No, I did not have any side effects at all but, do know others that have taken it and could not tolerate it at all....I really think it depends in the individual as I have known many that take different meds for this and they all affect each one differently. Some have to try several to get one to actually work. I am sure, which is very good as to why you were given samples also to try to see if that will work for you instead of spending the expense of the script which none of this type of med is cheap. Some have the generic but alot of the newer ones out, do not. I know what you mean about even though w/ins. you still have your co-pay to meet each year and that doesn't come cheap either in most cases. Mine is $600 but my son is on my his dad's work policy and theirs like $2,500 co-pay....Damn, that's a chunck even though now days it does not take long w/scripts and doc visits....