There are 510 ratings for the drug: NIASPAN in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for niaspan: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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1	chlosterol	I WOKE UP ONE MORNING, BENT OVER UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN UP. EXCRUATING PAIN IN MY BUTTOCK, THIGHS, LEGS, FRONT AND BACK, LOWER BACK, I HOBBLED INTO MY KITCHEN,SAT DOWN. UNABLE TO MOVE FOR TWO HOURS. PAIN HAS SUBSIDED SOMEWHAT BUT DAILY MY BODY ACHES THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO MY WORK AND WALK ANY LENGTH. I STOPPED NIASPAN IMMEDIATELY. THAT PRODUCT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET AND THE FDA SHOULD LOOK INTO IT.		F	87	60 days 1X D		7/28/2010
1	low hdl	burning,tingling,shaky inside,fatigued		F	57	30 days 500 1X D		7/27/2010
2	To increase good cholesterol	gained 15 lbs, have had burning sensations, i was crying in pain bc i felt as though i was on fire, i have had hot flashes, broken out in hives, increased heart rate and adrenile at times, other times i feel light headed as though i am going to pass out, sleeping a lot and it never seems enough, i hate not being able to eat spicy food or hot food with the medicine, (it causes more hot flashes if u do)	i only take this at night, i found that taking this in the morning made the day unbarrable. when i did break out in those hot burning flashes, i took benedril. that helpped me a lot. within 10 minutes it was over.	F	22	3 months 500-1000 1X D		7/21/2010 Email
2	to help good readings	Face burning, arms/back uncomfortable tingling and now feeling hot when my wife said it is cool in the house,Face and body turning red. :(	Was taking at night, woke up with face on fire. Nothing helped, cold compresses only time. Told Doctor switched to noon taking medicine 4 hours after Colestid. Still had symptoms. Taking 81 mg asprin seems to help but 20 minutes after taking at noon I can feel symptoms coming back but not as severe. Getting into pool seems to agrivate symptoms, not help. Waiting for symptoms to decrease. Why does a Doctor increase doseage. Believe me, this is as high as I am going o take. Haven't had blood work yet aftyer quiting first time. What happens if you discontinue drug after being on it after a while? I'm game to try. Chicken with all the surgeries.	M	73	30 days 500mg 1X D		7/17/2010
1	colstoral	Took this drug one time as it cause extreme tingling, heat and finally passed out twice, with paramedic saying heart rate dropped so badly I was taken to the hospital where I spent 3 days recovering from the side effects of this drug.	I may have been the rare exception but the affect it had on me was so bad, I would never recommend anyone to take it on the outside chance you too, will end up in the hosptial.	M	64	1 days 30 1X D		7/17/2010 Email
5	high cholesterol	first week burning in legs now maybee a little dizzy		M	45	11 months 500mg 1X D		7/16/2010 Email
1	High cholesterol	On 10th day of taking with no side effects, lower back began hurting, then almost fainted several times, lightheaded, severe nausea, diarrhea, hot flashes, heart palpatations with accelerated heart rate, fatigue, weakness, acid reflux, anxiety. Had to leave my job. Took 6-8 hours to subside enough to sleep. Blood sugar had elevated to 173 (I do not have diabetes).	It has been six days since stopping niacin and I am still experiencing lightheadedness, heart palpatations, weakness, nausea, headaches. Ended up in ER on fifth day due to extreme weakness and other sypmtoms. Reassured it was not my heart. This medicine is horrible!! After reading some of these, I worry if the symptoms will ever go away. I have already had to be off work 3 1/2 days and I never miss work. I am sorry I ever tried this drug.	F	57	10 days 500 mg 1X D		7/14/2010
3	To increase good cholesterol	I have experienced insomnia for about the last two years and did not attribute it to the Niaspan, but I am beginning to see a trend on here... I flush occasionally, especially if I eat ice cream or something high in fat, which I try not to do close to bedtime because of the Niaspan, so I am going to def try the apple/applesauce thing...I am also going to try cutting the dosage in half and taking 500 in the morning and 500 at night to see if it helps with my sleep and the flushing!		F	40	2.5 years 1000 1X D		7/13/2010
5	High triglycerides	I was started out at 500 mg/day and my doctor told me to take an 81 mg aspirin about half an hour before taking the Niaspan, in conjunction with my last meal of the day. I experienced intense flushing each day for 2 - 3 weeks, then the flushing lessened. After 6 months I increased to 1000 mg/day, another 6 months to 1500 mg/day and now 2000 mg/day for 6 months. With each increase I experienced more flushing again for a couple weeks. When I went to 2000 mg I increased to 2 81 mg aspirin. If I miss a day or 2, I have more severe flushing but for the most part have very little reaction any more. I have found that taking the 2 aspirin before dinner and the Niaspan about an hour after the aspirin, the side effects are mildest.	After 10+ years of trying various medications, and combinations thereof, my triglycerides and HDL are at normal levels!! With a lesser dosage, my 40 year old son, who has also experienced flushing, has had a positive outcome with Niaspan as well.	F	67	2 years 2000 mg 1X D		7/12/2010
3	High Cholesterol	I was advised to eat a little applesauce with this pill and make sure to take it before bed to avoid the "flushing". One night I took it too early....about 2 hours before bed. I started doing things around the house and my skin turned bright red all over and the burning was SO intense I almost called 911. I quickly ate a little more applesauce and took a cool shower. Went right to bed afterwards. You definitely need to eat some applesauce or slices of apple with it and then go to bed. I think moving around after the dose can bring on the flushing. I havent had any more issues but am curious as to how much it's actually helping. Will find out soon.		F	50	30 days 500mg 1X D		7/12/2010
1	low HDL ; high particle count	EXTREME BURNING SENSATION OF SKIN; RAPID HEARTRATE; DIZZINESS, CHILLS AND WEAKNESS	HAVE BEEN TAKING ABOUT 8 DAYS WITH NO PROBLEMS. DID COINCIDENTALLY HAVE BROWNIES BEFORE BED. TOOK AT 9 AND WOKE AT 11:30 FEELING LIKE I WAS ON FIRE! BRIGHT RED ALL OVER, BY THE TIME I REACHED THE BATHROOOM NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS BEGAN. TRIED COLD CLOTHES ETC- NO HELP. FINALLY PUT FAN ON HIGH AND LAID UNDER TO RELAX AND STARTED TO SUBSIDE. WOULD RATHER RUN A MARATHON A DAY TO RAISE HDL THAN TO WAKE UP TO THAT AGAIN. NEVER TAKING THIS AGAIN	F	34	8 days 500 1X D		7/12/2010
1	cholesterol	heat flash, tingling, itching	this stuff is available over the counter	M	46	2 days 15 mg 2X D		7/10/2010
1	Plaque, coronary artery blockage	The usual (flushing, itching), AND on the 4th night I passed out cold, followed by incapacitating weakness for 3/4 hour, then violent shivering. Gray stools for one week !!	Too dangerous for me to take.	F	66	4 days 500 1X D		7/7/2010 Email
4	Triglycerides	Experienced the standard side affects of flushing, itching, on-fire, etc., but my doctor informed to take 4 aspirin, 30 minutes before the Niaspan @ bedtime. First couple of weeks I felt the the side affects but not so servere that I couldn't sleep. I'm now taking the Niaspan with 1, 81mgs. of aspirin with no problems. Haven't gotten new blood work yet to see if it's helping. Keeping my fingers crossed!	I think it's helpful if people try the aspirin regimen (as long as you can take aspirin!). Bring it up with your doctor and Pharmisit (they can be very helpful!).	M	51	2 months 500 mgs 1X D		7/6/2010
1	high cholesterol	the longer i took it the worse my flushing became. at least 3 time a week. took 6-8 benadrylin less than an hour to get releif. i put the niaspan in the medicine cabinet and told my dr i will not take it again. life is too short and i refuse to be in misery. i am 66 yrs old and my quality of life is not that good as i am disabled and have been for 15 yrs. i just dont think taking 6-8 benadryl in less than an hour is in my best interest.	not for me	F	66	2 years 500 1X D		7/6/2010 Email
