I started taking 1000 mg of niaspan about 6 months ago , I also take 20 mg of Zocor for cholesterol . My blood work 3 months ago beginning of October
Fldl..........147
Hdl...........52
Ldl...........87
FLdl/Hdl ratio...2.85

The highest my HDL had ever been from previous tests was around 42 so the 52 was a significant improvement and I was very pleased with the test at the time. After taking the Niaspan for three months the flushing seemed to be getting less and less. I decided at this time 3 months ago.. after talking with my doctor to try regular niacin and doubled the dose. I have been taking 500 mg in the morning and 1500 mg in the evening after supper.I received the results of my blood work today.
FLdl......153
Hdl......67.5
Ldl......77
FLdl/Hdl ratio..2.27
Ftriglycerides....18

My doctor was quite impressed with the dramatic improvement in my HDL. It has improved from 42 before niacin to 67.5 today. The normal range is from 34 to 60 according to my test sheet. and my level is even higher than that. I hope this post helps anyone who is thinking of trying niacin... Maybe try the niaspan first to build up a tolerance and then switch to the regular niacin. It certainly seems to be working for me... Good Luck!!

I started taking 1000 mg of niaspan about 6 months ago , I also take 20 mg of Zocor for cholesterol . My blood work 3 months ago beginning of October
Fldl..........147
Hdl...........52
Ldl...........87
FLdl/Hdl ratio...2.85

The highest my HDL had ever been from previous tests was around 42 so the 52 was a significant improvement and I was very pleased with the test at the time. After taking the Niaspan for three months the flushing seemed to be getting less and less. I decided at this time 3 months ago.. after talking with my doctor to try regular niacin and doubled the dose. I have been taking 500 mg in the morning and 1500 mg in the evening after supper.I received the results of my blood work today.
FLdl......153
Hdl......67.5
Ldl......77
FLdl/Hdl ratio..2.27
Ftriglycerides....18

My doctor was quite impressed with the dramatic improvement in my HDL. It has improved from 42 before niacin to 67.5 today. The normal range is from 34 to 60 according to my test sheet. and my level is even higher than that. I hope this post helps anyone who is thinking of trying niacin... Maybe try the niaspan first to build up a tolerance and then switch to the regular niacin. It certainly seems to be working for me... Good Luck!!

Hi Jimmydale57,

What a great improvement! You numbers are fantastic. Glad that you finally found a treatment that works well for you. I will be going in to see my Doctor in three weeks for my lipid panel. I have been taking 2,000mg immediate release Niacin for six months now.

Likewise, prior my HDL was at 42. It will be interesting how my numbers turn out. I will post my results and share with everyone once I am tested.

Again keep up the good work with the Niacin and happy that you have seen some positive results. :)

Hi Arizona

Thank you for your encouragement. I sort of expected some good results after reading the posts on this forum . I never expected them to be that good however. It would be nice to get off the statin and if my next results are good in three months will ask my doctor about it.Some of the side effects of the statins sound quite troubling at times. I don't seem to have any problems other than a terrible memory as of late. I understand it is one of the possible side effects!! Not just old age then.Anyway looking forward to how you make out in three weeks with the blood work. I am certain that you will see improvement... Good Luck........ Jim

Hi Jimmydale 57,

I am going in for my lipid panel next week. I will share my results with everyone. I have been taking 2,000mg immediate release Niacin daily for six months now.

Wish me luck.

Thank you for the message Arizona. I do wish you the best of luck!! I am quite sure that you will have positive results. Looking forward to them........ Jim