Niacin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• FCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

For Depression "I (23-year-old woman) have struggled for years with depression and anxiety, but this past year, the depression got much worse. I lost 50 pounds and almost got fired from my teaching job for it. Anyway, I started taking niacin during a two-week depressive episode, and it helped a lot. The episode ended by the second day of taking niacin, and I haven't felt 'at risk' of going back there since. I take 1000 mg a day, split morning and night. I also take 50 mg of 5-HTP right before bed."

• Rog...
• July 27, 2017

For Depression "I was taking Wellbutrin XL for depression. I found that its effect lessened over time. After hearing about niacin, I decided to give it a try. Three years later, I still take it daily. 1000 mg of no-flush niacin has helped keep my depression in check. No symptoms at all. I highly recommend anyone with depression to at least try it. I also found that niacin starts working much faster than traditional medication."

• Dma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2019

For Depression "Been suffering from depression and anxiety most of my life. Started taking Solgar Niacin (with the flush) and the change has been like day vs night. Sleeping better, energy in the morning and in the evening (but not affecting sleep), better concentration and mood vastly improved. Started on Solgar Niacin 100mg once a day and moved up to twice a day and feeling great!"

• Nou...
• October 25, 2016

For Depression "I'm diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Before the diagnosis, I had a sudden change in my mood from a very happy person to a very depressed person. After the diagnosis and failure of 3 kinds of treatment for my MS because it escalated my depression, I stopped everything and started the following: 1. Dr. Terry Wahls protocol, 2. Vitamin B3 3000mg/day. It's been 2 years, and I haven't had a single relapse. The Vitamin B3 helps with the depression."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2018

For Depression "I have suffered from epilepsy and depression since childhood. With a number of SSRI meds and finally Wellbutrin, I could never find total relief. But about one year ago, I began adding supplements to my fruit and veggie diet. B-3 was the first. I began using 1 gram per day and later dropped to half a gram per day. Very notable change in my mood and anxiety disorders. I sleep a full eight hours and wake up with no anxiety. Positive, upbeat, and very few moments of sadness as long as I'm taking the B-3. If I stop for two or three days, I'm back in the black! This stuff works for me. I won't be shopping for a new drug anymore."

• Dav...
• January 2, 2018

For Depression "I originally took niacin up to 1000 mg for cholesterol when I noticed it helps with depression and anxiety. At first, I thought it was a placebo effect, but it was too consistent and tangible. I started at 50 mg and very slowly increased up to 1000 mg, with antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits felt at 200 mg and improving as I increased the dosage."

• Cla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 30, 2019

For Depression "My (male) partner gets a low mood and anxiety. Within a few days of taking niacin (no flush), he is a different person: upbeat, positive, and happy. If he stops taking it, negative symptoms return. I'd much rather this natural remedy than drug-based antidepressants."

• It ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2021

For Depression "I was diagnosed with GAD and panic attacks since 2000, been on SSRI on and off, they never work good for me, always anxious and negative thoughts. A week ago I came across niacin and how it helps in depression and anxiety. I started with 500 mg (flushing). I gave it a go and believe me, in just one hour after taking it, I felt so great for the first time in 20 years. It has the same effect as Xanax. This vitamin is amazing. It has been a week now and I was able to drop my SSRI dose from 20 mg to 5 mg with no withdrawal symptoms. It is amazing. From my deep heart, I really wish everyone who suffers try it. It's a miracle."