5	to increase HDL	Flushing for about 30 minutes however not severe.	With a combination of 40 MG Lipitor and 1000 MG of Niaspan my total cholesterol is in the 80-90 range.	M	68	4 years 1000 MG 1X D		6/28/2010
1	cholesterol	I tried statins with no luck. Not only did they not reduce lipid levels, I was so weak I could barely walk. So I started with Lovaza for triglycerides. My LDL went UP. My doctor added Niaspan for cholesterol and I was miserable. No flushing but I had such extreme thirst I thougt my throat was on fire! It is worse at night to the point where I was afraid of choking. I am familiar with anaphalaxis because I have an allergy to tree nuts, this is not the same thing. I developed a cough and the only thing that would help is huge amounts of water. I am nauseated. I ache all over. My doctor told me Niaspan didn't do that, just flushing. I had to stop the Lovaza to prepare for minor surgery (bleeding risk) so I stopped the Niaspan too. Within 48 hours I was a new person! I will not take another cholesterol drug. Quality of life is more important to me than attempting to reduce the possibility of something that may never happen anyway. And I am annoyed that my doctor can't seem to understand th		F	59	3 months 500 2X D		6/26/2010
1	LDL195 Hdl 60	Took 500 for 1 month. Just a few cramps in the calves Then 1000 for 8 days with aspirin at night. Last night no sleep this am fever and very very sore muscles headache and I even question why I should have to take anything at 74 yrs old and in very good health. Cannot take statins either. No thanks never again. Life is too short to feel that lousy.		F	74	8 days 1000 mg 1X D		6/23/2010
3	Keep Colestrol at Good Levels	Last night I thought I was burning up. After almost 3 months this was the worst I ever felt. One more time & I STOP taking Niaspan. The whole night was bad, maybe got 2 hrs. sleep.		M	68	3 months 1X D		6/21/2010
1	To lower cholesterol	Imediately after taking the first dose I had a bad headache and dizziness. 4 hours later I turned bright red all over my body and had hives . My throat closed up. called rescue and was taken to ER. Severe reaction to Niaspan. Told not to take it again. Three days later, I'm still experiencing rapid heart beats, headaches and dizziness. I'm unsteady walking. Just feel real strange. Was absolutely fine before taking Niaspan 500	I would never take this drug again. The side effects are awful.I will see my doctor tomorrow. Would like to know how long it takes to get this drug out of your body.	F	68	1 days 500mgER 1X D		6/20/2010
1	high triglisarides	Very bad rash, hives,simular to bad sunburn. Muscle aches, joint pain, weakness, dizzy to the point of passing out,nauseous.	I tried taking asprin before the meds, but symptoms would happen a few times a week. took the med for 5 months. Actual final blood test showed readings increased along with liver enzymes elevated. The last ATTACK made my heart rate go over 80 bpm. This happened while I was asleep, and when i got up to check my heart rate, I became dizzy and nauseous, to the point of passing out. I would not recommend anyone taking this drug. I will never attempt anymore of these wonder drugs.	M	67	150 days 500 MG 1X D		6/8/2010
2	High cholesterol,	Muscle pain in neck & shoulders and calves in legs.	The flushing can be controlled with taking an aspirin or a motrin a half hour before taking the niaspan.	F	69	5 years 1500 mg 1X D		6/3/2010 Email History
5	carotic blockage	flushing severe only 1 time mild flush often	Along with 5 mg of crestor, I took 500 mg of niaspan for a few months but when the arbiter 6-halts results came out I titrated up rapidly by taking 500 at night and 500 upon getting up, then 1000 at night and 1000 in the am then 1500 at night and 1000 in the am with only one episode of strong flushing. This took about a month. My total cholesterol went from 230 to 112. My hdl from 40 to 56, triglicerides from 180 to 110. ldl from 150 to 32. I heard later that I was lucky as I don't flush easily and that the reason for taking it all at night is to give your liver some rest time. The previous slo- niacin acted for almost 24 hours and the liver didn't have time to recuperate which led a significant number of people into liver damage. Now I take all 2500mg at night. Because hdl has a half-life of 5 days and ldl a half life of 2.5 days, when i occasionally party and drink up to a bottle of wine, I skip the niaspan that night, but try to not do so 2 days in a row. Also I don't take my ibuprofen (arthritis) while the niaspan is most active, there might be a tylenol/alcohol type problem.	M	78	1 years 2500 1X D		5/31/2010
4	High triglycerides and cholesterol	Oh my gosh! Why don't our doctors or pharmacists warn us! I woke up last night feeling like I was on fire! I was bright red and slightly swollen in the face. I had my husband call 911. I was scared out of my mind, sitting in the tub with ice cold water trying to get the burning to stop! The EMT's asked me if I was taking anything new and I told them niaspan and he proceeds to tell me its commonly referred to as a niacin flush. It sure as heck was not a "hot flash" that I was warned about. If someone had told me at least I would have known what it was instead of thinking something was horribly wrong.	I will still keep taking it as it's for my health.	F	33	2 weeks 1X D		5/31/2010
1	low good cholesterol	I had been gradually increasing the tablet strength over the previous 2 weeks. Started taking the 750mg tablet and after the second day, having taking the tablet about 11.00pm, I woke up at 1.30am with burning legs face and back and I was feeling very very uncomfortable. I went to the bathroom, and noticed that I was like a lobster, red all over, akin to bad sunburn. My face was also puffed up slightly. I felt really unwell and suffered loose bowels. At one point I thought I was going to pass out. It wore off after about 40 mins. I have stopped taking the tablets and waiting to see my doctor	I wouldnt want to take this tablet again. The side effects are very severe. This is NOT slight flushing as mentioned by the doctor, pharmacist and drug information leaflet	M	51	2 days 750 1X D		5/19/2010 Email
4	High Cholesterol	After 4 years of taking Niaspan, last night I woke up at 3 AM feeling like my body was on fire! It felt as if I had gone to the beach for 8 eight hours and not put any sunscreen, I couldn't stand the bed sheets. My skin was red and I was literally red glowing!! I went to the doctor today and before letting me finish with my story, started laughing and said: "say no more, you're taking Niaspan, just take an aspiring 30 mins. before your Niaspan", hopefully this should do it ... keep you posted!		M	38	4 years 1X D		5/18/2010
3	high cholesterol, VERY low (3) good	not even 15 minutes after taking it i was covered in what i thought was hives. It looked and felt like a really bad sunburn ALL over my body. I guess this is the "hot flash" my doctor was warning me about. This is not at all what I expected. About 30 minutes after the side effects started, they began to taper off. Not so much itching, but severe burning of my skin. My side effects arent enough (yet) to stop taking the medication, after all, Im taking it to prolong my life!		F	21	3 days 500 1X D		5/15/2010
2	high triglyceride levels	I woke up at 1:00 ( 3 or 4 hours after taking NIASPAN ) with my face prickling and burning (not what I would call itching). I was a bit woozy and had intestinal discomfort. The face and neck burning became intense and I went to the bathroom for air and water and had diahhrea. I became really dizzy and passed out (hitting my head on the counter). My wife couldnt lift me but I was up in about 30 sec or so and had some more diahhrea. My wife called the EMTs and I went o lie down again. After about 30 minutes, all the sypmtoms were gone (except for a gash in my head !). The EMT came measured my blood pressure (102/70). I was feeling fine by then so I didnt go to the ER.	I had a minor heart attack 5 months ago and was put on the 'usual' cocktail of lipitor, plavix, coreg and diovan and 1 aspirin at night. My total cholesterol was way down under 100 but the triglycerides were still a bit high so the doctor suggested NIASPAN 1 hour after the aspirin. He did tell me watch out for itchiness and bit of diziness but I didnt expect such a sudden onset. I am seeing the doctor this morning.	M	52	2 weeks 500 1X D		5/13/2010
