There are 538 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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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
4	High cholesterol, Lp(a)	On 2 g Niaspan and 40 mg Zocor for several years. No side effects other than mild flushing that lasted about 1/2-hour. Reduced my Total C from 239 to 115 mg/dl, and my Lp(a) from 39 to 13 mg/dl.		M	76	3 years		6/9/2009
1	niaspan	flushing, ichy skin, skin crawling.	I was on 500mg of this stuff. This was not the non flushing style this was full strength. Pharmacist asked should I be on the non flushing. I should of taken that as a clue. First day brutal sweats, I ran around the house like a mad man. Second day took aspirin to help, it helped. Third day took aspirin and still had the burning flush. If you have to take another drug to take this drug, take that as a hint.	M	39	3 days		6/9/2009 Email
1	Low HDL	Some flushing but total continuous body itching. Have never had anything like it.	I took niaspan in the evening after taking an asprin. I sometimes used hydrocortisone cream to control the itching. Before taking niaspan I was taking 500mg of OTC niacin and had no side effects.	M	73	25 days		6/9/2009
1	Cholesterol and Triglycerides	I was on this medicine for 3 nights. The first two nights were ok, no side effects, the thrid night I thought my brian was on fire. It literally felt like fire was coming out of my head. Then the itching started. I was awaken at 4:00 a.m., with my head just burning up. When the itching started, I took a bendryal. I was very upset and could not get back to sleep. The next day I called my doctor and went back on Liptor. I will not take Niaspan again.	Before you get an RX for Niaspan, ask your doctor for samples. This is what I did. This way you are not out the money for a RX if it doesn't work.	F	51	3 days		6/3/2009
1	Elevated LDL.	Fire, prickly feeling in arms, face and neck. Flushing of neck, face, chest, shoulders and tops of arms. Palpitations.	This is my first dose of Niaspan. My doctor told me nothing about possible side effects nor anything about how to take it to lessen the side effects. This reaction scared the hell out of me! Thought I was going into an anaphylactic reaction. Woke my husband to take me to Urgent Care. Told myself to calm down, took a bath, took a Benadryl, and sat down at the computer to look up Niaspan side effects. Within 30 minutes the rash and fire subsided. WHEW!! Don't know if I will continue taking this, but need to look into alternative ways to address the cholesterol issue as I had a nearly-fatal heart attack last year, and don't want the stent to clog up. From reading other patients' postings on this site I now know to take aspirin and a low fat snack prior to dosing and to take it at bed time (I took mine with breakfast this morning to avoid a sick stomach), so perhaps I will try again tomorrow. It might be worth a try as I CANNOT tolerate statins. Would rather die than go back on statins -- they are THAT bad!	F	61	1 days		5/31/2009
5	cholesterol	Some flushing in the first month or two. Later = none	I tried 4 different statins and thought they were going to kill me. I finally refused to take them. I asked about niacin and was given this prescription. It gives the same benefits as the the statins without the horrible side-effects. I used to get occasional flushing at night with niacin, but I knew it would go away after a while and I ignored it. Now I get NO side effects. I take 1 gram (1000 mg) at night.	M	44	2 years		5/29/2009
5	high everything	The same itching burning hot flash, but this can be minimized by 80 mg reg aspirin taken with it and benedryl for severe rash reaction. I like this better than all the statin drugs once I figured out the side affects	Significally had positive results in lowering triglyc and chlost	F	52	9 months		5/28/2009
1	High Cholesterol can't take Statins	I am a thin woman,over 65, am not a big eat meater and not an alcoholic, etc. I took niaspan, for about a year (increased from 1000 mgm to 2000 mgm. I all of a sudden had an acute attact of Gout (with Tophi). I have now had a 2nd attact (all in 6 months time. I also developed a very high blood sugar (from 110 to 155. My Uric acid came back as 10. I stopped niaspan, started Colchicine and Allopurinol, and my uric acid dropped to 4.6 and blood sugar to 110. This is not a side effect - it's a terrible disease that noone in my family has ever had. Nor is there any diabetes in my family. I blame Niaspan for this, and think that they should be made to label bottles boldly for both M.D. and patient to see easily. Also the Pharmacy that dispenses should be told. What gross incompetence.		F	70	1 years		5/28/2009
1	Low good cholestrol	After taking Niaspan for 2 weeks with no side effects, it hit me like a wave of gasoline and then being set on fire. I turned bright red, the itching, the pins and needles, the heat,and the swelling was unbearable. I sat in the pool to cool off. Finally, out of fear of the unknown, I drove to a walk-in clinic where the doctor told me it was a side effect from Niaspan. I will not take that drug again.		M	48	2 weeks		5/23/2009
4	high choleseterol	very mild flushing when taken without food		M	58	2 years		5/18/2009
1	Lower triglycerides	I've been on the drug for a week. Took my seventh (and last)dose last night. About an hour after taking suddenly was if I was immersed in hellfire. I turned purple. I very quickly swelled, especially around my joints. Took 3 hours for the "burn" to wear off. I nearly passed out and had terrible diarreah. I am still dealing with tingling and what feels like a bad sunburn 24 hours after my last dose.	I am a type 2 diabetic. My glucose was 300(!) this morning. Screw this drug.	F	35	7 days		5/12/2009