• Akt...
• January 19, 2018

For Depression "Tryptophan is being used by the body to create niacin. If you are deficient in niacin, tryptophan is also the precursor to serotonin - the feel-good neurotransmitter. This means that niacin + tryptophan (or small doses of 5-htp) should give you a good dose of serotonin naturally. The tryptophan/5-htp can be used to deliver serotonin directly. If you use niacin with whey protein, you will get tryptophan, tyrosine, and a lot of other amino acids. Just wanted to say that my mood lifts significantly with this formula -> niacin + tryptophan or small doses of 5-htp. Add tyrosine if needed, or combine with whey protein/amino acid complex."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2018

For Depression "I have been taking 300-500 mg of niacin (split dose) for a few weeks now. My anxiety and depression symptoms have improved greatly. I feel so much more calm and I am sleeping better. I was doing some research and this is likely related to a genetic trait which affects the metabolism of tryptophan. My flushing symptoms were pretty intense at first but have improved. It's totally worth it. I have read that the slow-release niacin is no good and can cause liver damage. The regular, immediate-release niacin is what works for me and I split the dose throughout the day. It works for me."

• pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2024

For Depression "Took it years ago and did not give it proper attention. This time it blew me away. I quit weed and alcohol in two days and will never go back. Came to see these things were not resolving anything. My life has gotten so much better since taking. Feels like someone in pharma has worked hard to suppress what niacin can do. Only hope more find it for themselves. Have lost a few to suicide. Don't feel they would have gone that way had they had the chance to try niacin. Took all the way up to 5,000. Even at that high dose it was better than any meds from the soulless perps selling that crap. Seems like 600-1,500 is where the body can really get back into some harmony. Give it a try! By far the best thing I have taken."

• Bon...
• May 7, 2017

For Depression "I've been a depressive type most of my life, and I've also had problems with alcohol. I recently was prescribed Lexapro but only took it for two days as it felt wrong. I've always had an icky feeling about SSRIs, etc. I finally decided to give niacin a go, and within a few hours of the 1st dose, I felt ten times better. I'm now on day 5 and slowly upping my dose. I feel better each day and don't feel the sadness that was so paralyzing for so long. The only negative side effect is a headache from time to time, but it'll pass soon, I'm sure. I really enjoy the niacin flush feeling, but only at night. During the day, I take the slow-release kind, but I'm planning to slowly switch to the flushing kind over time as it just feels more effective."

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "My doctor wanted me to take statins with 225 cholesterol. I didn't want to (63 yrs old). She then suggested 500 mg of Slo-Niacin twice a day with a baby aspirin. I started it but in a few days I was terribly constipated. I backed off to once a day which helped. Then I started taking potassium iodine (kelp) and the constipation problem is completely solved - better than ever as I've always been constipated - probably slow thyroid. Anyway, when I was taking the two Slo-Niacins a day, I felt 20 years younger. Going up a flight of stairs felt like walking on a flat surface. Now one a day so I only feel 10 years younger. I went on a hike yesterday where I walked on a steep path for 45 min and it was like flat again."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2020

For Depression "Niacin is a lifesaver. It helps with my anxiety. Unfortunately, it does not give me a 100% relief, but it eases my anxiety to the point where I can function like a normal person. It makes my GAD/Depression much more manageable. I also add some GABA."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2009

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Two tabs (1000 mg) lowered my total cholesterol by 30 points. Added one more tablet daily (1500 mg) which will hopefully put my cholesterol at a 'good' level. Initial side effects of flushing and weird feeling were lessened by one baby aspirin 1/2 an hour prior to taking the niacin, but mostly by taking the niacin immediately before getting into bed at night. Eventually, I stopped the aspirin (lots of bruising) and notice that I am no longer sensitive (flushing and weird feelings are gone). So far, it's great, especially since prior to starting, I lost 35 pounds, stopped eating red meat and dairy products, and began/continue on a daily exercise (walking) program to no avail in reducing my cholesterol."

• Tra...
• July 29, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Age 51. I went to get my regular blood work with my doctor. My cholesterol has always been >200 and I have a family history of heart attack and stroke. I tried everything over the years, including Crestor, which was an absolute disaster for me after only 4 doses. Since then, I have tried the natural methods: Red Yeast Rice (may as well be on a statin, the side effects are basically the same) and lots of fish and krill oil. I was disappointed that my bad cholesterol was still high after all that, and my number was 219 total. Based on my unwillingness to try another statin, my doctor suggested a 500mg pill of Niaspan to be taken nightly. I have experienced no flushing as yet after a month on it and really no bad side effects. New blood results: 192! I will check back in 3 months."

