Niacin and Burning: What Users Say

• 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."

• Jes...
• October 15, 2009

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I participate in a Niaspan clinical trial and take 2000 mg/day along with Zocor and Zetia. I'm 65 and have severe arteriosclerosis. This combination of drugs has made a dramatic difference in my cholesterol numbers. I find that I don't have the 'flushing' (actually more like BURNING) if I take the Niaspan EVERY night and follow the aspirin, applesauce, and wheat crackers technique. It's rather a hassle, but I think worth the trouble."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2014

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Posted about a year ago here after I first started a 500 mg nightly regimen of Niaspan. For a while, it appeared as though I would not have the usual side effect of burning skin. However, the acid reflux I began experiencing began to worsen over time along with gastric problems at night. Then, as an active person who is involved in teaching cardio boxing classes, I began to experience weird feelings in my chest along with a more pronounced heartbeat during and after exercise. Felt like I swallowed a basketball at times. Also could not have any alcohol, beer, or wine while taking this. I decided to stop taking it in fear of creating an arrhythmia or stroke during my exercise, which also is my job. This is day one off of it and I feel better."

• bew...
• February 13, 2011

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I've been on Niaspan for about 2 months, and it has been like a miracle medicine for my condition. I suffer from ulcers really bad on my fingers. Before starting the Niaspan, I had ulcers on every finger on both hands (very, very painful). I was on pain medications constantly, however, I'm now off the pain medications since last week. Ulcers are drying up tremendously. The flushing is awful, the burning and itching are hard to describe. I called my doctor, and he said we can try something else, but this is working, and I'm trying to hang with it."

• toc...
• October 16, 2011

For High Cholesterol "After two years of taking 1 g per day, I developed a rash; at first with itch, then it seemed to be like a very bad sunburn. Areas affected included ankles, legs, thighs, belly, and biceps. A trip to the doctor, I stopped taking and went home to lots of cool showers. After a week of walking around the house naked (just the touch of clothes caused burning and itching), the rash has begun to subside."

• Alm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2018

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

• Dog...
• November 29, 2020

For Depression "So I took 250 mg niacin tonight before bed, and OH MY GOSH, YICKS!!! I woke up roughly an hour after 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 and 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, because I NEVER want to go through that again!!!"