After triple by-pass in 1996 I tried diet and exercise for a year. My cholesterol numbers improved but not enough for a person with 4 risk factors. In late 1997 I went on Niaspan working up from 500mg to 2000mg in 500mg increments.My results have been really great and if anything seem to be getting better. I just got my latest report yesterday.
Total C--------172
LDL-------------86
HDL-------------77
Tri-------------46
Lp{a}----------7.1
please tell me, what is niaspan? i cant tolerate tricor that i was put on, am taking niacin hexaniacinate, 600-900 mgs. is it similar, does it work? thanks
Niaspan is the only FDA approved form of niacin. Standard niacin will indeed lower Triglycerides, Lp[a] and LDL. It will also raise HDL. However, it takes 1500-2000mg to be really effective for most people. That quanity of niacin causes severe flushing for most people. Also, it can cause liver damage. Niaspan is an extended release form of niacin which reduces the flushing and possibility of liver damage. When using any form of niacin your doctor should run periodic tests for liver function. I have blood tests every 6 mo. which measures the lipid profile as well as liver function, sugar and many other items. Immediate release niacin must be taken three times a day while Niaspan is taken only once a day at bedtime. A aspirin taken 1/2 hour before the Niaspan helps to reduce the flushing. Niaspan must be increased slowly to minimize the flushing. I started with 500mg and worked up to 2000mg in 500mg increments. I had flushing in the beginning but it went away after time. I have been on Niaspan since late 1997 with no side effects except the flushing which as I said went away after time. I probably sound like a commercial but my results have been so good I tell all my family and friends who may have a need for Niaspan. I had triple bypass in 1996 and would like to prevent my family and friends from going through that. Best of luck to you.
Do you mean that you take 2,000mg Niaspan all at once? Why? Why can't you take it in divided doses over the course of the day? That is an awfully large dose to take all at once.
Actually, with the inositol hexanicotinate, the dosage recommendations are between 2,000-3,000mg per day, to be taken in divided doses.
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"Men and nations will act rationally when all other possibilities have been exhausted."
Niaspan is designed for once a day dossage. If you have flushing it is at night while sleeping. Immeadiate release niacin doesn't stay in your system very long which means you have to take it frequently. Niaspan is formulated for 24 hour retention. Unlike a other niacin products Niaspan is FDA approved. That means they went through phase 1, 11 and 111 trails for safety and efficacy.
For years doctors knew that niacin would improve the lipid profile. The side effects prevented widespread acceptance by doctors. Niaspan reduces the side effects to a tolerable level. In my case I know this is true because I have been on Niaspan for 6 years.
Niaspan makes me smile 
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