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Niacin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Niaspan, Niacin SR, Heliocare Advanced, Endur-acin, HDL Benefit, Niacor, B-3-50 B3-500-Gr Slo-Niacin 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. 68% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Niacin

  • FCano
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Roger...
  • July 27, 2017

For Depression "I was taking welbutrin xl for depression. I found that it's effect lessened after time. After hearing about Niacin, I decided to give it a try. 3 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."

10 / 10
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  • Dmarq
  • 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!"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Noudii
  • October 25, 2016

For Depression "I'm diagnosed with multiple sclerosis Before the diagnosis I had a sudden change in my mood form a very happy person to a very depressed person After the diagnosis and failure of 3 kind of treatment for My MS because it escalated my depression I stopped everything And started the following 1. Dr. TerryWahls protocol 2. Vitam B3 3000mg/day It's been 2 years and i haven't got a single relapse And the Vitamin b3 helps with the depression."

10 / 10
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  • 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 1gram 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."

8 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • peter
  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Davet
  • January 2, 2018

For Depression "I originally took niacin up to 1000mg 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 50mg and very slowly increased up to 1000mg, with antidepressant and anti anxiety benefits felt at 200mg and improving as I increased the dosage."

10 / 10
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  • Clarice
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 30, 2019

For Depression "My (male) partner gets 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. Much rather this natural remedy than drug-based antidepressants."

10 / 10
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  • 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. Since the The tryptophan/5-htp can be used to deliver serotonin directly. If you use niacin with whey protein you will get Tryptophan and 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."

10 / 10
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  • Diane
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Bones...
  • 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 paralysing for so long. 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."

10 / 10
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81 Report
  • It is...
  • 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 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 suffer try it . It a miracle"

10 / 10
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  • Aliyah
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 27, 2020

For Depression "Niacin is a life saver. It helps with my anxiety. Unfortunateally 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."

8 / 10
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  • Stron...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 28, 2013

Slo-Niacin (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. "

9 / 10
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  • Hotco...
  • 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 of being over methylated, which could be the reason I didn’t fare well with SSRI .I took niacinamide 500mg and wow! Boost of energy, positivity, and optimism! However only lasted for like 4 days. Hypomania? I’ve tried up to 1500mg a day for a few days, and that feeling never came back, some low mood and anxiety only. I then read that flush niacin would be more effective. So I bought niacin 100mg. Took like 500mg 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 1800mg/ day, split doses, and never got a consistent effect. Already threw away bottles. Wouldn’t try again."

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  • Anonymous
  • August 9, 2009

Slo-Niacin (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 was 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."

10 / 10
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  • Train...
  • July 29, 2013

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "Age 51. Went to get my regular bloodwork with my Doctor. My cholestral has always been >200 and 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 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 high after all that still and my number was 219 total. Based on my unwillingness to try another Statin my Dr. 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! Will check back in 3 mos."

8 / 10
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  • Faith
  • 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 (1000 after each meal) but said everyone is different. "

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  • Ashleyp
  • December 21, 2010

Niaspan (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 doe by a blood test."

1 / 10
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  • BeeJa...
  • April 7, 2011

Niaspan (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 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."

5 / 10
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  • Dogsd...
  • November 29, 2020

For Depression "So I took 250mg Niacin tonight before bed and OH MY GOSH YICKS!!! I woke up roughly an hour since taking it and my whole body felt like it was burning and I had a major panic attack as a result. Such a nightmare. Almost went to the emergency room thinking it was an allergic reaction. Will probably try the no flush type. Anyone else trying this just letting you know if you suffer from severe anxiety like me take with caution an understand the side effects so it doesn’t take you by surprise like it did me. Still lying here trying to calm myself down. P. S. Will update after trying the no flush type, cause I NEVER want to go through that again!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 29, 2012

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "Problems with flushing until 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."

6 / 10
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  • printer...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 23, 2013

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I take 1000mg two times a day. Taking 325 mg 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."

9 / 10
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  • baby...
  • March 19, 2013

Niaspan (niacin) for High Cholesterol "Woke up and felt like I was on fire. Skin was red and my heart was pounding. Nauseated and very itchy. Calling my doctor in the morning. It is not worth it. This has happened twice but this time it is worse. Feel very sick from it. My skin is so red."

3 / 10
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  • Jim...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 5, 2019

Niacin SR (niacin) for High Cholesterol "I have been taking Niacin SR 2000mg nightly with Zeta 10mg 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."

9 / 10
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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.