Niacin Side Effects
Niacin is a prescription B-complex vitamin often used by doctors to treat patients with high cholesterol and patients who have or are in danger of having a niacin deficiency. If used properly, Niacin is safe; however, side effects are possible with any medication. Common side effects of Niacin include diarrhea, dizziness and headaches. Severe side effects of Niacin include allergic reactions and swelling of hands, legs or feet.
Common Side Effects of Niacin
The more common side effects will not affect every patient who takes Niacin, these side effects should be paid attention to and reported to your doctor if they last longer than a day or become bothersome.
- Minor allergic reactions such as temporary skin redness, itching, feeling flush and tingling
- Upset stomach, including diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, nausea and vomiting
- Headaches or dizziness
Severe Side Effects of Niacin
If you experience any of the following side effects of Niacin, you should seek medical attention immediately, if your physician is unavailable a trip to the hospital emergency room is advisable.
- Severe allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, difficulty breathing, itching, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue and hoarseness
- Muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, swelling
- Tingling or numbness of the skin that is persistent
- Severe or persistent headaches or dizziness
- Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of extremities; hands; legs; feet
- Bleeding or bruising that is unusual
- Skin or eyes yellowing
- Vomit comparable to coffee grounds
- Changes in stools, including black, tarry or bloody stool
- Blurry vision, cloudy vision
- Decreased urination; dark colored urine
- Increased or irregular heartbeat; fainting
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and sore throat