5		Ichy feet and ankles	Taking 1500 mg/day for 7 weeks now. Good cholestrol changed from 25 to 45. Bad cholestrol changed from 185 to 150. Doctor impressed with results.	M		7 weeks		5/9/2009
1	High Cholesterol	I have stopped taking it because of the severe burning and itching effects. It happened about 75% of the time. I have not taken any for about 45 days. One effect I notice is the skin on my legs is very scaly and the subcutaneous tissue appears mottled...almost as though the pigmentation has been burned, curdled and separated. I need to take something for my cholesterol. But do not want to do this stuff again. I am trying Cholest-Off now.		M	54	30 days		5/9/2009 Email
4	Cholesterol and Triglycerides	I take Niaspan at night just before bed. Didn't know about taking an aspirin or a lowfat snack until reading these posts (thank you). Most nights, no side effects at all. In the year since I started Niaspan I've been woken up three times with a burning sensation. Feels like a fairly bad sunburn. Face, thighs and biceps mostly. Tonight was my third time, and I woke up at 3 am and couldn't get back to sleep. The other two times I did manage to get back to sleep, but less than an hour later the pain has almost completely passed.	I have naturally high blood pressure, and am on lisopril hctz, and atenolol for cholesterol. My doc wasn't happy with my triglyceride and good cholesterol levels, so he suggested niaspan. After reading the warnings, I initially decided not to take it. Next doc visit, we talked, and he told me all meds have some side effects. Niaspan is a slow release niacin (natural vitamin) and other than the flushing he said there are no risks, when compared to the very real risk of stroke or heart attack due to my BP, weight (I'm a good 80 lbs. over) and family history. I'm going to stick with this until something better comes along or I manage to control my weight and eating habits.	M	48	1 years		5/8/2009
5	High Triglycerides / Cholesterol	I had major buring under skin, skin turning red and itching. The pain was excruciating and lasted for hours. I Finally realized it was due to my eating sugar. I make sure to keep away from sugar for a few hours prior and after taking Niaspan and I do not get the reaction anymore. Dr said spicy foods could also cause the reaction. I am taking 2000 mgs of Niaspan a day in addition to 3750 mgs of Wechol in addition to garlic pills (supposed to be good to lower cholesterol). My Triglycerides were 871, now down to almost normal range. Cholesterol was 330, now down to 221. I would be dead if I did not take Niaspan. I can not take statins due to fibromyalsia so Niaspan was my last option and it is working.		M	36	2 years		5/7/2009
1	High cholesterol	Swelling from head to feet including eye lids and inside ears, feels like I have been wraped in insulation, itching, burning the heat is some times awful, skin turns red.	I take niaspan with crestor and aspirn I have tried cold water baths and rub down in alcohol nothing helps. My joints hurt and musles cramp I get so week I can't make it to bed, My heart hurts and I find it hard to breath, This happens at least 3 or more times a week. This has even come on around 5:00 PM when I haven't taken a niaspan, I worked my way up to 1000 and have even worked down to 500 but nothing works.	F	61	1 years		5/6/2009
5	High Cholestrol	I have taken 500mg Niaspan with Crestor for 3 months and take it at night with an aspirin, which is the big key to this. I have not experienced any side effects, except more redness around the neck.	I am on 500mg Niaspan with Crestor. My cholestrol problem is 80% heredity, therefore I have to take something and have for years. I have had this problem all my life. Without any meds it was 463! Have taken the Crestor and Niaspan for 3 months, it has now dropped to 219, of which the doctor and I are very pleased. I would say this combination works! I am glad this is a natural medicine, but wish it was cheaper. With my other meds and the Crestor, this all gets rather expensive. So far Niaspan has done a lot for me.	F	57	3 months		4/30/2009
1	high tryglicarides	scariest burning and itching and dizziness- felt like my skin was on fire- had to lay on the cold floor to ease the pain, this happened one night after taking it for months with good results		F	62	8 months		4/24/2009
3	cholesterol	Severe flushing	I switched from Niaspan to "slo-niacin" which is an over the counter time released niacin product made by a reputable company. Slo-Niacin starts at 250mg so you can gradually increase the dose over weeks which is very important to avoid flushing. I could not see spending so much money for niaspan when this product is very similar. I have no flushing at all if I take it when I first wake up and don't eat anything with fat for 90 minutes (cereal, fruit or oatmeal is fine). Alternatively you can take Niacin with half an aspirin and eat what you want after 30 minutes.	M	45	90 days		4/17/2009
4	Lo HDL, Hi LDL, Hi TGL	Taking Niaspan for the past 8 months. Started with baby asprin and 500mg Niaspan. The LDL and TGL levels went down after 4 months but HDL stayed Lo. Increased to 1000 mg for 3 months but little change with HDL, though LDL went down to normal. Now taking 1500mg for the past 3 weeks with baby aspirin to raise HDL. For the past 9 months, I've changed my diet with lo fat food and burn 2000 cal / week thru regular exercise. For the past one week had severe stomach pain and further diagnosis revealed kidney stones. Stopped taking Niaspan as I'm taking medication to flush out the kidney stones. Not sure why this happened, probably niaspan flushing out all plaque and kidneys retaining all those? Need to continue when Kidney stones issue is sorted out.	An excellent drug that reduced my LDL, TGL levels. Tried Simcor before but discontinued due to severe muscle spasm and Niaspan helped to achieve control on my cholestrol levels.	M	39	8 months		4/5/2009 Email
