your new Dr consider putting you back on the same one you were on previously perhaps? I would certainly discuss this with your Dr as it must be very distressing and will not be helping with your general mental health.
Good luck, :-)
when i began depakote 13 yrs ago, no one knew about the hair loss. i thought i was losing my mind and not just my hair. anyway, my hair did fall out on the regular depakote. but it grew back CURLY! this is also a side effect from the medication. unfortunately i gained a massive amount of weight while "down" after my manic episode and because of carbohydrate cravings. i was switched to Depakote ER when it became available and my weight stablized (though i haven't lost any weight) but, my hair is wonderful and thick, and i receive compliments. your MD should switch you to the non-generic, as ER doesn't come in generic form. this is expensive though. if you can't afford the ER then remember the hair loss will stop. though losing my hair was devastating. good luck!
I was taking Depakote ER for quite a while and experienced weight gain and hair loss.
It did help with my migraines . . .
The hair loss was a big concern - every time I washed my hair there was so much in the shower drain! In fact, I had complained to my husband about this, but he didn't really understand until I cleaned the drain with a tissue and showed him all the hair. He was shocked.
Recently, I went off Depakote ER - dropped quite a bit of weight and I am not experiencing the hair loss like I was. (I am on Oxcarbazephine now . . . )
Always talk to your doctor. Do not make any changes by yourself. I learned the hard way recently, but that is another story.
Good luck to you.
if u come off depakote do u loose the weight that you have put on???