I have no bad side effects with Creatine what so ever. I do drink water with it, but then, I drink water during every workout - the entire time. So I don't notice an increase in my desire for hydration....

I also don't get stomach aches, bloated feeling, or diahreah - which some people get when taking Creatine.

Because of the lack of side effects on me, I continue to take it. *shrug*.

I realise it's hard on my Kidney's, but I also don't have Kidney trouble and I don't intend on taking Creatine for the rest of my life. I have an extremely hard time gaining wieght, even with eating tons and tons of foods and proteins and lifting and doing leg-work on a regular basis; the only thing that seems to make a noticable difference is the Creatine. It makes me put up a solid 4-6 more reps on any workout I'm doing and that's what makes me notice a difference.

Call me stupid, a hater, or a cheater; but it works for me and it's not a steroid or even terrible for you. And with no side effects (to me), no reason not to.

Just my 0.02. PS: When I get to about 195 I'll stop.