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Niacin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Niacin Remove Niacin from your drug comparison Cymbalta Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Bupropion Remove Bupropion from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Niacin Remove Niacin from your drug comparison Cymbalta duloxetine Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Bupropion Remove Bupropion from your drug comparison

Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Hyperlipoproteinemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV - Elevated VLDL, Niacin Deficiency, Pellagra, Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V - Elevated Chylomicrons VLDL. May also... View more

Cymbalta has antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties; however, it has been associated with a discontinuation syndrome on withdrawal even when tapered. Prescribed for Back Pain... View more

Bupropion may be used in the treatment of depression or as an aid to smoking cessation; however, side effects may include insomnia, neuropsychiatric adverse events, or seizures. It carries a black... View more

Prescription and OTC

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 107 reviews

View all 1590 reviews

View all 2420 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: pruritus, nausea, flushing.

See the full niacin side effects document.

Common side effects include: asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hypersomnia, insomnia, nausea, sedated state, headache, xerostomia.

See the full Cymbalta side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: insomnia, nausea, pharyngitis, weight loss, constipation, dizziness, headache, xerostomia.

See the full bupropion side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $1.22
Cost* $36.64

View all niacin prices

Quantity 21 delayed release capsule
Dosage 60 mg
Per Unit* $11.61
Cost* $243.73

View all Cymbalta prices and generic prices

Quantity 30 each
Dosage 150 mg/24 hours
Per Unit* $1.64
Cost* $49.22

View all bupropion prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names
B-3-50, B3-500-Gr, Endur-acin, HDL Benefit, Niacin SR, Niacor, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin Other duloxetine brands include: Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka Aplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

1 hour

17 hours

30 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 96 drugs are known to interact with niacin:

  • 12 major drug interactions (29 brand and generic names)
  • 72 moderate drug interactions (226 brand and generic names)
  • 12 minor drug interactions (144 brand and generic names)

A total of 565 drugs are known to interact with Cymbalta:

  • 101 major drug interactions (451 brand and generic names)
  • 441 moderate drug interactions (1918 brand and generic names)
  • 23 minor drug interactions (179 brand and generic names)

A total of 423 drugs are known to interact with bupropion:

  • 212 major drug interactions (924 brand and generic names)
  • 206 moderate drug interactions (862 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (16 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Ask your doctor before using niacin together with alcohol. You should avoid drinking alcohol, it... View more
  • DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should... View more
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

July 24, 1957

N/A

December 30, 1985

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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