Niacin is a very effective medication for treating high cholesterol and triglycerides, and it also raises levels of HDL cholesterol. However, although it is a vitamin in low doses, it should be taken for cholesterol only under the care of a doctor.
Its most common side effect is flushing, a warm sensation soon after taking niacin that can be associated with redness and itching and can be bothersome. The body adapts fairly quickly to niacin and usually the flushing will go away over time. To avoid flushing, the starting dose should be 100 mg 3 times per day and it should always be taken after meals.
The dose can gradually be increased over weeks to at least 500 mg 3 times per day, and in some cases to 1000 mg 3 times per day. Niacin can also make diabetes worse, elevate uric acid (a cause of gout), and elevate liver enzymes. However, for the right person it can be extremely effective. You should discuss with your doctor whether or not you should consider niacin.
