If you have low vitamin B-3 levels or high cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend treatment with a high-dose form of vitamin B-3 supplement, such as 500 mg of niacin. Niacin is a form of vitamin B-3 that helps reduce levels of "bad" or LDL cholesterol while increasing levels of "good" or HDL cholesterol levels, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Treatment with high dose forms of niacin may cause a common side effect called "niacin flush." Talk with your doctor about flushing side effects associated with taking a 500 mg dose of niacin before you begin this treatment regimen.
Redness or Warmth
If you experience niacin flush while taking this type of vitamin B-3 supplement, you may notice that the skin across your chest, neck or face appears unusually red. Skin flushing may also be accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation of warmth that spreads across your upper body. Though the flushing response typically diminishes within a few weeks of continued niacin treatment, MayoClinic.com explains, consult your physician if redness or warmth become bothersome.
Burning, Tingling or Itching
You may develop an unpleasant burning or tingling sensation across your skin as a side effect of niacin flush after taking a 500 mg dose of niacin. Burning or tingling may also cause itching across the affected skin region, MedlinePlus reports. Frequently scratching your skin may increase your risk of developing a skin infection and should be avoided if possible.
Headache
Headache pain may occur as a side effect following treatment with this vitamin B-3 supplement. Headache discomfort may develop across any region of your head and may be associated with a pounding or pulsating sensation. Persistent or recurrent headache pain may be disruptive and can interfere with your ability to concentrate while performing work- or school-related tasks. If headache pain becomes bothersome, seek additional guidance from your primary medical provider.
Slow-Release Niacin
The type of niacin you take may have an effect on the severity of your flush side effects. Regular forms of niacin may cause moderate to severe flushing, while slow- or extended-release forms of niacin may help reduce or prevent the emergence of niacin flush side effects, the Mayo Clinic reports. Talk with your physician about which form of niacin is appropriate for you to take.
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