Niacin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Niaspan, Endur-acin, Heliocare Advanced, Niacin SR, Slo-Niacin, HDL Benefit, Niacor, B-3-50 B3-500-Gr NiaVasc …show all brand names

Niacin has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 111 reviews on Drugs.com. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Niacin

Almos...
Taken for less than 1 month
September 9, 2018

For Niacin Deficiency "I had a horrible reaction to it. My skin felt as thought it was burning from the inside, I was covered in hives, my breathing became very weird, & I had chills — which resulted in shaking uncontrollably. Ended up going to the hospital."

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

8 Report

Anony...
Taken for less than 1 month
June 1, 2021

For High Cholesterol "After 4 days only on flush niacin 500mg x 3 times per day I developed eye floaters. An ophthalmologist confirms I have floaters and some bleeding behind the eye retina. I’m devastated that my vision is impaired and I have this bleeding, I asked the ophthalmologist if the niacin could’ve been the cause and she says it’s quite possible. I’m not a niacin basher as I had purchased lots to treat my cholesterol. I vape nicotine and I’m on a blood pressure med and olanzapine and effexor following some serious stress in my life a few years back. Just be careful with flush nicotine as it is implicated in causing ‘ niacin-induced cystoid maculopathy, a form of retinal swelling’"

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

Me-ma
October 31, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I take a small amount, maybe 1/4 cup, of applesauce with my niacin or Niaspan at night and have no flushing. It also works with a half of an apple. It must be the pectin in the apples that stop the flushing but it works 100% of the time for me. But I've been having problems at night --- indigestion, a weird feeling in my chest, itching and sleeplessness, so I am going to start taking it in the morning."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

9 Report

Frequently asked questions

How long does niacin stay in the human system?

Anonymous
Taken for less than 1 month
November 6, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking Niacin for 14 days and developed a severe allergic reaction that landed me in the ER! I looked like I was burnt and the pain was unbearable! I had to have 3 shots of Epipen before I got any relief! Why does it take so long for this medicine to cause and allergic reaction? I am just lucky that the pain woke me up otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this!"

Was this helpful?Yes No

8 Report

P Kal...
October 10, 2010

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking 3000 MG, 1500 twice a day, of non time released niacin for 8 years and have maintained my cholesterol levels at around 125-130 for that time. This is a drop of about 30 points for me. It was recommended by my doctor. He also gave me instructions on how to work up this dosing level over a 6 week period. I only have occasional flushing issues usually after missing a dose these are usually mild and last less than 5 mins."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

badta
October 27, 2010

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I've been taking it for five years now. I've only had one episode of flushing since starting this medication. I took a Zantac at the same time as the 2000mg Niaspan and I woke up feeling like I was on fire. But I've had no problems since then."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

13 Report

Jan
Taken for 5 to 10 years
February 27, 2019

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I have been taking Niaspan 2000 for the last 8 years with ok results. But the last time I went to the Dr. my cholesterol was 220. The Dr put me on Zetia since I cannot take statins. Unfortunately Zetia had the same reaction on my body as statins. Terrible joint pain. After only 10 days I had to stop. I was hoping it would be the answer but it wasn't. I went back on Niaspan. I watch what I eat and have been a vegetarian for 45 years. Dr said it was hereditary that my liver makes too much cholesterol and it was not my diet. I am at the end of my rope now if the Niaspan stops working. Suggestions?"

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

6 Report

Frank...
August 2, 2017

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "Had high Triglycerides for more than a decade. Was on Niaspan for much of that time. Little or no impact on my numbers (continually had 400 level Triglycerides or higher) My daughter, a nursing student, suggested I look at something different. Finally moved to Lopid. Take 1 pill when I wake up, and one 30 minutes before my evening meal. Since taking Lopid, I've not had a number higher than 150, and I'm eating what I want. I realize that Niaspan might work for some. But if it's not working for you, I strongly recommend trying Lopid."

