You may use vitamin B3 supplements, also called niacin or nicotinic acid, to help treat vitamin B3 deficiencies in your body. This B vitamin, which occurs naturally in plants, also may help in the treatment of high cholesterol, Drugs.com reports. Your doctor also may recommend it to help prevent heart attacks and to help in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It can cause some side effects.
Nausea and Diarrhea
As with many medications and supplements, 500 mg of niacin may cause you to experience nausea, primarily as you start taking it. Considered a non-serious side effect, nausea should occur as a temporary problem. If the feeling of nausea does not go away and becomes worries you, you need to report this side effect to your doctor for follow up and evaluation, Drugs.com indicates. Diarrhea also may occur as an early and temporary onset side effect of niacin. You may need a few frantic trips to the bathroom during the first few days of your use of niacin. Your doctor should be informed if this symptom becomes bothersome and does not go away on its own, Drugs.com indicates.
Heartburn
You may feel a burning sensation in your stomach or chest, and it may occur after you have taken the niacin. Heartburn also classifies as a non-serious side effect of niacin, and it should go away by itself as your body adjusts to the infusion of the vitamin into your body. Drugs.com recommends consulting your physician if it lingers.
Dizziness
You may feel lightheaded or dizzy when you move and change from a position quickly. The dizziness may come on suddenly after you ingest the medication. Lightheadedness may make you feel as though you are about to faint. Tell your doctor about it if it seems serious or does not end.
Headaches
A headache may occur with this vitamin, again usually when you start using it. You may not feel well and your head may hurt. Headaches should be mild from the use of 500 mg of niacin and should end shortly. Tell your physician if you experience severe headaches or they do not cease.
Flushing
Flushing may occur with treatment of this vitamin. Your face may become reddened as well as the rest of your skin. It may occur with a feeling of heat in your skin and sweating. Unless flushing appears severe or lingers too long, it does not require medical attention.
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