2	high triglyeride levels	My doctor told me to take at night to avoid flushing that some experienced. I began waking up in the middle of the night. My arms and legs were very itchy. I scratched and scratched. I finally found a cream in the medicine cabinet for itching. I rubbed it on and then my arms and legs burned and were hot. Probably because I had already scratched and broken the skin. After 2 nights of this I realized it was the Niaspan. I was up most of the night - no sleep except for a few hours. My insomnia was caused by the constant itching. I stopped Niaspan and am fine now.	If you experience intense itchiness, it may be the Niaspan. Try plain, old over-the-counter niacin (B3) from the vitamin aisle of your pharmacy. It didn't cause any side effects.	F	61	8 days 500 1X D		5/11/2010
2	hyperlipidemia	I have tried other medications to reduce cholesteral which have resulted in swelling of the throat and hives. I tried niaspan and was awoken on the second night by prickly stabbing pains in my skin. In the morning my face was swollen and I began to break out in hives on my hands. Not for me. This medication may help someone else, but it is definitely not for me.		F	47	2 days 500mg 1X D		5/9/2010
3	cholesterol a little high	At first it was just the flushing, but gradually and in the past few months and more in the last weeks I have experienced the excruciating joint and muscle pain and stiffness (neck, shoulder, back arms wrists, hands stiff calves, legs etc...) to what I experienced on LIPITOR, also anxiety, chest pressure, vaginal burning, head achey, and fatigue. During the past few months I tried to use Replens and experienced horrible vaginal burning. I know I am post-menopausal, but I believe Niaspan has robbed me of my sex life which I have always enjoyed. Intercourse is impossible.	My hdl and ldl #s have improved greatly, however I am afraid to continue. I exercise at a gym twice a week and walk every day for exercise. I am disappointed that none of my doctors even brought up Niaspan as a possible source of my problems. Thank you for this opportunity to learn from others. I hope this might help other women connect vaginal problems they may be experiencing with this drug. Why do we have to be detectives? I came to the conclusion myself about the vaginal problem one night when I forgot to take the Niaspan and I did not burn from Replens. I think I may have reached a toxic level with Niaspan. I am not sure if that can be tested.	F	67	5 years 2X D		5/5/2010
5	High cholesterol	Tingly "itchies" all over; sometimes very painful for about 1-2 hours right after I wake up. (I take the Niaspan before I go to sleep.) I have linked this to chocolate. If I have too much, e.g. good dark chocolate or brownies or just about any other chocolate, I get it. So, if I decide to indulge, I skip the Niaspan - not often, but sometimes I just have to.	Great for lowering my cholesterol.	M	62	5 years 1500 mg 1X D		5/4/2010 Email
3	High Cholesterol	Burning (Flushing), chest pain, abdominal bloating and pain, mood swings.	I take Niaspan at night with an aspirin half an hour before. Had chest pain so severe that my doctor advised getting a Stress Test done. Got the stress test, healthy heart, but still have intermittant chest pain, mood swings, irritable, listless feeling, abdominal swelling, lower bowel discomfort too. Also occasionally get the night time BURNING. Flushing is putting it way too mildly. Burning! It only lasts about half an hour, but boy-oh-boy what a way to wake up out of a sound sleep. Feels like you have a very severe sunburn on your whole body. (I wish someone had told me about this, very upsetting not knowing in the middle of the night what's happening to your body). I am definitely more prone to being red too. Have not had new tests done to determine LDL, Tri's and HDL levels, but if they are not improved I am off this drug. Could not tolerate any of the other Statin drugs (horrible side-effects most of which the damned pharmaceutical companies don't even list on their package inserts) so this is kind of the last stop for my cholesterol management.	M	49	2.5 months 500 1X D		4/27/2010
4	I have elevated cholesterol & trig	Mild flushing	Almost everyone has flushing, but what long term effects do other patients notice? I think that drying of my skin, possible muscle atrophy, sleep disruption and fat distribution around the abdomen are possible side effects that I have seen after taking Niaspan for 8 years. But these may be normal age related changes....	M	64	8 years 2000 MG 1X D		4/25/2010 Email
1	to lower cholesterol levels	extreme whole body flushing, burning, pinprick sensation, chills, twitching of all muscles, headache, sudden high blood pressure (190/80) lasted 1 hour	I am unable to take statins to lower cholesterol so MD suggested niaspan. Before taking this med I read all of the patient comments and was cautious making sure to take with yogurt, vitamin C and aspirin. Took this med for 2 months without any problems. Sudden occurence of side effects. Took one whole aspirin, and milk while having side effect. I am an RN and based on my professional experience would not advise anyone to continue taking this drug after such a reaction. Called my MD who advised continuing to take drug. I will not - will continue to manage the cholesterol level with diet and exercise.	F	74	2 months 500 mg 1X D		4/25/2010 Email
5	high triglycerides & hdl bad type	One bad flushing episode. I took 100mg niacin supplements along with the 500mg Niaspan to raise my levels up very slowly before going on the 750mg and again before raising to 1,000. Very minimal flushing with this method. My blood pressure is low from it which is good, however, I do have to be careful that it doesn't get too low.	This drug is wonderful. My biggest fear is that I will get a side effect that will not allow me to continue on it. I had a VAP test that showed 15 items with some high risk factors for heart disease. I have also seen recent research on pubmed that shows that it will make veins/blood vessels more flexable.	F	69	4 months 1,000 1X D		4/17/2010 Email
5	hyperlipidemia	occasional fliushing		M	76	10 years 2000 1X D		3/20/2010
4	Increase HDL	Itching, no flushing. Take a whole aspirin 1 hour before at night. I think my dose is to high. It did raise my HDL from 39 to 79		M	61	1 years 2000MG 1X D		3/18/2010
3	to raise my HDL	Extreme stiffening and very painful back. Also shoulder very painful and limited range. The pain was something that I had never experienced before. What clouds the picture somewhat is that I had been doing exercises in this same period but not any much different than I had been doing at other times when I had no back or shoulder pain. This pain was unbelievable! Almost couldn't walk or use the shoulder that was affected.	It did raise my HDL by about 7 points before getting to the highest dosage of 1500 mg per day but I was already experiencing some pain at 1000 mg so I did not yet go back to taking the med. Perhaps some day I will try the 500 mg level again.	M	53	3 days 500 3X D		3/17/2010 Email
5	The regular reasons	I need to post something important. I have been taking the big bright orange Niaspan pills for years now with minimun flushing when taken with asprin. The last couple months my perscription has been re-filled and the pill is now a light orange color and has an "A" on them. I just figured this was a generic. Ever since I have been on the light orange pills I have been to ER twice with rapid heart beat, chest pain, and shortness in breath. It was freaking me out because each time they said I was fine...EKG,Blood pressure etc. So I figued it must be this new pill...sure enough I stopped taking the light orange pills and everything with in 24 hours stopped. I am seeing my Doctor next week. I have a feeling this light orange pill is a boot leg product from China that has some how got in the system. I got this at Walgreens in Miami. I am having the pills analyzed now. If you get this light orange pill given to you as Niaspan instead of the bright orange pill do not accept these.		M	60	5 years 2000 daily 1X D		3/5/2010 Email
