I was very scared to take it and I did not for a very long time…..then my count went up to over 1 million and the doctor said I could have a stroke any time. I will be 80 this year and I did not want to put that burden on my husband. I have been on it for several months…500 mg a day and the only side effect I have is tiredness but I still work part time and I do feel better especially mentally.