Niacin and Flushing: What Users Say

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2021

For Depression "Wow! Day 3.... worked up to 2000 mg and flushing has eased right off. My mood has not only done a complete 180, but my energy levels are through the roof. Hope this lasts as I have battled anxiety and depression for 25 years...."

• Kat...
• July 22, 2017

For Depression "I had severe depression on and off the past few years. This time around, it was unbearable and I was literally falling apart mentally. Sadness and torment that would not go away, anxiety, and lack of sleep for over a year, etc. I refused to take synthetic meds and decided to give niacin a go. It worked pretty much instantly. I started on about 300mg (severe flush like sunburn and itchy skin), then calmness. I was upping the dosage almost each time, and flushes eased eventually. Now (2 weeks later) I take 1500mg 2-3 times a day, and the flush is slight with warm face and chest. Sadness is gone, and I feel much more 'with it'. It seems to be blocking unwanted thoughts. Hands down, a true depression cure."

• mia...
• February 16, 2015

For Depression "Niacin has greatly improved my life. My depressive thoughts disappeared right from the start (500mg a day now for 2 weeks. Now going up to 1000mg a day). My girlfriend has also been taking it and we've both been in a greater mood (she's also depressive). Suicidal thoughts are rare now. I no longer flush."

• Ban...
• April 28, 2017

For Depression "Two years ago, my stepdaughter was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. She couldn't go to school, she was suicidal, and completely dysfunctional. She has been on Zoloft since then. We decided, with diet and exercise, to spend six months weaning her off the pills, which was hard. I read about niacin, and we came off of Zoloft and immediately onto this. Three pills a day, which would make 1500mg. The flushing subsided very fast for her. On day 3, she went for a run voluntarily. On day 4, she said she would join soccer. Three weeks in, she was better than ever before. I thought it's a fluke, and when her pills ran out, I accidentally bought flush-free niacin. It took one day to bring her down. Niacin works, she said it lifted the fog."

• Sti...
• March 13, 2012

For Depression "I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression since 2002 when I had cancer and did chemo. The chemotherapy I did saved my life, but it messed up my hormones so much that I went into premenopause at the age of 17. I have been on various doses of Effexor XR for the last 8 years ranging from 75-300mg a day. I needed medication to live a normal life. In the last year or two, I had been progressively getting worse until I felt like I was spiraling out of control. I had been working with my doctor to find a solution, but nothing was working. Extra meds were not helping. Desperate, I tried niacin. 500mg a day. Flushing is worth it. I am now off Effexor, and on niacin instead, and it works better with less side effects, only the flush."

• hap...
• June 6, 2017

For Depression "I read all of these reviews with much interest after stumbling across a word called niacin while researching some info on depression as my partner was in a very bad place. He had always suffered depression but the last bout was particularly bad and ongoing, and he was getting worse, not better. Very glad I found this. He has been taking it for about a month now, and the changes in him were almost immediate. He just takes enough to experience the slight flush, which for him seems to be 300mg. He takes it immediately after breakfast and another 300mg again after tea. Experiment is the key to finding the right dose for you as everyone is different. I can't speak highly enough of it. So, so relieved!!! I was actually fearful for his life!"

• NJ-...
• July 24, 2019

For Depression "It's 7/24/19. I just started this on 7/20. Been taking Viibryd for about 6 months now (40mg). It was working fine for a while, but I started to see the benefits waning. I bought 1,000 of the 500mg tabs. I took 1,000mg the first day. The flush was a little intense for about 45 minutes (itching and flushing of skin). It went away and my depression did too! The next day I took 1,500 mg. The flushing was not as bad as the day before and I felt great. I've been taking 2,000mg a day and I've felt better than I have for 25 years. I think my sweet spot is between 1,500 and 2,000mg per day. As of today, the flushing is VERY minor. I suggest you try this. Now... I'm a type 2 diabetic on medication for control (no insulin). I heard that this can increase sugar in the blood. I hope this doesn't make me have to stop. I'm hoping I can wean off of the Viibryd. This niacin seems like a magical drug, and the best part is it's not a drug... it's a vitamin!!!"

• Ben...
• December 4, 2015

For Depression "I have been on every SSRI and different antidepressants the last 15 years. I started niacin 8 weeks ago. I am now on 1.5g, going up to 3g. Niacin is wonderful. It has helped me so much. Quite amazing. :) I seriously recommend this. It's really strange that this is not more well-known. Use niacin only after food. I take the 1.5g after work, 3x500mg. I'm going to start 1.5g of niacinamide during the morning/daytime because it doesn't make you flush. Niacinamide also works for depression, but not for cholesterol. Probably going over to only niacinamide after the niacin is empty. I live in the winter darkness of Norway, so I also take vitamin D."

• Dma...
• 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!"

• It ...
• 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 the 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 suffers try it. It's a miracle."

• Dia...
• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2009

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 were 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."

• Tra...
• July 29, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Age 51. I went to get my regular blood work with my doctor. My cholesterol has always been >200 and I 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, I have 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 still high after all that, and my number was 219 total. Based on my unwillingness to try another statin, my doctor 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! I will check back in 3 months."

• 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."

• Fai...
• 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 (1,000 after each meal), but said everyone is different."

• A W...
• April 15, 2014

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Been taking for over 20 years at 500 mg twice a day. Once you get over the flushing side effect in the first few months, it has been very effective at lowering and keeping cholesterol at a healthy level."

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

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Problems with flushing until the 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."

• pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I take 1000 mg two times a day. Taking 325 mg of 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."

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

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

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2011

Niacin for High Cholesterol "When major diet changes and exercise hardly changed cholesterol at all, I was started on 1500 mg Niaspan. I do experience flushing several times a month. Wake up hot and feel like I am burning up and itchy all over. If it delays another heart attack like 14 years ago, it is a small price to pay."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2011

Niacin for High Cholesterol "Went on niacin @ 8000 mg fifteen years ago. Now on Niaspan at 2000 mg for the last five years. First medicine that has worked well with my body. My HDL stays in the 70s and total cholesterol under 120. Dosing time and other foods have to be managed to suppress flushing."

• lov...
• August 19, 2009

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I started on Niaspan for 2 months, 500 at night. I had no problems at all. I took an aspirin 1/2 hr. before, then ate a snack, cottage cheese, and never had flushing or anything. I was to take two 500 a night. But when I checked the price at Wal-Mart, they were $15.00 for a 30-day supply. I just bought the flush-free niacin, been taking them now for a week, and still no flushing or felt no different. I have no problems so far with them. As soon as I have my blood test again, I will let you know how they did for me."

• Bra...
• May 6, 2022

For Hyperlipoproteinemia "In combination with a low-carb diet and intermittent fasting, I have been having a good experience so far. Keto will initially raise serum lipid levels, and this has become my “more natural” solution to that hiccup. I experienced flushing initially, but, for me, that subsided by the fourth day. I actually look forward to my next dose due to the feeling of calm and well-being I experience. Additional benefits seem to be that I have been sleeping deeper and longer and wake feeling rested. I’m not taking a prescription form-just a down-and-dirty supplement form."

• 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."