It’ll likely take a few weeks to work, and perhaps some adjustments to the dosage, so no magic wand (nothing ever is!).
I’m on year 3 on it, for crippling back & hip pain. Nothing else worked, this drug gave me my life back. My pharmacist always laughs at me when I buy my next packet. She says I have a look of wonder on my face that something so tiny (and cheap) could make such a difference to my life.
The side-effects for me are positive- deep sleep at night, light anti-depressive effect. Some people need help with dry eyes and mouth, but I don’t find it annoying.
I was thinking the other day that it wouldn’t have suited my life in my 20’s, since it does force you to have early nights. I can’t take it while I’m out, then drive home (it really does put me to sleep quite quickly). I wouldn’t trust myself on public transport either. Equally if you have a late night then take it, you will be groggy in the morning- it’ll still take the same time to work through your system.
I’m also lucky my back pain hit after my child was through the newborn/toddler years. Don’t know if I could have done lots of night feeds etc. When I was on a higher dose, I regularly had to check (around 10am) what in fact I had packed in her lunchbox at 7.30am. I was pleasantly surprised to find I’d managed it on muscle memory alone! Literally couldn’t remember what I’d done 3 hours previous. So there’s that.
The best bit is that I’ve been able to lower the dose (under gp supervision) over 3 years. Even though my back problems can’t be cured, the pain seems to have evened out a lot.
The worst bit? Lowering the dose makes me realise I’ve been a bit complacent with some areas of life, as a result of the antidepressant aspect of the drug. Now I’ve got clarity, and I don’t like what I see!