Does Niaspan® (extended-release niacin) Have Any Negative Side-Effects?
When used at lower dosages for regular health functions, such as those found in a regular daily multi-vitamin (20 mgs daily is 100% of RDA), Niacin is very safe. And, that’s all that’s needed for normal function. BUT, for the cholesterol reduction dosage, a MUCH HIGHER (and potentially dangerous) dose of OVER 3,000 mgs is needed. That’s 150,000% higher than the daily recommended dosage. At such intakes, acute (flushing, headache, stomachache) and chronic (liver damage, diabetes, gastritis, eye damage, and possibly gout) toxicity can occur. Many people are not able to continue taking these levels of Niaspan® due to discomfort or danger to their health. Therefore, IF you choose to take such high intakes of Niaspan®, then it must only be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional or your medical doctor. In fact, this is why Niaspan is only given by a prescription – because of all the negative side-effects! Ironically, one aspect of Niaspan® that makes it MORE toxic