5	Plaque Regression & low HDL	Flushing- typical, a minor nusance at best.	RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS POST: "Why would anyone take this medication when there are so many others out there that can help HDL without these drastic side effects. These side effects cannot be good for other organs in the body." Answer: Because it's the only drug on the market that has been proven by the FDA to actually regress the plaque in your ateries, i.e., remove it, while boosting your HDL. (Carries LDL-rich plaque stuck to your artiers back to the liver for removal) Statins don't do this nor does any other medication! OTC (aka immeadiate release Niacin is not nearly as effective, you would have to take the equivalent of 9 grams a day, and the flushing is more severe.) They have proved this with many major studies (FATS and Arbiter 2, just to name a few) of patients who had experienced heart attacks, with ateriograms taken before treatment and after treatment with amazing results, and the best part is its all natural. So yes, miss lady...you can take a statin or fibrate to slightly raise your HDL, but what are you going to do about the unstable LDL that's already stuck to your arteries that may break off and cause a stroke, a stent perhaps?? I have been on this med for months, and yes you will turn beat red, warm and tingly for around 30 mins, but is not taking it worth years off your life? You would be surprised how many doctors are truly not 'up to snuff' on disease state knowledge and effective prescribing, so choose wisely!	F	29	13 months		4/4/2009
4	Low HDL, High Lp(a), High Lppla2	It took my body nearly a month to adjust to the drug. Initially severe mood swings, severe headaches, exaustion, lucid dreaming, intense flushing on 14th day, mild flushing a couple of days after that, in general I felt like crap, and then everything went back to normal after taking it for about 30 days. I still have lucid dreaming, but nothing else really. At first the side effects were so awful that I almost quit taking it, but I decided to stick it out for about one month, and I'm glad I did. At least this is a vitamin, and not a drug like a statin. Everything can have side effects, but I'd rather take this. I also take Thorne Research Omega plus and AR-ENCAP supplements alog with a daily multivitamin.	I read this site when I started on this, and it scared the hell out of me. It hasn't been that bad, really. You have to be prepared for flushing! Yes, it feels like you've been rolled in poison ivy and thumbtacks, doused with gasoline and set a blaze! Nothing helps it, you have to wait it out. My first flush lasted 3 hours. Luckily we live in the middle of nowhere, because I ended up sitting on the deck in February with no clohes on! However, if you read holistic boards, there are many people who take niacin in order to feel the flush. They use it to detoxify. You just have to remember not to panic, relax, it WILL subside. Do not sit up quickly, the flushing means you've vasodialated. I've been on it for 2 months and I flushed one big time and two other minor times right at 14 days. I do take it with 81 mg of aspirin. For the first month I took it with a snack, I don't do that anymore, I just take my aspirin and niaspan with a large glass of water with no problems. I'll retest in a couple of months to see if it is working.	F	32	2 months		4/4/2009
4	Elevated cholesterol	Doctor put me on 500 mg for one month, then 1000 mg for one month. I am now in the middle of the second month. He suggested I take a children's aspirin before taking the Niaspan and eat some fat-free wheat thins after taking it. After reading this site, I began with a regimen of eating a yogurt, taking the aspirin, then the Niaspan, then about 5 fat-free wheat thins. I always take it before going to bed. I have had only a few times where I experienced mild flushing. Within the last week I decided to try taking the Niaspan without the yogurt and crackers and have had no side effects. For now, I am only taking the aspirin and Niaspan with no problems.	I rated this a 4 based on the fact that I've essentially had no side effects. However, I do not know yet if it has helped my cholesterol levels. After one month of 500 mg and one of 1000 mg the doctor will check my cholesterol again. I'm not sure if it can change that much in two months, but I'll find out. I was unwilling to take any statin drugs, so this is my doctor's other choice. The only problem I have with Niaspan is the price! I noticed at SAM's Club that 500 mg "non-flushing" formula Niacin is available at a very reasonable price. I wonder if it would have the same benefit as Niaspan.	M	50	52 days		4/1/2009 Email
4	high cholesterol	Standard flushing in the early stages of use. My concern after taking it for ten years is possible muscle cramps, especially leg muscles.	I have taken 1000 mg twice daily. The side effects will subside and not be a concern as you continue to use it. It has helped my HDL, LDL, and Trig. really well. The addition of Zetia was fantastic with immediate results within a few weeks, but as we know Zetia had bad reports so most of us quit taking it. My concern is muscle aches. One of my friends swears he took Niaspan for just a time, couple months and it messed his back muscles up majorly. I view that as questionable. The benefit from Niaspan seems to far out weigh the concerns. Research indicates a minimum dose of 1000 mg. to make any difference. If you can do 1000 mg. You can try twice a day and examine the test results. I have read many good reports here. Agree with those who advocate the massive dose, and taking it at night. Ten hears ago I had a massive heart attack, left ventricle damage. They gave me four months at best. I have tried it all at one time or another, and here simply because of alpha blockers, bata blockers, statins, and a very positive attitude. Those who complain of a little flushing will never survive a heart attack. Flush me, flush me, if it helps me live a longer and healthier life.	M	69	10 years		3/28/2009
