Niacin and Flushing: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2019

Niacin "Can't tolerate niacin (flush), try niacinamide. It is as effective for schizophrenia and depression! My son weaned off Abilify/Lorazepam using niacinamide 3,000 mg a day, all after 2 weeks! My sister uses 500 mg 2x/day for long-standing depression, it is gone after 2 weeks! Truth: ecstatic!"

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2019

"Try niacin in the niacinamide form for schizophrenia. Niacin causes a flush, niacinamide does not. Son diagnosed with schizophrenia. Has been on Geodon, Invega, Abilify, and Lorazepam. Used Dr. Abram Hoffer's regimen: niacinamide 3,000 mg per day and vitamin C 3,000 mg per day. Half AM, half PM. Took 1 week with regular medicines (Abilify 15 mg a day and Lorazepam 1 mg 3 times a day), started decreasing the Abilify. Taking 1/2 of the Abilify for 1 week and then 1/2 tablet of Abilify every other day. Third week, cut the Abilify out altogether. Have to take at least 3,000 mg a day of the niacinamide (niacin) for optimal benefit. After 21 days of niacinamide, he was on no Abilify and 1/2 mg of Lorazepam 2x a day. Lowering that too. Has no compulsive thoughts or paranoia/hallucinations. Peace, no more depersonalization. Niacinamide in 1500 mg dosage."

• P K...
• October 10, 2010

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking 3,000 mg, 1,500 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."

• bad...
• October 27, 2010

Niacin for High Cholesterol "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 2000 mg Niaspan, and I woke up feeling like I was on fire. But I've had no problems since then."

• Ari...
• July 27, 2019

"My experience with niacin has been a good one. I am taking 3,000 mg daily, and it has helped with sleep and anxiety. For anyone who's using the flush niacin, please switch to the FLUSH-FREE, and you won't have to deal with the flush problem."

• Nic...
• March 10, 2015

Niacin for Hyperlipoproteinemia "I must be really rare because my condition is low cholesterol. My body does not produce enough niacin. My bad cholesterol is at a normal range, so are my lipids. I have been on Niaspan for at least 6 years. My cholesterol levels have been steady since. I am at the maximum dose of 2000 mg a day. The only problem with it is the flushing. I hate it! I take it at night with a bowl of cereal and a 325 mg Entrophen to reduce the flushing."

• 42a...
• January 16, 2015

Niacin for High Cholesterol "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."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2017

Niacin for High Cholesterol "I had never taken a medication that had me in fear for my life like Niacin. The pain, redness, flushing, rash, and drooping of the face was horrible only after the second pill. It is a very worrisome medication, I would never take it again."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started on niacin flush 500 mg for high cholesterol, and after the initial flush and rush, I was well and felt better. Then, after a couple of months, my feet and hands started to get white, and I was feeling faint. I was scared and discontinued niacin flush for good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2021

For Depression "I love niacin. I look forward to the flush and always feel quite relaxed after. Overall, it does a lot for depression and anxiety symptoms."

• Ari...
• July 13, 2019

For Depression "For anyone who's taking niacin and getting the flush, please consider taking the non-flush niacin, 1,000 to 3,000 mg instead of the regular one."

• bra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 25, 2013

Niacin for High Cholesterol "My cholesterol has dropped 21 points since I started taking niacin. The only side effects I experience are flushing of the body (like prickly heat) and itching sensations."