• Hot...
• August 15, 2018

For Depression "This review is for both niacin and niacinamide. Got off Zoloft after taking it for only 2 weeks due to its insane side effects and worsening depression! Had a psychiatrist appointment coming up in two weeks from that point, which was the beginning of the week. After being diagnosed with Bipolar 2, I’ve suspected being over-methylated, which could be the reason I didn’t fare well with SSRIs. I took niacinamide 500 mg and wow! Boost of energy, positivity, and optimism! However, it only lasted for like 4 days. Hypomania? I’ve tried up to 1500 mg a day for a few days, and that feeling never came back, just some low mood and anxiety only. I then read that flush niacin would be more effective. So I bought niacin 100 mg. Took like 500 mg to flush, and it gave me a sense of calmness and prevention of lower moods. Same thing, only lasted for a few days. I went up as much as 1800 mg/day, split doses, and never got a consistent effect. Already threw away bottles. Wouldn’t try again."

• Ash...
• December 21, 2010

Niacin for High Cholesterol "We believe this medication, Niaspan, has caused liver failure in our father, that is what the doctors told us. So, please, anyone on this, please have your liver function tested. It is easily done by a blood test."

• Bee...
• April 7, 2011

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I have taken Niaspan 2000 mg for several years now. It has had great success in raising my HDL and keeping my triglycerides low. For years, I had minimal problems with flushing. But now, recently, I have had a number of episodes where I have woken up in the middle of the night with almost unbearable itching/burning skin. I took a break from the Niaspan for a couple of nights, and then when I tried it again, the itching was worse. I am going to have to discontinue this and consult with my doctor about what to do next to keep my numbers good."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2018

For Depression "I'm trying niacin both for getting off of clonazepam and for anxiety. I need more instructions on how to find my optimal dose. I took my first 100 mg pill after a meal and had significant flushing about an hour later that lasted for 30 min. I heard the flushing reduces in time. Dr. Abram Hoffer's optimal dose was 3,000 mg (1,000 after each meal), but said everyone is different."

• A W...
• April 15, 2014

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Been taking for over 20 years at 500 mg twice a day. Once you get over the flushing side effect in the first few months, it has been very effective at lowering and keeping cholesterol at a healthy level."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2012

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Problems with flushing until the doctor told me not to eat strawberries or chocolate in the evening. I can eat them before lunch. I take Niaspan on going to bed. I eat 2 Graham crackers and 8 oz of milk when I take it. This has resolved all my problems with the medicine."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 22, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I started taking niacin to increase HDL and lower LDL because I suffered a heart attack a couple of years ago. It did raise my HDL and lower the LDL a bit, but not all that much. However, I noted an unexpected benefit. For years, I would wake in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and found I was soaked in sweat. I was having disturbing dreams. They weren't terrible. Most dreams consisted of things like parking my car in a large lot and not being able to find it. Also being lost in a strange city. Or getting a new job and not having a clue what I was doing while trying to prevent my boss from finding out how confused I was. Once I started the niacin, the strange dreams were gone, as were the night sweats."

• pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I take 1000 mg two times a day. Taking 325 mg of aspirin before I take the Niaspan helps with the flushing. I have been on Niaspan for about 3 years now, my numbers are down 10%. The little bit of flushing I do get is a lot better than the severe joint pain I had with the statin medications. I recommend taking Niaspan. It is working for me."

• Jim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 5, 2019

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I have been taking Niacin SR 2000 mg nightly with Zeta 10 mg nightly and no side effects except a little flushing. Cholesterol has been well under 100 all the time. Dr. tells me I need to take Repatha instead, which has some very bad side effects. May need to change something/someone else."