3	high cholesterol	Could not tolerate Lipitor and Tricor (terrible leg pain) so my doc prescribed Niaspan with milk thistle and aspirin at bedtime starting with 500 mg. Cholesterol started to fall but slowly. Increased to 1,000 mg and then had first flushing attack. Figured out that eating anything with fat (even low fat) close to taking dosage can trigger. Flushing is like being on fire, red ants stinging, can't sit, stand or sleep, swollen and red skin, next day fatigue and sluggish brain. You get the idea. This has now happened 4 times (like last night) and I am seriously thinking of asking my doc to reduce the dosage or take me off Niaspan since I am suspecting that my body is becoming sensitized. The side effects really suck.	I'd rather take niaspan than the meds like lipitor or tricor but wish the niaspan flushing reaction could be controlled better. It is a problem.	F	54	1 years		3/24/2009
3	High cholesterol	With 500mg, I had a moderate flushing case after a few days - called the doctor and was told can happen but to follow the directions and suggestion carefully. Was told reaction varied significantly but some level of flushing was common. From then on was fine with the occasional flushing almost always as result of not followed the suggested directions. 1000mg was quite bad with flushing every time that varied from annoying turn red & pin itchy to near naked rolling in the snow screaming, running shirtless in freezing weather, cold shower for an hour, etc. After a couple of months I told the doctor I couldn't handle it emotionally and was switched me back to 500mg. I wonder if 750mg would have been ok, but that doesn't seem to be a standard dose.		M	42	2 years		3/15/2009
1	cholestrol	increase in plasma homocyst(e)ine levels	plasma homocyst(e)ine levels INCREASES and ACCELERATES the formation of plaque in the arteries. Niaspan doubles the level of this in your blood (in some people). PLEASE tell your doctor to monitor yours if you are on Niaspan. Especially if you are Diabetic.	F	51	30 days		3/11/2009
5	High triglycerides	Occasional, minor flushing. Can avoid by eating foods low in fat when taken.	This review is actually for the generic, slo-niacin. I worked with my doc for over a year trying different statins for months at a time with frequent cholersterol testing. Nothing has helped lower my triglycerides and raise my HDL better than the combination of niacin and fish oil. I take 2 grams niacin each night, and fish oil three times throughout the day (~1200mg, or 9 pills total).	M	33	2 years		3/2/2009
3	high triglycerides	I started taking Niaspan on Thursday (today's sat)The nurse to my Dr. nor the pharmacy told me about the flushing. So much to my surprise 3 hrs after taking it I started freaking out when I was flushed all over like a lobster! My heart rate was fast, and felt like I was stuck with pins all over! I called my Dr office since it was 10:30 at night they contacted some on call Dr. That Dr. didn't mention it was a normal side effect either! Told me to take benedryl or go to ec!!!! It went away after about 2 hrs. I talked to my Dr. the next day and she then told me it was normal and blah blah blah. So I took it last night with Tylenol and benedryl 30 min before and only had mild flushing and some itching that barely woke me up. uh!		F	25	2 days		2/28/2009
4	high triglycerides / cholesterol	Flushing from minor to severe.	I've learned to take an aspirin 30 minutes before I take Niaspan. For me, it reduces the flushing effect. Also, I have found it to be beneficial to take it right before I go to bed.	M	49	2 years		2/26/2009
1	cholesterol	My 65 year old brother that lived with me took his first 500mg of niaspan and died within an hour. He was on Lipitor and Tricor. He had just taken his medicine and I went downstairs to do laundry. I came back upstairs and thought he was asleep in his recliner instead he had died. Niaspan is dangerous and should not be taken with statins. This is being investigated by the FDA and others. The doctor that prescribed the Niaspan also worked for the company going all over the country lecturing about how wonderful NIaspan was. Please be careful of statins and niaspan. There needs to be a lot more studies done and I believe there will be. I wish someone had warned me about what could happen.. My brother would still be alive.		M	65	1 days		2/23/2009
1	Cholesterol 250 high LDL low HDL	EXTREME DIZZINESS on any movement of the head. If I don't lay down immediately, I will faint and fall. I feel it whether laying in bed or moving while sitting or walking. I practice yoga everyday, but I cannot do any exercises until this drug is flushed out of my system. I hope that it is temporary.	I did not experience any of the burning sensations mentioned by others on this site. No other side effects except slightly groggy when I awaken in the morning.	F	58	3 weeks		2/3/2009
