Niacin is commonly used to reduce cholesterol. Also known as nicotinic acid, niacin is proven very effective but may hold side effects such as flushing, itching and hot flashes. The side effects of niacin are mild in most cases and only last for the first few weeks of taking it. Although, if the side effects stay consistent and become unbearable, there are a few steps you can take in decreasing and preventing the side effects.
Instructions
1. Consider your niacin dosage. If you are taking immediate-release niacin capsules, consider working your way up to the recommended dose rather than starting at this dose. This will help your body slowly adjust to the niacin and will most likely reduce the side effects. In addition, try to split your daily dose of niacin and take it two to three times a day rather than taking a full daily dose once a day.
2. Avoid certain beverages while taking niacin. Alcoholic beverages as well as hot beverages may increase the chance of a flushing side effect. If you can't refrain from these beverages altogether, it is essential you not consume alcoholic or hot beverages within two hours before or after taking your dose of niacin. For best results, take niacin with a glass of cold water.
3. Take a 325 mg dose of aspirin before you take niacin. Aspirin helps side effects such as itching and hot flashes. Take 325 mg of aspirin approximately half an hour before you take niacin, and you will most likely feel immediate relief of these side effects. Continue taking aspirin before niacin for a few weeks while your body adjusts.
4. Talk to your physician. As a last resort, if you can't relieve yourself of niacin's side effects, you should speak with your physician about extended-release capsules. Extended-release capsules release niacin throughout your body gradually, which prevents most side effects. The only form of niacin available in extended release capsules is available by prescription only.
Tags: side effects, side effects, take niacin, your body, aspirin before, before take