2	Cholesterol Lowering	Flushing, swelling	Only minimal effects for 6 days. On the 7th day upon waking up in the morn I noticed swelling of my wrists and redness on various places such under my arms. I was itchy over most of my body but esp. arms, wrists, hands and feet. NOTE: I WEAR CONTACTS AND IT BOTHERED ME BUT NOT TO THE POINT TO TAKE THEM OUT BUT CLOSE. It is Sunday so no Dr but Pharmacist recommended benadryl. I'm waiting for it to take effect. Seeing Dr tomorrow.	M	67	7 days 500 1X D		2/28/2010
5	Low HDL	Flushing.	I must be the only one that actually enjoys the flushing.	M	42	3 months 2000 mg 1X D		2/24/2010
4	high trigs and LDL, low HDL	When I tried this drug six months ago, the flushing, itching, heart palpitations, insomnia, and stomach distress were intolerable after one week, even with taking an aspirin an hour before. Now, thanks to the folks who posted here in December, 2009, who stated that taking 500 mg of Vitamin C helped, I am able to take the drug with NO side effects. Thanks.	I don't know whether this drug make my numbers ay better, but it's nice to know that at least I have a chance at it. All five statins I took over the course of three years caused side effects too numerous to list.	M	62	30 days 500 mg 1X D		2/20/2010
5	hypertrigliceridemia	I get tingly and a flush often, about two to three times a month, but then I take an ibuprofen 200mg tab and it is gone within an hour.	It has done wonders to my very high triglycerides (from 700 to 200).	M	63	10 years 500mg 1X D		2/16/2010 Email
5	High Triglycerides	When I first started taking this drug 4 weeks ago I had heavy flushing and my legs itched like CRAZY> I am now to the point were it happens very little. I get the flushing still , but I have found it seems like after I eat a meal in a rest. later its getting rid of all the crap from it. My energy level has gone up ten fold and my depression is completely gone. This drug has helped with ED problems caused by other meds I take. I will take this drug as long as my doc will let me and it works it has changed my life for the good	I hope everyone could have the results I have had . My Tryg;s are in half now. wonderful	M	42	5 weeks		2/1/2010 Email
4	HIgh Cholestrol	I have taken Niaspan 500ER for about 14 months now, on top of the Tricor 145mg. that I take during the day for my high cholestrol. My doctor just added Lipitor to the other 2 because my cholestrol has not improved in the past year. All of my numbers are in the extreme danger zone. Last Sunday night, at 4:30 am, I went to the bathroom and I was having an episode of flushing when I woke up. Sat on the toilet and the flushing seemed to intensify, and the next thing I know, I am laying in the floor of my bedroom with my husband trying to wake me up. I passed out while on the toilet and I was unresponsive when he tried to get me up, so he dragged me into our bedroom. EMS came and could find no pulse nor blood pressure so off to the ER I went, via ambulance. Once in ER, as the techs moved me to the bed from the stretcher, I passed out again and this time began to convulse. The diagnosis was low blood pressure but I go to a neurologist tomorrow. I am wondering if it is a neurological problem		F	50	1 years		2/1/2010 Email
1	lower chloresterol	panic attacks, hot flashes, fast heartbeat, can't sleep		M	83	3 days		1/30/2010
5	Tryglycerides low hdl high ldl	Flushing but not every time. Sometimes it's worse but by now I know what to expect.	I had been on various statins for years, after some time developed muscle cramp with each one. Had to quit jogging due to the cramps. Quit taking statins, felt much better but Doctor unhappy. Spring of 2009 tried 1500 mg of Niaspan. Twice a day 750mg. Had stomach problems and quit taking it. Tried Crestor 5mg, ldl good, hdl 30, Tryglycerides high. Fall of 2009 decided to try Niacin again and split 750 mg. Now I take about 375 mg after lunch with some other meds, including 81mg of Aspirin. My second dose after dinner. I have a reaction 2-4 hours later, but not every time and with a different intensity. It is something I can live with. With this dose I don't have much of a stomach problem. My last blood test in December 2009 was excellent. Tryglycerides went way down to 114, ldl great at 93, hdl went from 30 to 44. I work out almost every day, but my hdl was 30 before Niacin. I do take Crestor 5mg maybe twice a week. Intend to drop Crestor and see how the ldl will be. Sofar I am happy with the results of Niacin. Will try as some suggested to take vitamin C before taking Niacin	M	66	180 days		1/26/2010 Email
2	High Cholesterol	flushing, muscle aches and pains in legs, and general muscle weakness.	Started Niaspan and after 3 weeks legs started to ache like with statins. Got off for 2 weeks and pain went away. Started back on it again and again in about 3 weeks leg pain and weakness again. I can stand the hot flashes just not the leg pain...feel it it may be reducing my cholesterol , but at what price??	F	56	90 days		1/18/2010
4	high cholesterol	Taking 1500 mg. will occasionly wake up itching like crazy on arms legs, stomach. Had spicy chicken wings tonite might be the problem.	Has helped all my hdl ldl cholesterol levels	M	57	1 years		1/16/2010
1	High Cholesterol	High blood pressure, paranoia, inability to concentrate, inability to sleep, high stress, constantly worried, short temper, swollen and discolored eyelids, blurred vision, constant sties, rashes on face, flushing	This is an update to my posting on Nov. 12, 2008 (now over 1 year after stopping Niaspan) - WOW - the long term side effects I was experiencing were horrible - it literally brought my life to a halt. I am now once again a productive individual without paranoia, stress and a high temper. The rash on my cheek is still pink - however it is not swollen and warm any longer. My forehead is no longer bright pink and hot to the touch - it literally looked and felt like a permanent sunburn. I still have a pink patch on my upper chest - but again it is no longer hot and itchy as before. My eyes!!!! Wow again. I no longer have to look through a fog, I can see again at night without headlights and taillights having huge hazy rings around them. This side effet took close to a year to clear up. I no longer have the huge painful sties either. Hope this helps. Please take caution with this medication as it not only has short term side effects, but the long term side effects can creep up on you and appear as other medical problems.	M	46	4 years		1/14/2010
1	Raise HDL lower LDL after Stent	Flu like symptons. After 10 hours of sleep I did not feel refreshed--could have slept another 10 hours. Severe loss of memory: completely forgot how to play solitaire, Scrabble. Driving: drove past exits!	If I could have tolerated Niaspan I would not have hesitated continuing to take it because it is supposedly less harmful than statins (which I cannot tolerate either) since it is a vitamin. Nevertheless use caution when taking this or any medicine.	M	80	30 days		1/10/2010
4	high cholesterol	I have been on Niaspan for about 1.5 years. I take it right before I go to bed which helps reduce the flushing. I can't take aspirin, so get the flushing sometimes- but it usually goes away within half hour or so - and usually I can go back and sleep through it. It does make me a little itchy at night sometimes - like many medications, there is an adjustment period - but it does get better, although never perfect from what I have experienced	I can't take statins -so this has helped to bring my cholestorol down and the side effects are intermitent - sometimes I don't feel flushing for a couple months - I think it is worth it - and for those of us who can't take a statin, it would be wrong to take it off the market because someone else had a poor reaction - if that were true we would not have penicillin!	F	47	1.5 years		1/8/2010
3	Cholesteol, Triglycerides	Hot prickly sensation (so that's what they meant by "flushing"), mostly in face, but spreads to rest of my body occasionally.	Dr. started me off at 1000mg/day taken all at once for 30 days, then up to 2000. I'm 190lbs and pretty fit. The thorough warning about flushing helped a lot. I can see how this caused panic in some who did not have any expectation of what might happen. I generally tolerate all meds well, so this side effect thing is news. Experimenting with time of day and snacks. Will try the apple/juice idea next. Splitting the dosage seems like a good idea, although the Abbott nurse said they recommend all at once at bedtime-because the body metabolises cholesteral better at rest.	M	46	10 days		1/5/2010 Email