1	triglycerides, low hdl, high ldl	Intense burning from mid body up. Legs and feet itching. Felt like my head could explode. Lips were numb. The hottest hot I have ever felt. I took only two doses. The first night was fine, the second I had eaten a chocolate brownie. Have noticed in some other testimonies that chocolate may be a problem. I have stopped taking them until I can speak to my doctor. I was on Lopid before this, lowered my triglycerides but not enough. I was taking only 325 mg of Niaspan and 325 mg of asprin.	I don't want to experience these side effects again but after reading comments of others and some ways to maybe lessen them I maybe will try it again. I think I might try yogurt. The asprin I take is enteric coated. I have read that it should not be coated.	F	47	2 days		1/30/2009
3	High Cholesterol	Flushing	This stuff works. If you take it at night before going to sleep you sleep thru the flushing. On the other hand, I'm so tired of "drugs"...My mom had cholesterol 0f 400 and lived a long long life. My ex husband's cholesterol was 190 and he had a stroke at 54. Looking for alternatives.	F	61	10 years		1/29/2009
3	raise HDL	Flushing	The first time that I took this, I took it with coffee. Huge mistake! Flushed like a big dog, head to toe. Because Niaspan is not a medicine but a vitamin (b3) I did little research like I would normally do. Did some research, learned to take it with a low fat snack. I seem to get the best results with Soy Milk. Not sure if that is luck or there is some science there. Three weeks into it at 500mg so far with about 3 major flushes and a couple of minor ones. Will be tested soon to see what is next. Was on Crestor which ended up with muscle cramps etc.	M	51	21 days		1/20/2009 Email
4	high cholesterol	Initial effects of burning up, but these have lessened over the 10 years that I've been taking them. Burn up starts if I have caffeinated beverages, black pepper, curry or other spicy foods.	Every drug has side effects from minor to debilitating. I'd rather take these and suffer the initial inconvenience than have complicated atherosclerosis and end up dying young. I have suffered a strok and had keyhole heart surgery twice. I find any form of statin impossible to take due to muscle cramps. I am always tired on Niaspan but that could be my thyroid packing up. I have seen some evidence somewhere that niaspan can cause hypothyroidism, and am wondering if that has been my cause as the family seems to be clear for generations back. Maybe due to the fluoride in the water.	F	56	10 years		1/14/2009 Email
4	High Triglycerides	No side effects if I eat yogurt just before taking. Flushing and burning if I don't eat the yogurt. Yogurt works better than applesauce. Both are good for the flushing side effect. 1000 milligrams.		M	58	2 months		1/10/2009 Email
4	High Cholesterol	nothing to report except burning, itchy skin, not after every dose but when it happens it is severe. It wakes me from a dead sleep. I am taking aspirin before the niaspan, and am also taking fish oil with the niaspan. My regimine is 30 minutes before bedtime, I take an aspirin, then at bedtime take 750 or 1000mg niaspan ( my dose has changed) and fish oil. Usually do so without incident. On two occasions I have had sever reactions but otherwsie am fine.		M	49	1 years		1/8/2009 Email
1	HIGH TRIGLYCERIDIES	I HAVE BEEN TAKING NIASPAN FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW AND EVERY OTHER DOSE I HAVE THE BURNING OF THE SKIN, SO BAD I GET PANIC ATTACKS. DR SAID THAT MY BODY SHOULD GET USED TO IT. BUT WHAT'S WEIRD IS THAT IT DOESNT HAPPEN EVERY TIME.	IT MAKES ME FEEL BAD	F	27	1 months		1/7/2009
3	High Triglycerides	Been on 500mg for 2 months.Woke last night burning so bad I thought my skin was on fire.Woke my husband because I thought I was going to pass out. Ten minutes later throwing and going.After I threw up the burning was better but lasted 3 hours.SCAREY.	Dr. told me about side effects but never had any burning until 2 months later.I am still disoriented from last night and will call Dr. in the morning to see if it has helped my triglycerides at all.If not,then I am done with it.All I can say is if you experience this ,try to stay calm and it will pass.Best of luck.	F	42	2 months		1/4/2009
4								12/28/2008
2	low HDL	Occasional flushing, muscle and joint pain especially in legs and feet	My HDL is normally around 28. I've been taking 1000 mg. with aspirin before bed. The flushing sometimes, but not often, wakes me up at night and lasts about 10-15 minutes. Its not that bad and I can deal with it. The problem is it makes my joints and muscles ache and weak, especially the legs and bottom of my feet. They feel fatigued, like I've been walking 10 miles in bad shoes. The doctor told me to quit taking niaspan about a year ago in preparation of a colonoscopy and the pain went away. I didn't put two and two together until last week when I started taking the niaspan again and within a couple of days the leg and foot pain returned. It never raised my HDL more than a few points but the doctor said I should continue its use anyway because of its overall benefits. I haven't talked to my doctor about the leg pain yet. I'll stop taking it again to see if the pain goes away just to be sure it is related to the drug.	M	50	3 years		12/21/2008
1	High Triglycerides	Arms and body burning so bad i couldn't touch myself. Passed out and my wife called an ambulance and the paramedics said my bloodpressure bottomed out.. Spent 2 days in Hospital and was told never to take it again. Now taking Crestor for several months with no side effects...		M	61	1 days		12/17/2008
4	high triglycerides	litle flushing,upset stomach,hungry	Before I start taking it my triglycerides were around 800,now about 250,it works.	M	46	9 months		12/15/2008
