How to Reduce Niaspan Side Effects

A number of medical trials have recently reaffirmed the efficacy of Niaspan for preventing heart attacks and strokes. Niaspan is a cholesterol lowering agent; however, unlike statin cholesterol lowering agents, Niaspan tends to be free of troubling muscle aches and weakness. Unfortunately, Niaspan is not without it's own unusual side effects. Many individuals who take Niaspan experience disconcerting itching, warmth, tingling and dizziness. These symptoms tend to be transient lasting for 15 to 30 minutes before gradually resolving. Fortunately there are a number of simple steps that can help to reduce Niaspan side effects.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your Niaspan at bedtime. Consume a light low fat snack to help reduce Niaspan side effects.

• 2

  Avoid taking Niaspan with liquor, warm beverages or spicy foods. All can exacerbate the flushing, itching and tingling associated with Niaspan.

• 3

  Start with the lowest dose of Niaspan. Only after you successfully tolerate Niaspan should you consider increasing the dose.

• 4

  Take your daily baby or full strength aspirin in the evening the same time you take your Niaspan. Doing so can help to reduce Niaspan side effects.

• 5

  Do not allow yourself to become overheated while in bed. Do not wear excessive sleeping attire and make sure your bedroom is well ventilated.

• 6

  Consider asking your doctor to keep you on the 500 milligram tablet only. If a dose increase is necessary then simply take more than one of the 500 milligram pill. There is some anecdotal evidence that the smaller tablet may produce fewer side effects than the larger one.

• 7

  Change positions very slowly particularly when getting out of bed to minimize potential dizziness and reduce the risk for falling.

• 8

  Get your lab work checked on a regular basis if you're taking Niaspan. It's even more important to do if you're on other prescription medications such as a statin.