3	high triglycerides	I have not had any side effects and been on this for 2 weeks.	I have read all the comments and have not seen the suggestion that my doctor recommended. he says to eat an apple with the niaspan at night and the apple pectin decreases flushing. so far has worked for me. dont know results yet on lowering my numbers. will find out in Feb.	F	39	2 weeks		12/29/2009
2	HDL low; triglycerides little high	The first night had nausea, severe itching & burning (as if someone set me on fire while still alive). Though the itchy and burning are not as severe now and no recurrence of nausea, I also have developed swelling in hands/ankles/feet, shortness of breath and stiffness in joints (hips, knees, ankles, back, wrists, fingers, arms). I am tired but that may be due to lack of sleep since I wake up frequently due to the fluctuations in body temperature. I have also gained weight probably due to the water retention.	Recovering from a massive pulmonary embolism. Breathing was finally getting back to normal when doctor prescribed this. I was told to take at bedtime with a snack. Crackers is not a snack. I now take it with a yogurt. I am already on an aspirin regimen and blood thinners so I do not take additional aspirin at bedtime. None of my rings fit due to the swelling in my hands. Shoes are now too tight. I walk like I am 80 due to the stiffness in my joints. I have only been taking this for just over 3 weeks and feel the side effects are worse than any benefit. I have not had additional blood tests so I do not know if this medication is effective. Will re-test after 10 weeks. Doctor prescribed a diuretic for a few days but it has not made a difference yet in the swelling.	F	51	23 days		12/26/2009 Email
5	high cholesterol	occasionly flushing for the first couple of weeks. Dry mouth at night.	It works. I tried 3 different statins first and they had terrible side effects. Niacin is much better.	M	58	2 years		12/25/2009
4	high cholest,,high trigs,high LDL	occasional flushing, very dry skin,eyes,mouth	Seems to work for my issues. Significant reduction in numbers for t.c.,LDL and trig. Raised my HDL substantially. I eat high fiber snack before Niaspan. Also take an uncoated asirin 1/2 hour before. Take 2000mg of niaspan a day; 1000 mg in the a.m. and again after dinner.	F	55	5 months		12/19/2009 Email
4	low HDL high LDL High Triglycerides	The first time I tried to take it, I failed due to intense flushing. I decided I just couldn't live like that. Then I heard about a way to take it that almost totally does away with the flushing and it is good for you. It sounded too good to be true but it wasn't. I called my doc and asked for another script and told him what I planned to try. He said he had never heard of it but it wouldn't hurt to try. I take 500mg Vit C with each 500 Niaspan, in the morning and again at night. I only take 1000 mg a day of Niaspan. It works great. I hardly ever flush but if I do have a little, I just take more C and it goes away. I use regular Vit C but Ester C works too. Ya'll try it and let me know if it works for you. I am very interested to see your responses.		F	59	11 months		12/18/2009
4	triglycerides over 500 & low HDL	Doctors won't tell you this because most of them don't know but if you take the Niaspan with equal amounts of Vitamin C, you won't get the flushing. I take 500 MG of Niaspan with 500 MG Vit. C morning and night. I flushed like crazy the first time I tried Niaspan therapy and eventually discontinued it. Years later someone told me about the Vit. C and I tried it again and believe me when I say it works. I have been on it since Jan. 09 with very little flushing. If I get a little, I just take some extra "C" and it goes away. Try it for yourself.		F	58	11 months		12/17/2009 Email
1	High cholesterol level	Burning in large intestine and rectum after 1 week, slight morning nausea	I took 500mg before bed with 1 aspirin after a low fat snack. Didn't notice anything much for about a week. Then I had continuous burning in intestine and rectum. Feet started itching. Stopped it because I thought my intestines would bleed. Developed hemeroids. Everything improved when I stopped but 2 weeks later still have some burning. Has anyone else had these symptoms?	F	69	7 days		12/15/2009
5	carotid 50% blocked up to 69%.	On Thanksgiving day I had a slice of pecan pie and a big slice of cheesecake for dessert. That night I had intense flushing. This was the first time after several months for the bad flushing. Next day lots of leftovers and no sugar. Took 3 500mg niaspan and no flushing. Am up to 2g now and no sugar, no flush.	For me it was the sugar. I take the niaspan with a glass of skim milk.	M	77	10 months		12/5/2009
4	Raise HDL	Mild flushing.	Take low dose aspirin 1/2 hour prior, then take little snack at bedtime. Rarely bothers me. I'm taking 1,000 mg nightly. If this helps even a little bit, I'll stay with it.	M	63	6 months		11/30/2009 Email
5	high cholesterol, high LDL, low HDL	Only side effect was flushing as alerted to by my doctor and the literature, so not unexpected. Usually flushing subsides in about a half hour. One significant episode occurred when I donated blood. It was uncomfortable but tolerable. Cold water bottle rubbed on forehead helped.	This is a wonder drug. I am amazed at how well it has worked for me. I am "stoked" about my blood work. Total cholesterol now 136, Triglycerides 60, LDL 87, but HDL unchanged at 37. Risk factor 2.35. I take 500 mg every morning with Lipitor 40 mg. I will talk with my doctor about possibly lowering my dose of Lipitor since my numbers are so outstanding now.	M	69	90 days		11/27/2009
2	Slightly high "bad", low "good"	First 500mg dose last night and woke up 2 hrs later feeling like someone was sitting on my chest. Skin on face and arms started "burning", redness all over body, dizziness (almost passed out twice), burning in my stomach (very short lived), shakes, hot then cold, muscle tremors - all the typical, listed side-effects, which I *could* have lived with (and could deal with) EXCEPT for the breathing. I couldn't breathe. This wasn't the "shortness of breath" side-effect listed (I'm familiar with that) - this was a literal *fight* to get air into my lungs (wheezing and gasping) - similar to a severe asthma attack (which I used to have when I was a teen, about 30 years ago, and have not had since). Really scared me, and wife almost took me to ER. Breathing returned after about 30-45 mins, but was the scariest moment of my life. If this breathing effect could be minimized or removed (preferably *removed*), I'd have no problem dealing with the rest. Had a bowl of cerea	Will be consulting the Dr tomorrow about effects (breathing!). Am not planning to take again unless this effect can be reduced or removed. If he insists I stay on it, may try some of the very helpful suggestions listed here. THANKS ALL FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES - REALLY HELPS TO KNOW ONE IS NOT ALONE DEALING WITH THIS...	M	43	1 days		11/27/2009
1	low HDL	Insomnia, zombie like fatique during waking hours, extreme light headedness and racing heart (a couple of times thought I was having a stroke caused by low HDL - since looking here now know it was niaspan), unpredicable flushing - sometimes none, sometimes extreme. Also had a constant pain right around my sternum.	After reading comments I have taken myself off it. I actually slept through the night. I thought my tiredness was b/c of my age and was dreading what another few decades would be like. I could deal with the flushing although family and co-workers seemed more freaked out by it than myself. It did raise my HDL levels, but also raised my blood sugar levels as well. I was exhausted, yet couldn't sleep. The last couple of months were the racing heart and stroke-like symptoms. I already feel more energy coming off it. The first year on it I only experienced flushing and gradually the tiredness, mood change and even no interest in sex. I'm trying the natural methods. Quality of life is much more important and I am very fit an healthy for my age (minus the low HDL)	M	49	1.5 years		11/25/2009