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

7 Report

Arianna
July 27, 2019

"My experience w/ niacin has been a good one. I am taking 3,000 mg daily & it has helped w/ sleep & anxiety. For anyone who's using the flush niacin, Please switch to the FLUSH-FREE & you won't have to deal w/ the flush problem."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

Nicky
March 10, 2015

Niaspan (niacin) for Hyperlipoproteinemia "I must be really rare because my condition is low cholesterol. My body does not produce enough niacin. My bad cholesterol is at a normal range so are my lipids. I have been on Niaspan for 6 years at least. My cholesterol levels have been steady since. I am at the maximum dose of 2000mg a day. The only problem with it is the flushing. I hate it! I take it at night with a bowl of cereal and a 325 mg entrophen to reduce the flushing."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

7 Report

Eiram...
Taken for less than 1 month
February 26, 2016

For High Cholesterol "Started taking Niacin-B3 500mg a month ago at bed time. About 3 weeks into it I would wake up with stomach pains with the feeling of vomiting, I also had loose bowels, legs hurt, dry skin and itchy rash skin. Stopped taking the meds instantly and called my Dr. Still suffering with rash and itch."

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

6 Report

Mira
Taken for 1 to 6 months
February 8, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started on Niacin flush 500mg for high cholesterol and after the initial flush and rush, I was well and felt better. Then after couple of months my feet and hands started to get white and I was feeling like faint, I was scared and discontinued Niacin flush for good."

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

42ano
January 16, 2015

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I have been taking 1500 mg at bedtime for about 4 years. It has lowered my cholesterol some but I'm also taking Zetia and Crestor too at this time. (I have Familial High Cholesterol about 380) I have flushing, but it is mild compared to regular Niacin which I could never tolerate. Flushing is worse if I forget and skip a day. Drinking water helps with the flushing."

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

Anonymous
September 19, 2017

Niacin SR (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I had never taken a medication that had me in fear for my live like Niacin, the pain, redness, flushing, rash, and drooping of the face was horrible only after the 2nd pill, it is a very worrisome medication I would never take it again"

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

COMPL...
Taken for less than 1 month
October 8, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking niacin ER for about 2 weeks and have many headaches at night and waking up all times of the night due to pain. I am on CPAP also which I think does not help. Plus joint pain during the day. I just don't like the feeling with this drug. "

Was this helpful?Yes No

2 Report

Gende...
Taken for 10 years or more
June 8, 2024

"I have taken 3500 mg of niacin for about 15 years, and nobody really thinks I'm schizophrenic or bipolar. I very seldom have hallucinations and delusions. I also take Xanax, 1 mg Zyprexa, and 20 mg Abilify."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

RJP
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
May 10, 2024

For Depression "For years I have dealt with mild anxiety and mild to moderate depression (sometimes with suicidal ideation). I was reluctant to take traditional depression drugs due to the many side effects. I read a NIH report that niacin does seem to help some people. The scientific article stated a U-shaped relationship with niacin. The increased incremental amount of niacin you take helps relieve depressive symptoms, and the ideal dosage is 36.5 mg. When you start taking more than 36.5 mg of niacin, the relief from depression starts to go away. Too much niacin takes away the benefits of relieving depression. I can't find 36.5 mg, but 50 mg of niacin has been wonderful for me—no more depression! And this has been going on for several months for me. The only side effect is the niacin flush, which does not bother me in the least. Thank you NIH and NIACIN!"

Was this helpful?Yes No

0 Report

Guineym
Taken for 1 to 6 months
October 13, 2018

For Depression "It cured my depression at 3g a day. It cures schizophrenia and bipolar and also aids in constipation to combat antipsychotics."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

89 Report

Beepoo
October 1, 2011

For Depression "Great for depression and great for my hair."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

135 Report

Botti...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
January 22, 2020

For Depression "Completely cured my depression"

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

55 Report

durki...
June 25, 2016

For Depression "Helped anxiety sleep 500mcg 2x a day"

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

78 Report

Anonymous
Taken for 1 to 6 months
February 3, 2021

For Depression "niacin is the cure for depression and cannabis induced psychosis"

Was this helpful?Yes No

40 Report

Health...
Taken for less than 1 month
July 21, 2019

For Depression "Lowered my feelings of anxiety & depression but raised my blood sugar to prediabetes levels. Make sure to monitor your blood glucose levels if you take niacin."

2 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

49 Report

Fractal
August 4, 2017

For Depression "The real benefit of niacin is when you take very high doses and consistently. Keep them in your pocket."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

58 Report

Mr Jim
Taken for 10 years or more
December 31, 2022

For Depression "I won't go into my story. Depressed, anxiety? Try 1000 mg of Niacin a day for a couple weeks, if you do not feel better stop taking it!"

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

18 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.