1	High Triglycerides, High LDL	After about 3 weeks, I started getting excruciating headaches! Severe nausea and vomiting. I've missed 2 days of work because of it. I have what I think is a severe cold, but could also be an allergic reaction to it...I started these symptoms about a week and a half after starting Niaspan. Sinus congestion, ears are popping, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, feverish, aches. Have not had the severe itching.	Niaspan ER 500mg, taken near bedtime with snack and aspirin. Headaches, nausea, and vomiting only in the daytime or when I wake up in the mornings.	F	38	3 weeks		12/11/2008
1	Slightly raised cholesterol	Burning and extreme flushing of face, hands and legs. Felt like I had been sprayed with acid and then dried with a blow lamp. Unable to sleep as a result. This was even at the relateivley low dose stage.	My doctor didn't warn me about the side effects and frankly I can't imaging why he prescribed it when statins are preferred by most doctors. I took myself off it as it was ruining my life.	F	40	1 months		12/2/2008
4	elevated lipoprotein (a)	I've been taking Niaspan for about a month (2000 mg at bedtime). I have elevated Lp(a) with normal HDL's, LDL's, and a high calcium score. I've been fine except this morning, about 9 hours after taking it, I feel a bounding heartbeat and slightly elevated heart rate (not palpitations). I've never experienced this and am wondering if it is from the Niaspan.		F	44	1.5 months		11/27/2008
5	cholesterol / low hdl	occaisional flushing - taking 2000 mg once per day at bedtime .... sleeping through flushing.	Taking with 10 mg Crestor - combination working Total Chol. down to 93. Had heart attack 4.5 yrs ago. Angiogram now shows whatwas 80% clogged has reversed itself to only 30% clogged. Also taking with 4-5 grams L-Arginine per day.	M	57	4 years		11/23/2008
5	High Chol: 3000 mg Niaspan daily	I take 3000 mg Niaspan daily, at bedtime. This is the highest therapeutic dose recommended. Side effects include flushing and itching, and tightening of tendens behind knees. Niaspan should only be taken at bed time as the liver produces cholesterol during the sleep cycle. The other benefit is that the flushing and itching is significantly reduced or eliminated during sleep. The flushing never really bothered me too much... at least not to the point that I ever thought about discontinuing Niaspan. I had taken niacin a number of times years earlier, so I knew about the flushing and itching in advance of starting Niaspan. Niaspan side effects are nothing in comparison. I rarely get any flushing or itching now... and not a big deal when I do. I just expose my skin to the air and go back to sleep.	Before Niaspan: T-Chol 328, Trig 304, LDL 222, HDL 46. After Niaspan: T-Chol 181, Trig 150, LDL 100, HDL 52. My triglicerides can fluctuate upwards of 300 at times, which I attibute 100% to alcohol and sweet mixers. Cutting out alcohol and sugar drops my Triglicerides down to 150. If flushing and itching are your only side effects, I highly recommend sticking with Niaspan as the flushing and itching will subside. Start with a low dose and build up tollerence before increasing dose. I've tried verious statins over a 7 year period and none of them lowered my cholesterol to the level that Niaspan did. And Niaspan side effects are nothing compared to the side effects statins cause.	M	49	3 years		11/22/2008
4	Low HDL	500 mg for 4 years. Occasional flushing and rare severe flushing with rapid heartbeat and breathing restrictions 1 to 4 hours after taking. Flushing starts in the face and slowly extends to feet. Symptoms dissipate in the same order.	Taking 100 mg of Diphenhydramine (Benedryl) at onset will reduce the severity and duration of my symptoms. I have never suffered severe symptoms after taking 100 mg of this antihistamine. Had I not discovered this I would probably refuse to take Niaspan.	M	57	4 years		11/18/2008
3	Very Low HDL and High LDL	I am a Male 38. Its 4am right now and I am having my first episode of Niaspan side effects. I am taking 500 mg and today made the mistaking of having very spicy food for dinner and now I am paying the price for. My body is on fire as I write this and its feels like that ants are all over my body. The only thing different I did today is eating that very spicy food. Trust me it wont happen again. The burning sensation started 20 minutes ago and it is a little better now. This is what you call breaking news reporting I am writing as it is happening.lol.		M	38	15 days		11/17/2008
2	High Triglycerides	Whole body redness, itching, painful, small hive-like bumps, and felt like I was on fire. I also started to have pronounced heartbeat and shortness of breath. These did not improve over time while on the medication. They actually got worse. My triglycerides did not go down much either. I did lose weight and started exercising more.	I stopped on my own after about 9 months and requested my doctor to put me on another medication that did not contain Niaspan or Niacin. I was not getting much sleep and could not put up with the side effects.	F	36	9 months		11/17/2008
5	High Cholesteral & Triglycerides	I have the typical side effects (flushing, itchiness, pins & needles) about once a month but they are minor and normally preceded by spicy food, which is not recommended when taking Niaspan.	Extremely satisfied with results so far. I have been taking 1000mg/day for 6 months now and cholesteral went from 223 to 185 and triglycerides went from 259 to 120. Also saw a minor reduction in LDL from 139 to 118 and minor increase in HDL from 32 to 42. Have been on Tricor for almost 4 years and never saw this type of movement in my numbers.	M	50	6 months		11/16/2008
