Reviewer: Dr G, on Treatment for less than 1 month (Caregiver)

Comment:
WARNING: taking Niacin (Vitamin B-3) at only 500 MG/ day cost me dearly! My neurologist(a specialist in a sub-type of neurology of which there are only dozen in the US) determined it was toxic causing me total failure of my autonomic nervous system (autonomic polyneuropathy) and these nerves don't grow back! Thanks to that soon after I noticed the problems I continue to deal with 10 yrs later. ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
WARNING: taking Niacin (Vitamin B-3) at only 500 MG/ day cost me dearly! My neurologist(a specialist in a sub-type of neurology of which there are only dozen in the US) determined it was toxic causing me total failure of my autonomic nervous system (autonomic polyneuropathy) and these nerves don't grow back! Thanks to that soon after I noticed the problems I continue to deal with 10 yrs later. Diagnosis of mental impairments & co-morbid conditions: (I now suffer from depression, ocd, anxiety, & adhd) inability to sweat(you itch like crazy & can't tolerate heat (& direct sunshine) for only a few minutes), stamina/shortness of breath(so forget sports/running/exercising very long), impotence..... and the list goes on. If this sounds like fun, then take all this vitamin B(S)-3 you want! 99% of neurologists let alone general family doctors/ PCPs who recommend it to patients freely DO NOT know that serious side effects can occur supplementing this supposedly "safe" Niacin(B-3). Caution is advised! Is it really worth the risk?
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Reviewer: JoaniB, 65-74 Female (Consumer)

Comment:
This was to raise HDL. I made the mistake of taking the 500 mg Tablet the first night and Was freezing and shaking for 5 hours. I needed a heating to warm up a little bit. I felt like I had hypothermia again. I waited a day then a night I a tried 250mg/1/2 pill and got extreme flushing and itching even with baby aspirin 1/2 hour before. I managed for a couple of weeks and it raised HDL a few point ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
This was to raise HDL. I made the mistake of taking the 500 mg Tablet the first night and Was freezing and shaking for 5 hours. I needed a heating to warm up a little bit. I felt like I had hypothermia again. I waited a day then a night I a tried 250mg/1/2 pill and got extreme flushing and itching even with baby aspirin 1/2 hour before. I managed for a couple of weeks and it raised HDL a few points to acceptable limits. I was to take 250mg 1 Am & 1 PM I could not stand itching and flushing. I passed out the first time ever after taking a few mornings. I quit taking it. It is funny that Kaiser won't prescribe muscle relaxants because you may get dizzy and fall but blood pressure do that also and niacin for me.
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Reviewer: Betty, 75 or over on Treatment for 10 years or more (Consumer)

Comment:
I have taken plain Niacin for over 50 yrs (GNC brand). Began with small dose, worked up to 3000 mg daily (1,000 mg 3 x a day) with positive results. Gradually lowered dosage to 2000 mg, now 1000 mg. sometimes with a baby aspirin but not always (flushing doesn't last long). Liver enzymes checked on a regular basis. No noticeable side effects. I prefer non-drug treatment when possible.

Comment:
I have taken plain Niacin for over 50 yrs (GNC brand). Began with small dose, worked up to 3000 mg daily (1,000 mg 3 x a day) with positive results. Gradually lowered dosage to 2000 mg, now 1000 mg. sometimes with a baby aspirin but not always (flushing doesn't last long). Liver enzymes checked on a regular basis. No noticeable side effects. I prefer non-drug treatment when possible.
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Reviewer: Denver , 55-64 Male on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Consumer)

Comment:
Started taking Niacin 50mg daily and slowly increased to 150mg after each meal (450mg/d). Rite Aid was only place I found that sells 100mg tabs and so I half one with pill cutter. My primary Dr. suggested taking in lieu of statins for elevated cholesterol but have yet to have blood test to check efficacy. I stopped flushing when my body adjusted to dosage but I've also found I am much calmer. ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
Started taking Niacin 50mg daily and slowly increased to 150mg after each meal (450mg/d). Rite Aid was only place I found that sells 100mg tabs and so I half one with pill cutter. My primary Dr. suggested taking in lieu of statins for elevated cholesterol but have yet to have blood test to check efficacy. I stopped flushing when my body adjusted to dosage but I've also found I am much calmer. You would never know because I'm a successful, functional, nervous wreck but I have a struggled with a nervous condition that causes social anxiety and panic attacks as well as some insomnia for years. Vit. B3 has greatly reduced and ultimately controlled my social nervousness and I cannot express how 'normal' I feel now that I've started taking it. I did research and discovered niacin was used decades ago to treat psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. No doubt pharmaceutical companies would never benefit nor want known all the uses of this inexpensive wonder supplement. Just wished I had known years ago.
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Reviewer: Jayme, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 1 to less than 2 years

Comment:
I have been taking niacin for over a year now. I take 2000 mg in the morning with breakfast. It is the quick release. Sure I flush, but it is gone in 15 minutes. I did build myself up to the 2000mg slowly. My blood work is great, It also helped my spider veins go away in my legs.

Comment:
I have been taking niacin for over a year now. I take 2000 mg in the morning with breakfast. It is the quick release. Sure I flush, but it is gone in 15 minutes. I did build myself up to the 2000mg slowly. My blood work is great, It also helped my spider veins go away in my legs.
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