B3 Niacin

[brownstoned]

Just curious if anyone thinks its safe to take more than the daily recommended does of B3 niacin if having epilespy. I took 250mg this morning and had a bad hotflash for about 30 mins 2 hours after it.
The lamictal i already take does enough damage to the liver, although my doctor says a blood test doesnt see any sign of it.

[Bernard]

Why did you decide to take more than the recommended dose? Regardless of what you read anywhere or what anyone tells you, your body is ultimately the one you should listen to first IMO. You might ask your pharmacist if a high dose of B3 might interfere with any medications you are taking.

[occb]

Chances are the hot flash isn't E-related. I used to know someone who would use niacin to give himself a sick day. He would take large amounts, and go in to work, and get the hot flash, and red-faced and start sweating, so his boss would send him home. If you're going to take large amounts of it, you can expect your body to respond like that every time.

[brownstoned]

The flash defintely had to do with B3. All I need to know is if epileptic meds area big interference. Thnx.

[hootie]

I would ask a pharmacist (especially if he/she has info on vitamin interactions).

[buck_rogers]

Hi there, I have done a little research on this and from what ive been reading, studies have been done on the effects of B3 supplementation in epilepsy. In one study patients who were poorly controlled with high doses of anticonvulsants were given 1gram three times a day of B3 and after several months their anticonvulsant drug doses could be lowered, all with careful monitoring by the doctor of course. B3 seemed to increase the effectiveness of the medications without increasing side effects.

High doses of B3 can have side effects due to its vasodilation effects; such as flushing, pounding in the head, sensation of heat, headache, hypotension. Taking aspirin at the same time can diminish some of these side effects, but can also cause the B3 to stay in your body longer (therefore smaller dose B3 required). Other side effects which can occur to some people are, anxiety, itching skin, dry skin, brown pigmentation, cholestatic jaundice, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Also B3 can interact with some medications, eg, Glipizide for Type 2 diabetics, statins for cholesterol, Clonidine, and insulin dosing may need adjusting for type 1 diabetics. I couldnt find any interactions with antiseizure medications.

All that being said, seems to be something some may want to try under the guidance of their doctor, and it may be beneficial.

[dfwtexas]

My neurologist said there is long term neurlogical damage from taking too much B complex supplements. He told me not to add ANY supplement without checking with him first