Niacin and High cholesterol

You know? Some things just don't work on all of us, Do you have high cholesterol and can't take the Statin Drugs out there? Not sure which ones I am talking about?


Here is a list of at least some of them, showing the generic name and the Manufacturer:

Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Pfizer

Zocor (simvastatin) - Merck

Pravachol (pravastatin) - Bristol-Myers Squibb

Lescol (fluvastatin) - Novartis

Mevacor (lovastatin) - Merck

Crestor (rosuvastatin) - AstraZeneca





Some of us just can't take these so what can you do? Amid the myriad of over the counter Vitamin and herbal remedies, the one that you don't see much about is a simple mineral. Niacin, Vitamin B3.





I have includes a few excerpts from The MayoClinic.com site:





Niacin to boost your HDL 'good' cholesterol - MayoClinic.com OR





http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/niacin/CL00036







Who might consider taking niacin?


It depends. Niacin has been shown to increase HDL in otherwise healthy people who have normal LDL levels, so your doctor might suggest you take niacin, even if your LDL is relatively normal and you're healthy.



However, don't start taking niacin to raise your HDL without talking to your doctor. Niacin must usually be given at higher doses to raise your HDL cholesterol, and the use of high-dose niacin needs to be monitored by your doctor to make sure it doesn't cause any harmful side effects.



Non-drug approaches are also helpful in boosting HDL. These include: Stop smoking if you are a smoker, eat a healthy diet and exercise. Exercise has been found to be especially effective in increasing your HDL levels. If you try steps like this and your HDL is still too low, your doctor may suggest you take niacin.



Niacin is usually given along with statins or other medications to people who have high LDL levels and low HDL. Check with your doctor before taking niacin with another medication to avoid any dangerous drug interactions. However, in general, niacin seems to work even better when used in combination with statins, drugs used to lower your LDL cholesterol. In fact, when used with some statins, niacin can increase your HDL level by 50 percent or more, as well as reduce LDL levels more than when just statins are used.






What impact does niacin have on cholesterol?


Niacin can raise HDL â€" the "good" cholesterol â€" by 15 percent to 35 percent. This makes niacin the most effective drug available for raising HDL cholesterol. While niacin's effect on HDL is of most interest, it's worth noting that niacin also decreases your LDL and triglyceride levels. High levels of LDL and triglycerides are significant risk factors for heart disease.







What about niacin side effects, like flushing?


Niacin comes in a variety of different forms, ranging from fast-acting forms to those that are longer acting. Some forms of niacin, especially in high doses â€" 1,000 milligrams or more â€" do cause temporary flushing of the skin. While annoying, this flushing is not harmful. Also, talk to your doctor about taking an aspirin shortly before you take your niacin. Aspirin can counteract this flushing effect. Versions of niacin with reduced flushing effects also are available by prescription.



Other possible side effects include upset stomach, headache, dizziness, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Niacin can also raise blood sugar in some people, so people with diabetes may not be able to use niacin. However, your doctor may be able to find the right dose and form of niacin that minimizes side effects. Also, taking niacin with food or aspirin may help prevent side effects. Remember, don't take niacin â€" even in the over-the-counter form â€" without discussing it with your doctor first. Niacin can cause side effects when taken in high doses.







As Always don't just go out and buy Niacin, there is a lot to find out before you just start popping them. I know several people who have had Doctors at the Veterans Administration prescribe them and for those folks they can receive them from the VA too! Good luck and let us know how this is or has worked for you!



Thanks



Steve

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