5		A couple nights of flushing. One time was when I ate a lot of candy watching a movie. That might have been coincidence, but I have tried to stick with low fat snacks since then. The other time was the first night I went up to 1000 mg from 500.	Test results this week were much better after three months. I also take simvastatin and do a lot of cardio and have a pretty low fat diet so I had been frustrated that the levels had stayed higher than they should be. So far, it seems to be working though the other things--diet, exercise, statin are still good.	M	54	3 months		11/24/2009 Email
5	low ldl	same as everyone occasionalm flushing , heat waves ect	I split my dosage into twice daily one at night anf one in the morning with my lipitor. This system really works well, no side affects. 1g at each . Hope this doesn't alter its affect on my ldl	M	59	6 days		11/23/2009 Email
4	High Tryglycerides and bad hdl-ldl	After ninty days on Niaspan, I experienced mild iching. And I had mild flushing three times--especially after eating hot Mexican food. I took Niaspan at least thirty minutes after taking two 81 mg of asprin tablets.		M	53	90 days		11/22/2009 Email
3	LOW GOOD CHOLESTEROL HIGH BAD CHOLE	SCARLET SKIN, WORST ITCHING EPISODES EVER, ALMOST HYPER VENTILATED, FELT SO SO HOT, ADRENALINE GOES HAYWIRE,	THE BEST CURE I HAVE FOUND IS TAKE 2 ASPIRIN IMMEDIATELY AND THEN SIT IN THE HOTTEST SHOWER YOU CAN AND CONTROL YOUR BREATHING SLOW AND STEADY. I FEEL THAT THE ADRENALINE KICKS IN AND MAKES IT 10000 TIMES WORSE. ALSO DONT "ITCH" SKIN. RUB HAND HARD ON IT...HOPE IT HELPS. THIS DID REALLY IMPOVE MY GOOD CHOLESTEROL BUT MAN WHAT A PRICE. MY DOCTOR GACE ME A CARD THAT I NOW CAN GET NIASPAN FOR ONLY $5 A MONTH INSTEAD OF THE 50-70 DOLLARS. I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF IT WORKS. NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO THE EPISODES. I AM LOSING WEIGHT NOW. HOPE TO LOWER DOSAGE. I WILL STILL HAVE TO TAKE SOMETHING MY DOCTOR SAID EVEN IF I WAS A VEGETARIAN MARATHON RUNNER AS ITS THE LOW GOOD CHOLESTEROL IS GENETIC (OR A FACTOR)	M	32	1 years		11/13/2009 Email
5	High Cholesterol	None	After reading all the comments I was terrified to take Niaspan. I was finally convinced by family to start. I had not one side effect. I take a baby asprin 1/2 hour before I take the niaspan and then have an activia yogurt with the niaspan. I was actually surprised I didn't have any side effects. Let's see how it helps my levels next doc checkup	F	33	30 days		11/6/2009
4	High Tryglycerides and bad hdl-ldl	Occasionally, I get some minor flashes and tingling, but it usually subsides in 30 minutes. If I take my 81mg aspirin about 30 minutes before I take Niaspan, I have very little problem.	I would recommend trying Niaspan before using any statins and the like. This product actually works and it has minor side effects.	M	56	3 months		11/4/2009 Email
4	Low HDL, High Cholesterol	occasionally I've had flushing of the face/ears. A minor itching around my neck. Overall, I feel fortunate. I'm taking 1500 mg now (was at 500, then 1000 now 1500). Had a flushing episode (face/ears) for maybe 30 min last night - I generally take it after eating a snack of some sort and just before I go to bed.		M	39	6 months		11/2/2009
2	Cholesterol	I woke up from a dead sleep with burning throughout my body like I was on fire internally. i thought I was having a stroke/Heart attack. My husband is away so i was alone with my 2 small children. i put cold clothes all over me, and went to the computer at 2;30 AM to look up and figure out what was wrong with me. Somehow found this site, and learned it was a side effect of Niaspan. Thankfully, ready to call 911 and a neighbor for my kids. Took aspirin, and waited a while, went back to bed. Never felt so scared in my life. This is my 10th day, and afraid to take again. Will talk to MD.		F	41			10/26/2009
2	Raise good cholesterol	Fourth night on Niaspan, taken with low-fat snack at bedtime, awoke with severe burning sensation of face, arms, chest. Tried to cool off with a washcloth. Second time I got up from bed, going to get some cold water, I passed out in the hallway. Never had that happen before. After a second attempt to get up, and hitting the floor again, we called 911 and I wound up in the ER, via ambulance. Symptoms passed in time, but BP was dangerously low. Got an IV drip and was better after about 3 hours. MD took me off it next day.	I'm guessing from comments that this med, like others, affects different people in different ways. I've never had side effects like this from any medication, even statins. If it works for you, fine ... but it looks as if many of us should just stay off it.	M	60	4 days		10/9/2009
3	Low "good " high "bad "cholesterol	HOLY BENIHANA!! I went from bored office worker to the Human Torch after attempting to go back on Niaspan. The thing that really yanks me about this stuff is that there is no rhyme to when the flushing is going to kick in. I've taken it for a couple of years; sometimes for months with no side effects, then on to having the full body sunburn set in out of nowhere. I'm on my third day of taking it after having been off of it for a few months, figuring I'd see my doctor in a couple of weeks to have blood drawn (which at this point has really just turned into an on-going lie detector test). I bummed a couple of Advil from a co-worker a half-hour ago and the flushing has subsided (I took a baby aspirin a half-hour before taking Niaspan today -didn't help). When the flushing started I went outside to stand in the cool breeze, then the sun came out and OH MY GOD!!!!! I was tanned to begin with, so I was turning burgundy. I'll try to stick it out with this stuff but there has to be a	Keep ibuprofan handy when taking this drug.	M	46	2 years		9/30/2009
5	high cholesterol	no negative side effects, only positive, my skin is fantastic, nails and hair are gorgeous and growing really fast. I take one childrens aspirin half hour prior to taking Niaspan.	500 mg lowered my total cholesterol 44 points my LDL down 45 points, HDL down 1 point, triglycerides up 9 points. Not working as Abbot Labs says it should, but I am satisfied	F	53	9 weeks		9/26/2009 Email
4	high cholesterol	The first time I took it, severe flushing about an hour later, which lasted maybe 3 hours. Also, slight nausea, but that subsided after I ate lunch. From the 2nd day on, no problems whatsoever. Obviously all people are different, but if you're considering this drug but afraid of the 'hot flash,' at least give it a try, you may have the same experience I had.	I would give this a 5, since I had no side effects (after the first day, that is). I gave it a four because at the dosage I was taking, it didn't lower my cholesterol quite as much as I hoped. However, I'm staying on it for the foreseeable future, and Lord knows it is better than a statin. Did I mention I pay my own medical expenses?	M	52	3 months		9/24/2009
4	Triglycerirdes High HDL Low	Flushing and Sweating mostly at random times, and a rare occassion of the red blotchy rash that feels like many have desribed as being on fire, having fire ants stinging and so on. The red blotchy rash accompanied with the itching and swelling mainly in the areas of the ankles, face and arms mostly I have confirmed is contributed by eating something with a fat content just prior to taking the Niaspan or taking the baby asprin at the same time. This last about a hour or so for me.	I am 44 years of age, 6ft 1 Inches tall and 230lbs. I am working to get below 200lbs which is near to my supposed ideal weight. I do excercise, not regularly but I do. I walk, bike ride and even swim, whatever you can do to keep the metabolism high enough to do your body the best it can, then do it because it defintiely has it's advantages, but also a good diet is important as well. For me, I try my best to eat correctly but that is not always easy because of many life factors we all suffer from, long work hours, stress and so on. So we have to manage it all as best we can. As with anything everyone can react differently to OTC's or Prescribed meds, some more acute than others as clearly mentioned on this blog, or many experienced nothing at all, or experience the exact same things at the same levels. SO I STRONGLY RECCOMMEND that before you do anything, consult with your physician 1st and if you don't have one, find one through a friend or relative! Do your research, because it's your body not your physicians or anyone elses. I for one hate taking meds like most people do, but sometimes we have no choice. That said before I was precribed anything I did some research and asked some friends who have the same issues with Cholestorol that I have which were high triglycerides and Low HDL. Although they excercise (SOME A LOT MORE THAN I DO) and try and eat right, cholestorol can be genetic issue or just a problem for some regardless, and the need for OTC's or MEDS becomes neccessa	M	44	24 months		9/7/2009