1	lower cholesterol	Not only does my husband experience the occasional hot pin pricks & flusing, but has also developed PERIODIC LEG MOVEMENT (PLM) from using this drug. We are disgusted because he went through a sleep study and the Dr.'s knew he was on this drug. No mention whatsoever that this may be the cause of the PLM. PLM is different from restless leg syndrome.	My husband has extremely painful leg cramping & uncontrolled movement approximately 1/2 hour after taking this drug. We just discovered that the 1,000 mg. of Niaspan he was taking before bed was the cause of the PLM. As soon as he can get into talk w/his cardiologist, he plans to discontiue this drug. He has been on this drug for approximately 8 years and has been going through the PLM almost the entire time. No Dr. has ever told us that Niaspan could be the cause. If anyone wants more info on PERIODIC LEG MOVEMENT in relation to taking Niaspan, please feel free to email us.	M	57	8 years		11/16/2008 Email
4	Bad Cholesterol Too High....	None whatsoever, it may be psychosematic, after reading the labels on some of the side effects, but nothing more.	I have been taking this medication for over two weeks, and have not had a problem. I believe that it may effect some folks differently, just like the fact that no one has the same personality, or fingerprint. Haven't had a problem at all. I am a post CABG-5 open heart surgery patient, going on two and one half years now, and my cardiologist, at the world reknown Heart Center in MA, is fair, direct and to the point. Sorry that I cannot concur with most of you on this particular medication. It's great to have a venue such as this to share these factoid's on the follow-up care in these United States. Make a great day happen!	M	52	16 days		11/14/2008 Email
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	I did not realize these side effects were caused by Niaspan until I read other comments here. I have stopped taking Niaspan for 2 months now. Blood pressure returned to normal within 2 weeks, sties have reduced - almost gone, eyelids are no longer swollen, much more relaxed, concentration levels almost back to normal, temper under control, rashes on face are still there but now I doubt they are "sun damage" as dermatologist had diagnosed, did not have to take blood pressure pills that were prescribed. I have to say it was extremely frustrating to be going from doctor to doctor trying to get my sties, rashes and high blood pressure under control. Stopping Niaspan solved all of that.	M	45	4 years		11/12/2008
5		I have had no side effects. I take 1000mg daily.		F	51	10 months		10/29/2008
3	High cholesterol & triglycerides	"flushing"...hardy-har-har. Felt like shingles. And facial swelling so bad that I now look like an eskimo. Apparently I have to deal with the edema? Also joint pain, but a little less severe than the lipator (which was intolerable). I have gone back down to 500 mg, but the doctor isn't going to be happy. Also had to stop taking my mega-B vitamin because it was making the "shingles" worse! Couldn't bear wearing anything on my legs. I just hope we don't find out all these side effects aren't in fact overdose symptoms that will wreck the liver!		F	55	200 days		10/28/2008 Email
2	To raise HDL	Despite taking the aspirin 1/2 hour before, I still get some itching and terrible burning. I am also extremely tired, and somewhat nauseous in the mornings. Have only been on it for 4-5 days, so will stick it out a little longer. Am taking 500 mg, but I am extremely sensitive to all medications, so this level packs a wallop for me.	So glad to read that others have fatigue and/or stomach reactions. Sometimes you think it's all in your head, so it's reassuring to read what others experience.	F	52			10/16/2008
1	Total Cholestrol 236 HDL 26 LDL 134	Fainted - passed out , Increased heart beat, Rashes on skin - Elevated bumps on the skin on boths hands and legs , Itching -needles running on legs and hands,	I was on 1500mg Niaspan at bed time. I woke up at around 5.00AM and went to restroom due to high itching and rashes over my hands and feet. I fainted in the restroom with few injuries....went to the doctor in the morning and they advised to stop Niaspan....NEVER TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU EXPERIENCE ALLERGIC CONDITIONS LIKE DIZZINESS, FAINTING,HIGH HEART BEAT and rashes on skin.	M	29	6 months		10/16/2008
1	To raise HDL levels	DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. What a horrible experience. I took 500 mg right after my dinner. about 2 hrs. later while watching quietly TV I felt needles stabbing my all over my arms, legs, torso and face.My skin was red and burning and my torso felt like there was a "fire within". I also came very close to passing out twice. I thought I was having a stroke or something. I was very close to having my husband take me to the ER. I went on the internet and found this site - THANK YOU - and discovered that these are common reactions to this medication. Why would anyone take this medication when there are so many others out there that can help HDL without these drastic side effects. These side effects cannot be good for other organs in the body.		F	61	4 days		10/16/2008 Email
4	low HDL	Flushing but have discovered many ways to prevent and will share: apples or applesauce really work, Advil LiquiGels OR uncoated traditional aspirin at least 325mg (not 81mg), fiber supplements like metamucil, benadryl for the itchy flushes	Tolerance takes about 1-3 months to not flush very often	F	43	1 years		10/15/2008
1	diabetic ldl 110	read this: http://www.cafepharma.com/boards/newreply.php?s=5da1d93ecb2c21528d4c712302b47098&do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1516439	according to pharm reps, its all a money game	F	50	30 days		10/15/2008
