Niacin for High Cholesterol User Reviews (Page 2)

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 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 41 reviews for the treatment of High Cholesterol. 46% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 27% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Niacin

DaleXT
September 28, 2013

"I've just started Niacin. 250 mg daily for a week, now 500mg. I'm concerned because it shoots my blood pressure up from 125/79 to 166/99 for the hour that the flush lasts. I take it with food at supper time. I get strong flushes about every other day."

6 / 10

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Anonymous
November 24, 2010

Niaspan (niacin) "Been taking time release 2000mg at night for three years now, don't know why it's so expensive but it's the only thing that has ever raised my good cholesterol. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I do have the heat feelings but can live with it. Whatever raises my good cholesterol is the best I can do, since it's so low!"

9 / 10

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16 Report

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

"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

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5 Report

Frequently asked questions

How long does niacin stay in the human system?

Me-ma
October 31, 2016

"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

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9 Report

Anonymous
Taken for less than 1 month
November 6, 2017

"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!"

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8 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

P Kal...
October 10, 2010

"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

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13 Report

badta
October 27, 2010

Niaspan (niacin) "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

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Jan
Taken for 5 to 10 years
February 27, 2019

Niaspan (niacin) "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

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Frank...
August 2, 2017

Niaspan (niacin) "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

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7 Report

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

"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

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6 Report

Mira
Taken for 1 to 6 months
February 8, 2020

"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

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3 Report

42ano
January 16, 2015

Niaspan (niacin) "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

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5 Report

Anonymous
September 19, 2017

Niacin SR (niacin) "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"

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3 Report

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

"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. "

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A Wayne
April 15, 2014

Niacin SR (niacin) "Been taking for >20 years at 500mg twice/day. Once you get over flushing side effect in first few months, it has been very effective at lowering and keeping cholesterol at healthy level."

9 / 10

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40 Report

braziej
Taken for 5 to 10 years
July 25, 2013

B3-500-Gr (niacin) "My cholesterol has dropped 21 points since I started taking Niacin. The only side effects I experience is flushing of the body (like prickly heat) and itching sensations."

10 / 10

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35 Report

Anonymous
June 24, 2009

Niaspan (niacin) "I've been on it for about 10 days now and it seems to be working well. "

8 / 10

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28 Report

Anonymous
May 2, 2009

Niaspan (niacin) "Seemed to work okay for me."

8 / 10

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25 Report

Anonymous
February 23, 2012

"Lowered triglycerides by 50%. Severe muscle ache in legs. Discontinued."

7 / 10

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18 Report

Anonymous
September 25, 2011

Niaspan (niacin) "Lowered my cholesterol but after 6 weeks I had to discontinue due to hives."

1 / 10

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17 Report

angel...
August 26, 2011

"The third dose I took affected me very negatively as I broke out in hives and looked like I had a bad sunburn and I was scratching like crazy. "

1 / 10

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14 Report

derec
November 17, 2010

Niaspan (niacin) "I use the niacin regularly. My numbers show a slow moderation, my doctor is pleased. I use not at night, it disturbed my sleep. Thanks."

6 / 10

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13 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.