Search  for anything...
Pillbox Games

Pillbox Games Side Effects | Strategic Take that Card Game of Therapy, Medication, Disorder Cards & Chaotic Interaction | Stylish Art Game for 2–8 Players Ages 14+ | 10–30 Minute Playtime

  • Based on 1,071 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$25.00 Why this price?

Buy Now, Pay Later

As low as $6 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Selected Option

Free shipping on this product

FREE 30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon
Arrives Friday, May 8
Order within 7 hours and 40 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout
Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

Recently Viewed

Style: Side Effects Base Game


Features

  • STRATEGIC TAKE THAT GAMEPLAY Race to treat your Disorders using Drug and Therapy cards while protecting yourself from opponents who may steal what you need or hand you new conditions. Every turn adds a twist that keeps players engaged.
  • EASY TO LEARN, CHALLENGING TO MASTER With simple rules and short turns, Side Effects is fast to pick up but rewards clever timing, hand management, table awareness, and bold risks. A sharp mix of accessibility and depth for adults and hobby gamers.
  • SXSW AWARD FINALIST RECOGNITION Side Effects earned a finalist spot for the SXSW Gamers Voice Award, celebrated for its striking visual style, inventive gameplay, and ability to spark conversation at every table.
  • DYNAMIC PLAYER INTERACTION Begin with four Disorder cards and search for (or steal) the Drug cards needed to treat them. Episode cards disrupt plans, flip advantages, and create dramatic momentum swings that keep every round unpredictable.
  • CRAFTED AS A WORK OF ART - Designed by Jade Shames and Ben Bronstein with support from Kat Thek and Jen Igartua, Side Effects pairs bold illustration with refined design to create a striking, memorable tabletop experience.

Description

Side Effects drops players into a darkly humorous struggle to manage Disorders using Drug and Therapy cards while navigating constant interference from opponents. Each player begins with four Disorders face up, shaping their early strategy and creating an immediate sense of tension. To treat them, players must draw or steal the Drug cards that match their conditions, all while staying alert to opponents who may disrupt their progress or hand them new problems to solve. Episode cards add unpredictable twists, shifting momentum and forcing players to rethink their approach from turn to turn. The gameplay is fast, interactive, and filled with dramatic reversals. New players can learn the rules in minutes, yet the timing of when to reveal, treat, block, or sabotage gives experienced players room to explore deeper strategy. Side Effects excels at sparking table talk, laughter, and memorable stories as alliances form and collapse in the span of a few turns. A finalist for the SXSW Gamer’s Voice Award, Side Effects is celebrated not only for its gameplay but also for its striking visual identity.

Age Range Description: Kid


Brand Name: Pillbox Games


Included Components: Side Effects


Unit Count: 1.0 Count


Item Type Name: board game


Model Name: Side Effects


Set Name: Side Effects


UPC: 602573618868


Global Trade Identification Number: 68, 80


Manufacturer Maximum Age (MONTHS): 1188.0


Manufacturer Minimum Age (MONTHS): 168.0


Model Number: GHG004


Manufacturer Part Number: 004GHG


Manufacturer Warranty Description: No Warranty


Manufacturer: Pillbox Games


Material Type: Cardboard


Number of Players: 2-8


Container Type: Box


Other Special Features of the Product: Take that gameplay, racing to cure diseases, using prescriptions and therapy, experiencing side effects


Number of Items: 1


Customer Package Type: Standard Packaging


Is Assembly Required: No


Estimated Playing Time: 30 Minutes


Indoor Outdoor Usage: Indoor


Educational Objective: To teach players about the complexities and side effects of drug use and therapy in a fun and engaging way


Operation Mode: manual


Power Source: manual


Theme: Strategy


Color: Multicolor


Product Style: Side Effects Base Game


Grenre: Strategy


Item Dimensions L x W: 6.2"L x 5.3"W


Package Quantity: 1


Size: 5.3 inches (W) x 6.2 inches (L) x 2 inches (H)