3	High cholesterol	I was told about the side effect of flushing, which I was told does not last long. I experienced what the er doctor called a reaction as in long term burning, itching and swelling that needed treatment with epinephrine and benedryl. There is a difference. The side effect is an uncomfortable nuisance the reaction can be life threatening and is much more intense.		F	53	9 months		9/6/2009 Email
5	Raise Good Cholesterol	Mild flushing on occasion. 500mg nightly with snack. This is the second time I've taken this (first was 3 years ago). I think raising one's good cholesterol is worthwhile and a good reason to take this. Statins do not raise good cholesterol.		M	62	30 days		8/27/2009
3	Low HDL	I have been taking this drug for 5 months with no side effects whatsoever. I always took the 325mg dose of aspirin 30 minutes prior to administering the Niaspan. However, for the last month I have taken no aspirin before the Niaspan without problems until last night when I was awakened at 3:30am with intense itching in my feet which suddenly progressed into the sensation that my entire body was being seared in a frying pan and then I was dumped onto a hot sidewalk during July in Phoenix and covered with angry fire ants up to my neck and roasted for an hour. My heart was pounding and my skin turned bright red and my brain began to panic. My stomach cramped and I ran upstairs and blew up the crapper in a powerful watery discharge. Convenient symptoms for someone who needs sleep before going to work. I immediately suspected these meds and found this site which helped relieve my brain panic. I took a dose of aspirin and the symptoms passed after about an hour. Very tired today.	After this episode I'm not sure whether I'll take this med again even though it did raise my 'good cholesterol' levels significantly.	M	43	5 months		8/26/2009
1	low hdl	I GOT SO DAM SICK	PLEASE DONT TAKE THIS CRAP....I WAS NEVER SO SICK IN MY LIFE...HAD TO BE RUSHED TO THE ER,,,,THE HELL WITH THE LOW HDL..I AM GOING TO TRY A GLASS OF WINE A DAY	M	59	4 days		8/19/2009 Email
4	Hi total cholestrol (209),Hi Trigli	Took 500 mg Niaspan for 6 months. Hot "flashes," restless sleep, red legs, swollen ankles, fast heartrate + other side effects were my experience. I took a baby aspirin (don't take the big aspirin as that dosage compounds the problem). A snack didn't help and aspirin didn't always help. After about a month, most of these effects went away, but occasionally returned. I'm 67, female, overweight by 30 lbs, I think, and doc thinks maybe 20. He also said if I lose another 8-9 lbs, I won't need any drugs. Took 4 different statins causing severe myalgia, even my heart (its a muscle) felt like an elephant standing on my chest, with back muscle pain out of this world. Statin intolerant. Took WelChol(all meds with Niaspan)and it caused constipation, bloating and gas. Stopped it. Took Fenofibrate for a week with more side effects, including the muscle crap. I could barely walk at work or concentrate on my tasks. Then to make matters worse, the blood pressure meds (Ramipril) and Amlodop	People with a hypersensitivity to any drug must weigh the side effects against the benefit of Niaspan and all drugs. Niaspan did work, but I had to suffer the side effects. I fear the gout and sugar problems it can cause.	F	67	6 months		8/15/2009 Email
1	cholesterol	Just took 2 doses of niaspan 500mg--the first and THE LAST!!!! Flushing does not begin to describe the horrible side effects i am experiencing. My wife is a RN and told me this is common or else i would be at the ER now. I AM ON FIRE---nauseated, itching, burning, muscles twitching, scared, disoriented---this is terrible. will NEVER take another niaspan and would advise everyone i know to NEVER take niaspan!!!!!		M	53	1 days		8/12/2009
4	high cholesterol	I am suprised at the lack of understanding the side effects. Of course it can cause flushing, itching, burning of the skin, swelling but it is a quick thing that goes away. It is niacin!!!After a few weeks or months it completly goes away. Would you rather take a stain (poison) compared to a B-vitamin (niaspan)? Not me, I am taking 250-500 during the day cause I like my sleep. I do take 81mg aspirin about 30-60min before. I started with 500mg but I got flushed once so I backed down to 250mg. I will work my up into to 1,000's mg after a few months. I do feel bad for the people that were not told of the side effects by their prescribing doctor (qwack). It must have been a scary episode for 1-2 hours till it went away. But... we are adults and almost every pharmacy prints out the drugs data sheet with side-effects listed. Maybe people should pay more attention and read it.	I tried taking a statin and I knew to take CO-Q 10 but I still got extremly painful muscle cramps. Statins are poison for people that do not have heart disease and out of 100 people taking statins only 2 have heart attacks and out of 100 people taking a sugar pill, 3 have heart attacks. That is where they (the statin creators) get the 33% less chance of having a heart attack. I have really high cholesterol like tri's over 500 and chol over 250 but it is hereditary and no one in my family history has died of heart disease. Go figure.	M	33	20 days		8/4/2009
2	High cholesterol	It was 1 a.m. when I awoke with acute flushing and burning, all over my body. At 9 p.m., last night, I took my usual dosage of 500mg, a reduced Rx, down from 1000mg that I had taken up until two months ago. The reduction was because of mild flushing I has experienced. Tonight's reaction is much more severe that any I had previously experienced. As I write this, my entire body is burning and covered with the "pin prick" syndrome. My skin is bright red and my heart is throbbing although the rate is not accelerated. It is now one hour since the symptoms woke me out of a deep sleep and there is no reduction of the symptoms. I am experiencing a chill and I'm shaking all the while my skin is burning. I even submerged myself in my swimming pool in an effort to find comfort. It didn't help. Hopefully, the "attack" will subside soon so I can get back to sleep.	Before retiring, last evening, I had a late dessert ... cherry pie ala mode with chocolate ice cream. In reading at least one other report from this site, I suspect that chocolate may be the culprit. I am going to discontinue taking this Rx until I can consult with my physician.	M	76	2 years		8/3/2009
5	elevated cholesterol	initially flushing face and ears = now nothing	Works as well as statins which I now refuse to take. The night flushing went away after a couple of months.	M	45	4 years		8/2/2009
1	High cholesterol	I never had any problems with this UNTIL LAST NIGHT!! I was dreaming I was in a room with the heater cranked up to the max. I woke up and my heart was pounding out of my chest, my skin was ON FIRE from head to toe, It looked like I had the worst sunburn ever all over my body, it felt like millions of needles poking me, I was dizzy and had a hard time breathing. This all happened about 3am and my wife took me to the ER where they gave me benadryl and a steroid shot. This lasted a little over an hour. I will not take this again.		M	42	5 weeks		7/31/2009
2	Low HDL	extreme swelling of the feet and ankles. Itchy, bumpy rash around ankles and lower legs. Swelling so bad I can't even put shoes on. I haven't taken it for 2 nights now. Swelling still present. Not sure how to make that go away.	I have only been on this drug for 2 weeks, but work in a professional setting where i have to wear dress shoes. my feet are so swollen i can barely get them in a pair of flip flops. I experienced no flushing episodes.	F	35	14 days		7/26/2009
