Eglonyl / Espiride Commonly Spelt Eglinol- 30 June 2009
By Bronwyn in 
There have been quite a few queries about eglonyl and espiride. The one is the generic form of the other. The active substance in both of these is sulpiridewhich works by blocking dopamine receptors (aka neurotransmitters) in the brain. This medicine seems to most commonly be used for depression. The prolactin ( prolactin- from lactose which is found in milk) in this drug has a milk stimulating effect. That’s where we breastfeeders come in. OBGYN’s have two motivations for prescribing this drug: to help you to make a smooth transition from “mom to be” to “mom is me” and when milk supply needs a “boobst”.
I was given eglonyl as a preventative measure. My gynae did not want me dealing with post caesar pain and baby blues at the same time. My prescription was one pill, 3 times a day for three months. I did not seem to have a problem with milk supply as a result. I felt an unnatural happiness at times which I did not feel comfortable with and after 6 weeks I reduced my intake and and eventually just stopped taking the pills. My gynae had previously said that I could stop when I felt comfortable to. Others who have taken eglonyl felt a need to rather wean off this medication. My milk supply did not decrease after I had stopped the medication. There seems to be a natural “settling” in my breasts where they didn’t feel to explode or leak as they did in the beginning although there was still sufficient supply.
After some research it seems that this medication can have an effect on menstration although the absence of menstruation can be as a result of breastfeeding itself and not the medication. Some women have expressed little difference in their milk supply after taking eglonyl. Others express concern over renewal of prescriptions and when to stop. Consulting with your gynae or doctor is the best idea here.
Interestingly, it seems you can be penalised when applying for a life policy if you’ve been on eglonyl because it is an anti-depressant commonly used for post partum depression.
After my first pregnancy I suffered from severe pst partum depression. I used Eglonyl during and after my second pregnancy as a preventative, but never received the phamplet that comes with the tablets. I am three weeks away from no 3, and the doc has prescribed them again. However, this time around I got the phamphlet, and have started reading up on the drug.
Every site that I have read says not to take the drug during pregnancy or breatfeeding. Talk about worrying now, do I risk the depression, or continue taking the drug…