Niacin Side Effects

Niacin was discovered when chemists were working on nicotine. As it was in no way related to nicotine it was called Niacin, a word derived from the combination of nicotinic acid and vitamin. Niacin, also referred as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin. Deficiency of niacin causes a disease called Pellagra. Niacin benefits are many, it helps in maintaining good metabolism and also reduces bad cholesterol. Doctors recommend about 14-16 milligrams of niacin intake everyday. But taking niacin in large doses has side effects. Let's take a look at various niacin side effects.

Blood Pressure

Many patients suffering from high blood pressure use niacin as it is cheap and easily available. It is true that niacin reduces bad cholesterol and helps to form good cholesterol but it is not helpful in treating high blood pressure effectively. Niacin is used in blood pressure medicines such as prazosin and doxazosin. Large doses of these medicines will cause various problems like diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and nausea.

On Liver

The liver plays an important role in detoxifying our body. Niaspan, a niacin induced drug increases the enzyme production of the liver. Increased enzymes hamper liver function and can also cause stomach pain, nausea and dark-colored urination. Liver infections which can lead to hepatitis is also possible. Another niacin side effect is that it can raise the level of uric acid in the body alarmingly, which can cause various kidney diseases.

On Skin

Excess niacin can cause a skin rash in people who are allergic to it or have sensitive skin. This skin rash is red in color and it spreads all over the body. The skin becomes itchy and swollen. A severe allergy to niacin may cause chest pain or breathing problems. Dry skin, xeroderma and darkening of the skin are other skin disorders caused by niacin. In some cases, swelling of the mouth and tongue is also noticed. However, one must note that skin problems occur even if there is a deficiency of niacin, which means that appropriate quantity (14mg to 16mg) of niacin should be consumed.

Though niacin is used to reduce cholesterol, in some cases, the ill effects include bleeding in the arteries. There is a question mark over how niacin affects pregnant women as it is yet to be tested on human beings. But when tested on animals, it indicated that it does affect the unborn offspring. Niacin intake should be avoided when breast feeding as it can pass through breast milk. In rare cases, muscle pain has been reported on taking niacin rich drugs. In rare cases, it can cause severe break down of muscles. Niacin may disturb the blood sugar level which can affect diabetic patients. Other side effects of niacin also include flushing and insomnia. Let's take a detailed look at them.

Flushing

Flushing means excessive skin redness or itching. Taking large doses, i.e above 50mg can cause flushing. Niacin flushing occurs due to expansion or dilation of blood vessels. Flushing can last for about 30 minutes or more. The other ill effects which can occur along with flushing are rashes and itching of skin. The recently introduced niacin formulations which claim to be non-flushing are not foolproof. Another disadvantage of these non-flushing niacin supplements are that they do not help in reducing cholesterol. Also, don't rule out nausea, bloating, and diarrhea in these so-called, non-flushing niacin products.

Insomnia

About 25 percent adults suffer from insomnia or lack of sleep. Breathing problems, kidney dysfunction, anemia, headache, fatigue and excessive stress are symptoms of insomnia. Some side effects include nervousness, depression, dizziness, headache, fatigue which can lead to lack of sleep or insomnia. Niaspin a drug made up of niacin, known to lower cholesterol can lead to insomnia in some cases. To prevent insomnia, have niacin only in the adequate quantities. Avoid excessive coffee, alcohol and smoking.

It is said that excess of anything is bad, same is the case with niacin. Niacin is good if taken or consumed in the right quantity, excess of it has side effects. Niacin supplements should be avoided, only naturally niacin rich foods should be taken. If you are suffering from liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or peptic ulcer, niacin drugs should be avoided or should only be taken under medical supervision. If you think that niacin will do only good for your health and if you start taking niacin in large doses, you might end up in hospital. So please consult your doctor before taking any new medicines; don't remain ignorant. Ignorance is not bliss in this case.