1	high triglycerides	Took Niaspan 500 for 2 months with no problems. Always took a Motrin 1/2 hour before, along with an applesauce snack cup. Was awakened with itching one night, which turned into a full blown episode - swelled up so bad I couldn't bend my legs, felt like a thousand bees stinging my body, couldn't move my arms, heart pounding, couln't talk, couldn't breathe, husband helped me into the bathroom where I fainted dead away. I have never fainted in my life and I stayed out for a while. My hubby was scared to death! This whole episode lasted for almost 2 hours.	I called my Doctor the next day, and she told me that I probably got scared from the "flushing" and my fright caused me to faint!!! Yeah - right. Told me to wait 4 days and try it again. Never will this poison pass through my lips ever again. This is an awfully expensive medicine to take so that you can scare yourself to death.	F	62	2 months		7/23/2009
1	cholesterol	after 2 weeks of no side effects...tonight all of a sudden....reddening burning needles in my skin itching and swelling.....heart racing blood pressure dropping. took 2 benadryl and felt nausea and then my wife called 911 b/c i lost bodily functions and was making weird throat noises..felt lifeless and lost color...luckily i had an epi pen exp date 2004....she stuck me with it. by the time 911 arrived i was feeling better...they stayed to make sure i was ok. wife called dr prior to 911 dr said take asprin...but advised me not to stop taking meds...BS!!! i will not be taking this $@%* again and do not recommend it to anyone!!! will have a discussion with dr tomorrow!!!		M	46	2 weeks		7/20/2009 Email
1	high cholesterol	Almost always flushing. This morning woke up with my face so swollen I almost couldn't open my eyes, looks like I have a bad sunburn. Using ice packs, and taking Ibuprofen and Benadryl all day. Still at 12:26 a.m. face hurts and lips burn.	Taking 500 mg. Will switch back to OTC slow-release and start with 250 mg. Will call the Dr. in the morning if symptoms don't reside.	F	55	6 months		7/20/2009
4	Low HDL	During the first few weeks I had one very hot flash that woke me up and had uncomfortable tingling in my arms during the day. I've had two or three other times when I woke up feeling like I had been lightly sunburned, but nothing like the first blast. I've learned not to eat spicy foods at supper and always take 1/2 aspirin a half hour before the Niaspan--then eat some yogurt or low-fat snack with it before bedtime.	I started with 500 mg dose and after three months the Dr. was very pleased with the results and has not increased the dosage.	M	63	4 months		7/14/2009
3	cholestrol is high	I sometimes wake up with a burning feeling all over, dry mouth, and can't get back to sleep.	I started taking 1000mg of this drug at bedtime per my doctor along with lipitor and a baby aspirin at bedtime. I ate some japanese food right before bedtime last night,not a good idea. I have since I've been on these drugs been told that I now have to see a cartelogist and a urologist as my EKG has changed and I now have cysts on my left kidney. I'm not blaming the drugs, but I've been told by a former Navy medic, that an over the counter SLO-Niacin is what he takes and he has been getting good reports on his cholestrol and blood pressure. I've had the episodes of hot flashes about four times now.I will be asking if I could be taking the less intrusive over the counter niasin.	M	59	2 years		7/14/2009 Email
3	high cholesterol	Wow! Woke up tonight feeling like my whole body was on FIRE! This is the first time I have felt like this and I have been taking med for 6 months. I did eat spicy foods about 1 hour before taking meds.		M	34	6 months		7/11/2009
1	To increase HDL	I WAS WELL AWARE OF WAHT THE SIDE EFFECTS MIGHT BE, BUT DID NOT KNOW HOW SEVERE. WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR, MY HANDS WERE TINGLING. THIS LASTED ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND THEN SUBSIDED. I WENT TO WORK THAT NIGHT(I'M A NURSE) AND BEGAN TO FEEL LIGHT-HEADED, FELT LIKE MY EARS WERE LIKE HEADS OF CULIFLOWERS!	I WAS RED ALL OVER FROM MY EARS TO MY TOES. I HAD A RASH ON MY ARMS, FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT AND WAS BURNING UP. A CO-WORKER HAD TO PUT ICE PACKS ON MY HEAD AND NECK TO COOL ME OFF. I WON'T GO THROUGH THIS TORTURE AGAIN. NIASPAN IS NOT FOR ME!	F	54	1 days		6/17/2009
2	Cholestrol control	Took the first dose of 1000mg of Niaspan and experienced the extreme hot flashing...taking the 325mg aspirin definitely helped, but I was a bit concerned about the effect of the aspirin on my stomach. After several months of taking this, I started having nausea/dizziness that started each day around 9am and continued throughout the day. Stopped taking the niacin/aspirin combo and the nausea/dizzy symptoms subsided.	I think this can be a useful tool for some people to lower the cholestrol levels. Everyone's body varys medication tolerance I think the keys are nutrition and getting everything balanced. Since most of us are not chemistry minded enough to evaluate which substance is out of whack in the bloodstream, we end up being at the mercy of those who are more knowledgable--kind of scary! I cannot tolerate statins--thank God! I just read some studies on the effectiveness of statins and discovered that none of the major studies showed any improvement in mortality rates. While some of the statins lowered cholestrol levels, the differences were only a few points compared to those who did not take them, AND women were more likely to be adversely affected by statins than the men. It stops production of CoQ10 and a host of other necessary cell chemistry functions. So Niaspan can be a positive alternative to the BAD statins! I also just read that measuring homocysteine (without going into the chemical compound info, it's bad stuff that attacks good cells)levels is 40% more effective in determining heart attack/stroke risk than looking at cholestrol levels. I don't think Niaspan will do anything to change homocysteine levels, since its just B3--takes a carbon/hyrogen compound to do that. I am exploring/researching other options that would be more plant based than pharmaceutical.	F	54	2 months		6/15/2009 Email
1	Low HDL	I am taking the 1000 mg version for low HDL. The doctor all together forgot to tell me about flushing. Like many of the other comment, I felt like I was on fire and a million needles were sticking me. I was told to take an aspirin or eat an apple before taking. It helped, but at times the flushing comes rushing back. I have been on it for about 6 months.		M	64	180 days		6/15/2009
1	high cholestrol	I took my first-ever dose of Niaspan (500 mg) last night about 11 PM. I took it in accordance with my dr's instructions (aspirin and a light snack) and had been told about "flushing" and "itching." What happened to me was so far beyond that that I can't describe it. About 4:30 AM, I woke up with INTENSE itching of my feet. Then the "flushing" (all over the body) kicked in and I felt that I couldn't breathe I was so hot. Finally this horrendous itching started in my legs and I had to wrap them in cool wet towels and and rub them constantly up and down my legs. I felt out of my mind with the itching; it was worse than any pain I've had. I waited for it to stop and it didn't. I took benedryl and aspirin; no relief. Finally after 5 hours of this, my husband took me to urgent care where they gave me 2 shots; one of benedryl and the other some other drug to stop reactions; can't remember what. The uc dr. told me never to even LOOK at Niaspan again!! And	This is the worst experience I've ever had with a medication in my whole life. Most meds have never bothered me. After reading other patients' experiences, common to mine, I definitely think Niaspan should not be sold.	F	60	1 days		6/13/2009

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Average rating for drug: 2.7. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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