Anyone else on Epilim?

[hell1971]

Hi I am on Epilim and have been for 1month now, so far I have been lucky and I have had little side effects apart from sleepiness which was quite major in the begining but is getting better each day. I am the sort of person that always cries at everything but have found my emotions are somewhat blunted, my 17 year old moved out and I didnt cry which is not normal for me, normally I would be blubbing, I have watched movies and I just dont seem to cry, I guess I am asking if this is a permanent sacrifice or will this also subside with longer use. Also how often do you have to check your levels of this drug. Anyone else on Epilim or have had it in the past that has any info on its long term success?
thanks

[monkeyc]

Hi There

The advice we always give is to speak to your doctor about your drugs and in this case the information they have given you seems to be less than complete.

You really need to call and speak to your psychiatrist about these questions - this is a link to the Product Data Sheet from Aventis who make Epilim : http://www.sanofi-aventis.com.au/products/aus_pi_epilim.pdf.

This is why we need to be informed consumers and always be asking about our drugs and side effects - emotional blunting is both a side effect of some drugs and a symptomatic behaviour of bipolar.

[hunnyjennie]

I was also taking it for about 2 years, during that time I too showed little emotion and friends and family certainly notice, I did not have any episodes during this period however I also did not feel like me!  I suppose thats because I wasn;t used to being stable.  I came off the meds to have a baby and now just take citalopram and Zopiclone.  They wanted me to take it again as soon as my daughter was born, but I refused and so far I have been okish. How much are you taking, I was on 1200mg.  Hope all goes well