After 6 months of Niaspan 500 without any real side effects I was increased to 1000 one week ago. I?

20 Aug 2011

Sounds like you are not tolerating the increased amount of Niacin in this medication. Niacin can cause flushing, and feeling hot - almost like a hot flash. With the sensation of bugs crawling on you I wonder if you are starting to have hives - red, itchy spots that are a telltale sign of an allergic reaction. Either way, this requires a call to your doctor right away and stop taking the medication until you hear back. I didn't detect any reason to wean off this medication, besides, if you are having an allergic reaction, which I strongly suspect, you have to go off the medication right away. Sometimes allergies build with increased exposure - you can go along for a long time then react because your body had all that it could take. I also copied an article I found that you might find interesting. Hope you have a good day -

20 Aug 2011

Hey tehall,

You are having common side effects from the increased dosage. You can take half a regular aspirin (half of a 325mg pill) to help with the flushing. The itching is actually a common side effect also. To read a list of common side effects please go to: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/niaspan-side-effects.html
If the side effects become too bothersome or do not subside with continued use, as they should, please contact the doctor.

Best wishes,

Laurie