Niacinamide -- a form of vitamin B3 -- along with the other B vitamins, plays a central role in healthy nervous system function, which directly impacts mood and behavior. Niacinimide in particular might work to reduce anxiety when taken in larger doses, according to limited research. Not enough exists, however, to make any firm conclusions about therapeutic benefit for this condition. Talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of using niacinamide and a suggested dosage.
Dosage Guidelines
The University of Michigan Health System notes doctors who suggest niacinimide for anxiety typically recommend a daily dosage of 500 mg four times a day. It notes research supporting this potential use includes animal studies that found this nutrient influenced brain activity in a similar fashion as benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety drugs, and a human study that found the supplement helped reduced anxiety triggered by benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Risk of Liver Inflammation
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that high doses of vitamin B3 in any form -- more than 1,000 mg daily -- can increase the risk of liver inflammation. You must work with your doctor when using the doses suggested for anxiety, as he might want to perform periodic testing on your liver. If you have liver disease or take medications that already tax your liver, niacin supplementation might be inappropriate.
Side Effects
Side effects associated with niacinamide supplements include diarrhea, dizziness, skin flushing, stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. Taking the supplement with food might ease some side effects.
Other Considerations for Use
While it is always prudent to check with your doctor before using any sort of supplement, Drugs.com specifically notes checking with your doctor before using niacinamide if you suffer from diabetes, gout, ulcers, liver disease, glaucoma or low blood pressure or are taking fibrates or statins -- two types of cholesterol medications.
