Niaspan (Niacin)
Niaspan Controlled-Release works by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Niaspan contains niacin, also called nicotinic acid, a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals and is present in many multiple vitamin supplements.
Niaspan lowers cholesterol levels, reducing the risk for a second heart attack, slows or treats hardening of the arteries, and lowers very high serum triglyceride levels. It is used in combination with diet.
Niaspan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Most important: Do not take Niaspan if you are allergic to niacin, or if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.
Niaspan can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take Niaspan. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid taking colestipol (Colestid) or cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) at the same time you take Niaspan. If you take either of these other medications, take them at least 4 to 6 hours before or after you take Niaspan.
Niaspan is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
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about 5 months ago
I have only been on this drug for two weeks. I take 1000mg Niaspan Extended Release every morning after I eat breakfast along with 81 mg. aspirin. I also take 80 mg of pravastin. I am very, very, drug sentitive and my cardiologist was so worry what it would do to me, that I had to have someone to be on stand by for reactions I might have. I was frightened to take it, but did it, believe it or not I have not had first symptom. I hope this don’t jinx me, will have blood work done in two months to check on progress. I was on Vytorin, but lost job and couldn’t afford it anymore. I didn’t know you shouldn’t eat chocolate, I eat chocolate all the time. Keep my fingers cross and hope things continue to go well.
about 5 months ago
Flushing and itching is terrible. Cannot sleep and scratching all the time. Not worth it at all.
about 5 months ago
I have been on this med. for over a year and on occasion, I still flush and itch. usually when others are around. Of course when I am rubbing my ankles together and they look at me as if I were on drugs, opps, I am. Overall, this has been ok for me.
about 5 months ago
Before Niaspan: T-Chol 328, Trig 304, LDL 222, HDL 46.
After Niaspan: T-Chol 181, Trig 150, LDL 100, HDL 52.
I’ve taken 3000 mg Niaspan daily, at bedtime, for over 3 years now. This is the highest therapeutic dose recommended. Side effects include flushing and itching, and occational 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.
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 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 to immediate release niacin. 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.
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.
In summary… Niaspan has given me the best results for high cholesterol treatment… far better than statins… with the least side effects for the treatment of cholesterol.
Best of luck.
about 5 months ago
i have had nights when im tingling all over. like pins and needles. also i have an itchiness thar starts at my ankles and goes up my legs on the inside to my sides and left arm on the inside. is this from me taking niaspan 750mg twice a day?
about 5 months ago
Cannot tolerate even a small dose. severe flushing and itching. Not worth it.
about 5 months ago
Only had flushing or itching if I don’t follow directions. Take NSAID half hour before and take with food. Never eat or drink hot food/liquids after taking. Has really helped my Triglycerides and LDL.
about 5 months ago
minor flushing, chills, weakness in knees, rapid heart rate. But overall side effects are mild. Am going to continue check with Dr.
about 5 months ago
I’m perscribed 1500 mg daily for lack of vitamin B3 and high blood lipids, and I have been on the medication for 3 months. Only have flushing problems if I take it prior to eating. No other side effects.
about 5 months ago
I am flushed from head to toe for hours and then have uncontrollable itching and tingling all over
about 5 months ago
Side effects were very uncomfortable.
about 1 month ago
I have been on this drug for 5 months and was not told about the side effects. I have been complaining to my doctor and have seen two other doctors for this itch that i have. Only since I went on line to read about side effects of Niaspan did I put 2 and 2 together. I did have some flushing but that has subsided. Only get the sweats at night BUT the itching will not go away. Feels like something is crawling under my skin. Mine is in my butt which drives me crazy. I have decided to stop the medication to see if this helps the itch. I am having blood work done next month and i will let my doctor know what i have done.