Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, appears in many of the foods you eat and, for many people, a supplement of it is not necessary. However, your doctor may recommend an instant or sustained release supplement of 1,500 to 3,000 milligrams, if you suffer from high cholesterol. This dosage is associated with hepatotoxicity indicating an overdose, the "Journal of the American Medical Association" says. Niacin can produce side effects, especially if you take too much of it.
Gastric Disturbances
Ingesting more than the daily recommended dose -- 13 milligrams per day for women and 19 mg each day for men -- can cause your stomach to become upset. This nausea may feel more serious than mild and may cause you to vomit. Drugs.com recommends that you seek immediate emergency medical intervention if you believe your symptoms are from an overdose of niacin.
Itching
Extra niacin in your body can cause you to feel a burning sensation or itchy all over your body, Drugs.com indicates. This does not necessarily mean you have an allergic reaction to the vitamin supplement. This may also occur as an initial temporary and non-serious side effect of starting niacin. If, however, you suspect you have ingested too much of the supplement, and you feel itching or burning sensations, seek medical aid immediately.
Hypotension
Overdosing with niacin vitamins may cause a drop in your blood pressure. Your blood pressure may sink below normal levels which may make you feel sluggish and tired. A low blood pressure also may cause postural hypotension, a condition in which your blood pressure sinks suddenly when you rise from sitting or lying down. You may notice this symptom if you stand and suddenly feel light-headed or dizzy. Again, go to the local emergency room if you have symptoms that may indicate you have taken too much niacin.
Bodily Flushing
You may suddenly feel warm all over your body without an accompanying change in external temperature when you use too much vitamin B3. Your skin may become red, akin to blushing, and you may break out in a sudden sweat. This type of side effect, too, can occur as a symptom of an overdose of niacin.
References
- Drugs.com: Niacin
- MedlinePlus: Niacin
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Niacin - Overview
- MayoClinic.com: Orthostatic Hypotension (Postural Hypotension)
- The Journal of the American Medical Association: A Comparison of the Efficacy and Toxic Effects of Sustained- vs Immediate-Release Niacin in Hypercholesterolemic Patients
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