User Reviews for niacin and niacinamide (vitamin b3)

flushing pain in left hip

I take 500 mg niacin with a separate milk thistle pill (for liver protection) 3 x per day with meals. For me, the secret to minimizing side effects, or doing away with them altogether, is to take the pill with a BALANCED MEAL. By that I mean, one with fat, carbohydrate and protein. E,g, a peanut butter sandwich; toast and eggs scrambled in canola oil; chicken, baked potato, salad. If I take it only with a snack, I experience symptoms, which decreased with increased length of use. If you can get through the first two weeks, your body does adapt and symptoms lessen. It is worth it to me to not take lifelong medication. Haven't had my cholesterol rechecked yet, but this treatment regime is recommended by conventional medical practitioners and is not an "alternative" or "holistic" treatment.Read More Read Less

I started with 250mg, then 500mg then 750mg and worked up to 1000mg each for two weeks. I did not need the asprin until I got to the 1000 mg dose. I have experienced some minor flushing and one incident of tinnitus. I am unable to take statins and this is a good option for me as I have a family history of high cholestrol.

I take 1000 mg per day and hardly ever experience flushing. It has reduced my fibrogen to an acceptable number and raised my HDL to 83. It has had no affect on my homocysteine level which is at 14.4.

I'm on my 2nd month taking Niaspan ER 500 MG tablets. I hate it. I have been taking 300 MG Aspirin EC 1/2 hr. before Niaspan to supposedly relieve side effects: burning, itching, flushing. Now my left thigh is extremely sensitive to touch all day long. I don't know if this is related but will be asking my dr. I completely dislike this drug and want to get off it ASAP. My cholesterol is high but there has to be another way. I guess it can be of help if you are fortunate not to have unbearable side effects. Read More Read Less

I have used 1500 mg of niacin,with zocor and have lowered and kept my total down to 139 and both LDL.and triglicerides below 100

This is my fourth day taking Niaspan. I woke up on FIRE!! The burning began from my neck and proceeded to my arms and as the time went on i was developing a similar "alergic" reaction whereas it was boderling hives breakout. I took 500 mg and i am stopping the use of this drug until i understand how it works. For immediate attetntion i took and antihistimine and it seems that it reduced some of the itching, but the burning sensation wore off after an hour of burning pain. I also to Via Venti to help in the circulation, and it almost immediately stopped the swelling and burning. I am so not a believer of Via Venti, but after tonight I will rethink its importance to my diet. For now I will change my diet habits. Read More Read Less

Took only for 6 days before severe rash and difficulty breathing occured. Zetia also to blame, seems to increase rash in combo w/Niaspan. Methylprednisolone 4mg 21-pack currenly being taken for rash and itching that almost brings u to bleeding. Bottom line my high LDL/HDL friends: Watch what you eat and it will level off on its own...Drs and drucg companies are full of *&^%!!

Niaspan was successful in lowering my LDL cholesterol and raising my HDL considerably but at the cost of itching, hot flashes, redness, tinnitus, dizziness and loss of balance. I now split a 500 mg pill of Niacin and take this once every other day. This has cut down on all the negative reactions that people may experience. Taking 250 mgs every other day may increase my tolerance to niacin and later I may increase my intake to a daily pill. Good luck and good health!

I've been taking the Niaspan ER 500mg Tabs for 2 weeks. I skipped 2 days about 7 days ago, but have been taking them before bed for 7 straight days. 2 hours after tonights dose, I started feeling a burning/tingling sensation in my head. It then went down my arms, to my chest, then to my thighs and has become more severe. It feels like a really bad sunburn! This will be the last night for me... I guess it works in that I'm now making a decision to eat healthier rather than suffer through another night of this! Thanks Ultra Life :|Read More Read Less

DR. RECOMMENDATON CHOL.230 i TOOK IT FOR 5 DAYS NO PROBLEM. TOOK THE 6TH NIGHT. WOKE UP BURNING ON FIRE!! STARTED TO WALK AND PASSED OUT LUCKILY MY HUSBAND WAS THERE. I WAS VOMITING AND DIARHIA. I DIDN'T GO TO THE ER. WAITIED IT OUT. SLEPT ON AND OFF ITS 4:30 AM NOW AND WILL NEVERRRR TAKE THIS PILL AGAIN. I CAN'T TAKE STATINS BECAUSE OF LEG CRAMPS. I'M GOING TO STICK TO A HEALTHY DIET. NIASPAN OFFERED A YEAR SUPPLY OF THE PRODUCT FOR $5.00 A MONTH!! WON'T TAKE IT EVEN IF ITS FREE. NOT WORTH IT!!! Read More Read Less

I was out on Niacin 21 years ago. I was told to gradually increase the dosage. I got bad flushes. Then told to take asprin for the flushes. I ended up haveing intestinal bleeding, so be careful. I also had muscle weakness with statins. That was 21 years ago. I am now 79. The omega 3s have decreased my clotting a bit. but so far so, good. Longevity is in my family too and my HDL is 59. My total is high normal. I am normal weight and exercise quite well.

I have only been taking Niaspan 2 weeks. The only problems I have had is intense itching in my extremities and flushing that doesn't get warm (I just turn pink, on my extremities). It's a small price to pay if it will raise my HDL. It's not nearly as bad as hot flashes!

i take niaspan.it has worked wonders for my cholesterol but the flushing and itching keep me up half the night.asprin doesn't help.ive been on it for 3 months

Prescribed for triglycerides....three weeks ago. Extreme flushing and burning/tingling sensations. Aspirin doesn't seem to help. Curious about the "non-flushing" variety.

Markedly increased mental clarity. Sharper vision. Vivid dreams (unfortunately nightmares too).

The flushing I can handle but the itching that lasts for hours is insane. I've stopped using this drug. Aspirin did not help

You must take flush-free niacin to prevent the itching and rash. It works wonderful. According to an article in Prevention Magazine, you must take at least 2000 mg/day to lower your HDL and triglicerides. My next cholesterol check is in 2 months, and I can't wait to see the results.

I took just one night and the side effects frightened me. I woke up and felt like I was sleeping on a bed of hot coals. My face was swollen and I had red circles under my eyes. I looked like I had on a fright mask. I had a hard time functioning at work the next day. I can't take the statins because I get really bad leg aches. Trying to lower my cholesterol by diet.

Since starting this drug a little over 3 months ago I have experienced major problems with falling asleep. Even taking the naicin in the morning has not helped. I have to take something every evening to fall asleep and even then it takes me more than an hour. This is new for me. I haven't had problems with flushing and only take 500 mg daily.