Item Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.3 x 2 inches


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Friday, May 8

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Similar Products

Top Amazon Reviews

    • Super fun and great artwork!
Review Image by Chance of a Lifetime Chance of a Lifetime
Review Image by Chance of a Lifetime Chance of a Lifetime
Review Image by Chance of a Lifetime Chance of a Lifetime
We play a lot of games - basic ones and more high strategy ones. This game was actually pretty easy once you got the hang of it. It does take some slight strategy and you definitely have to pay attention to what cards you have and the disorders your opponents have. You cane cure yours, give others more disorders, or make them have an episode, but any action can backfire on you too. My adult son and I played and really enjoyed it! We laughed and had a good time. One game can be very quick or take a but if time - it just depends on the luck of the draw. This is definitely a game we can play over and over again. Pros: Easy to learn Can play with 2-10 people, so more options for group size. We have only played with two and it was fun. The artwork on the cards. It is fun. Cons: The cards are larger than regular cards and harder to shuffle. You have to separate out the disorders, shuffle and deal them out, and then shuffle them back in the deck each game. That is time consuming. Some complained about the fact that it calls out or makes fun of mental health. It is actually accurate on the treatments and side effects of them, so it isn't making fun and is realistic. Yes, players can give each other disorders and such and make it fun, but it is a game folks! I have a psychology degree and have family members with mental illness and I do not take offense to this game. If you do, don't play it. I highly recommend this game if you don't mind the content of it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2023 by Chance of a Lifetime Chance of a Lifetime
    • Added a rule!
This game is so much fun! We bought the expansion for it immediately after a round of playing. The expansion adds some extras that add to the mechanics of the game. One house rule we decided to add was activating a new disorder as soon as you play it in someone. Makes it a little extra fun! But it is such a fast and easy game to learn. We’ve had it for a week now and have played it every night since getting it! The artwork is amazing and cards are well made. Definitely recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024 by Annamaria
    • Fun and fast, but may become predictable.
Side Effects lives up to the hype. It is quick to learn and after the first two rounds (we played 4) you can understand how strategy comes in to play. I will say the game can be a little too quick (in theory, you can win in two rounds with the right pills/remedies) but it can be fun.. esp. with more people. We had 3 players. I do feel it might get stale after a while, which is why I'm exited to get the expansion. Well worth the investment. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024 by Anthony P
    • good quality cards, fun little game to play!
Headline says it all. Quick and easy to learn. We were playing, multiple games within minutes of receiving the item! Just be warned, the game is about mental disorders, so some might be triggered by the concept of someone "giving" you a disorder or causing an "episode". Also, as it is clearly a "take that" game, be mindful of who you play with. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024 by TatsuSaisei
    • Clever game, nice production values
We were pleased to find the positive messages and mental health resource links in the instructions. For a game that could be accused of making light of serious subjects, this was tastefully done and comes off as a positive not a negative. The cards look and feel a little like Tarot Cards in their size, card stock, and presentation. Game rules are not too difficult. Replayability, maybe middle of the road. This is a really clever game with a novel subject matter, and vary fun to show off to the right audience. Gameplay is a little like Mille Bornes but not as engaging. They use generic names of all the medications, to avoid copyright issues presumably. Sort of wish they could have used the more common names. Buy this one for the subject matter. The design and artwork is delightful. No regrets, go for it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2023 by Scott Jones
    • Fun, lightweight party game
Fun party game. Plays quick and easy to learn. Definitely not for kids, unless you want to explain what ED is.
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025 by Theta Chi Clayton HB
    • So much fun!!!
My husband and I bought this game after seeing a video advertisement for it. We absolutely love it. A lot of thought obviously went into the game and cards. We both struggle with mental health and the game is so accurate it's pretty funny. It's well worth the money for a fun game, and we plan on buying any and all expansions that go to this game. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2025 by Lauren Cooper
    • Great quality cards and dark humor is top tier
Value for money is great. The quality of the cards gives the exact reason of value and great quality. Such a fun dark humorous game to play with your friends that don't take things too seriously.
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025 by Liz G

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...