2	slightly low HDL, slightly high LDL	I experience "flushing" 2-3 times per week even though I take a full size aspirin with it every night before bed. Sometimes it's HORRIBLE, sometimes it's minor, sometimes I even feel it during the day. I have been taking Niaspan for nearly two years: the first year at 500mg, the second year at 1000 mg.	The flushing episodes decreased after I had my thyroid removed, but that's relative. I went from almost nightly to a few times per week. Still really nasty! My sleep is badly interrupted. I have had NO improvement in my HDL or LDL, in fact, they even got worse once. This might work for some people, but when I see my doctor next we will talk about stopping it. I certainly don't want to increase the dosage.	F	52	2 years		10/9/2008
5	high cholesterol	Beneficial side effects: cured my migraine headaches. Negative side effects: stomach discomfort/soft stool/flushing for about a month, then the effects disappeared.	I had been prescribed various statins, and all of them proved horrific, making me feel decades older. I demanded something different and my previously very high cholersteral levels are now normal.	F	51	7 weeks		10/8/2008
5	Triglycerides, cholesterol	3 episodes of flushing during first few months on Niaspan. No such episodes in 6 months.	I have had very favorable results since starting Niaspan 500 mg last January. Triglycerides went from 633 to 119, and cholesterol improved significantly as well (279 down to 210) I did have to tweak my aspirin dosage to avoid any more flushing (I use that term loosely - more like the feeling of bursting into flames!). I now take a half of a 325mg aspirin at least 1 hour before the Niaspan.	M	45	9 months		10/7/2008
1	cholesterol	Fatigue, wierd and bad dreams, difficulty sleeping, the usual fire-like flushing (made worse by the fact that I am an unnaturally heavy perspirer), nervousness and anxiety during the non-sleeping hours, mild headaches during the night (I very rarely had headaches before), a feeling that I had been on narcotics. The reaction to this medication frightens me; enough so that, regardless of its intended benefits, I am going to stop taking it; my Doctor is not going to be pleased.		M	61	45 days		10/1/2008 Email
1	cholesterol	SEVERE FLUSHING! last night i felt the FIRE spread across upper body. it started from my nose across my face and neck down arms! itching followed. I endured the fear and panic, only to be immediately followed with being on the edge of passing out and nausious while trying to call my wife for help, (i didn't have the strength to call out to her loud enough!) Don't risk it!	i did not take asprin or eat before taking but will never try this again. worst feelings i have ever felt in my life. this can't be worth any gains... heed the warnings. this has to be bad for you.	M	39	22 days		9/30/2008 Email
1	raise HDL lower LDL	I awoke at 3 AM on fire. This is no exaggeration. I thought I'd need to wake my husband to take me to emergency. I awoke two nights ago "dreaming" my arms were on fire. This time it is my entire body. My face was leathery and distorted.	I took as directed: 81 mg aspirin 1 hr before taking at bedtime. I also took with a snack. This episode was so scary I will NEVER take another niaspan. Luckily I thought of going to the website to find reactions, which prevented me from going to emergency.	F	61	10 days		9/27/2008
1	lower Cholesterol	My ears turned red and felt like fire. It started to spread. I started to itch and broke out in small bumps. Benadryl spray eased it. I thought I was having an allergic reaction. I have a hard time falling asleep. I have wierd dreams and wake up all night long. I have headaches. I used the asprin just like they said and if it helps I would be scared to know what would happen if I didn't take it. It has also made my stomach feel bloated, given me constipation, gas, and nausea. This is only 500 mg.	I am watching my diet and increasing exercise. I wish it was just a flush. It felt more like the fires of hell after rolling in posion ivy. It makes hot flashes look like a walk in the park.	F	54	1 months		9/17/2008
3	Low HDL	"Flushing" does not begin to describe the experience of this medication at its worst. I have been rather non-compliant with it over the last 5 years because of the side effects but whenever I get motivated to start up again I spend a few days in HELL building up my tolerance. I woke up last night feeling like I was in broiler. I don't mean that lightheartedly. I really felt like I was surrounded by fire. Standing made it a little better but you can't sleep standing up. I took a decongestant (for the vasoconstrictor effect) and watched TV with cool compresses on my legs for 2 1/2 hours before I could go back to bed. I couldn't recline on the couch because that made it feel worse. It feels like your entire body is sunburned and no amount of lotion will help. By the way, being in Minnesota I can say that cool air temperature does not make this feel any better. If anything, all it does is give you a chill. And that's just from 1000mg. I have to build myself back up to	Having gone off and back on Niaspan several times for 5 or so years I can say that the worst period for me is start of the regimen. Building up tolerance is excruciating. But once I did that, the side effects went away. I tried the aspirin thing but it never seemed to make any difference.	M	43	5 years		9/16/2008
3	Raise good cholesterol	I have had none to speak of until tonight. I agree with the "burning in hell" comparison. My body is red all over and itches and feels like some is sticking needles in me.	If this doesn't raise my good cholesterol in the next reading, I'm off of this drug. Been exercising 3 times a week, can't seem to get the good cholesterol raised.	M	61	6 months		9/16/2008

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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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