"i&#039;ve been taking trileptal for bipolar disorder for years. i switched from depakote as it made my hair fall out and i hated the monthly blood tests. i take a large dose of trileptal, 2100mg/day and shortly after taking it i may have some short-lived side effects (tingling in my face, mild double vision and sleepiness) for about a 1/2 hour. my doctor says i might avoid these if i&#039;d split it into morning and evening doses but i have no doubt i&#039;d forget the morning dose regularly. trileptal has been very good to me! i still take a low dose birth control (norethindrone 0.35mg/day) to help with &quot;monthly&quot; ups and downs and we&#039;ve added lamictal for it&#039;s antidepressant effects (i found out anti-depressants may increase cycling). i&#039;ve never felt this &quot;normal&quot; before!"