My daughter was 14 when she started the med...she too was afraid of the bloodwork . The dr. gave her emla cream to rub on her arm a half hour before she would get the tests done......it worked great....it is a topical novicane. No pain!! After awhile it was not a problem at all........believe me you get used to it real quick ......and the medication was the first that really worked for my daughter....so she was sold on it...side effects, bloodwork and all!