Stifles creativity! I have been taking meds since 1986. Epival does not work as well as Lithium as far as keeping my moods entrirely stable, however ther are far fewer side effects. (ie: my ahnds don't shake so badly now and my weight is easier to manage... my skin is better also.) I really miss Lithium because I still felt "alive" when I was on it. Now I feel as if I am "surviving" and that is kind of too bad. Epival keeps me stable but takes away the highs more than it keeps away the lows.