Thinking of taking Niacin - Anyone have side effects? - High Cholesterol Message Board

mghealth · 10-21-2005, 09:40 AM

My triglycerides are 307; LDL = ; HDL = 36

The only thing I can think of that'll reduce them all is Niacin. I'm thinking of taking intermediate-release Nician with my doctor's supervision.

I'm concerned about potential liver side effects. Has anyone had any side effects other than flushing?

mghealth · 10-21-2005, 12:50 PM

Nobody? (Crickets chirping z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z )

Uff-Da! · 10-22-2005, 12:34 AM

Hi mghealth,

I have been on an OTC sustained-release niacin, Enduracin, for about two years. Presumably some of the OTC niacins are riskier for liver enzymes than the other forms, but I've had no problems at all. My last AST and ALT results were 22 and 17 respectively, changed only one point each since before I started the niacin. I had minor flushing the first week and no other side effects.

Actually, I've been off the niacin and all other meds and supplements for about six weeks while the doc and I try to sort out some intestinal problems I've been having, but as soon as I get this problem solved, I expect I'll go back on the Enduracin again. I was taking 750 mg daily in a divided dose with meals.

You might also want to increase the soluble fiber in your diet if you haven't had a high fiber diet. Legumes, oat bran, plums, apricots are good. Even psyllium (like Metamucil).

Lenin · 10-22-2005, 07:06 AM

mghealth,

Niacin is a good drug treatment especially to raise the low HDL.
But it's not easy.
The worst side effect is the FLUSH which hits almost everyone...some like a Mack truck.

A couple times a year have a liver enzyme panel run...it doesn't harm the liver in too many people and the enzyme test is a good early warning. Extended release versions are harder on the liver, or worthless, so your choice of immediate release is the right one...but FLUSHIER!
Start with a tiny dose a couple times a day...maybe 25 mg. and work your way up to a gram or two if you can bear it.

Good luck with it.

mghealth · 10-24-2005, 02:31 PM

Thanks. My research suggests that Niaspan is a safer form of niacin. It's neither a sustained-release nor immediate-release form, but rather an extended-release form that contains a "unique" programmed release formula. It's much more expensive, but worth it if the concern over liver damage is there.