1g symptoms and conditions

December 20, 2007 11:30 PM
I have been on Niaspan ER 500 Mgs for 4 weeks, I have never had the redness or itching until tonight. I can't believe the intolerable itching. I woke my husband and was ready to go to the emergency room, I thought it was an allergic reaction to something. The itching started in my legs, mainly from my ankles to my knees, but I did have some itching higher up on my thighs. Also had the itching on my wrists and lower arms. I am going to try Benadryl as someone suggested on your website, hopefully it will help some, if not I will be forced to stop taking this medicine, the itching is to much to put up with..............Brenda

I have not been diagnosed with MS yet but have had 3 bouts of Optic Neuritis and this is the second time they are putting me on 3 day iv 1g solumedrol. I had to taper with prednisone last time and it caused a lot of pain in my knees and alot of anger/crying. I'm on day two of the solumedrol and feel very anxious, strange, crying, leg pain, crazy? I wish I could find an effective way of lessoning these side effects...i'm trying Chamommile tea & vitamins B's at 3am hopefully it will help.

I have been taking 1g Niaspan for about 2 years for cholesterol. Here are the things that I have found that increase or decrease side effects:
1. Taking an 81mg asprin 30 min before reduces flush. 350mg doesn't do any better than 81mg.
2. Energetic excercise (30 min on stationary bike or treadmill, cardio, weight training) especially after taking niaspan, reduces side effects.
3. Drinking alcohol as much as 12 hours before taking niaspan greatly increases side effects.
4. Eating fatty foods before taking niaspan increases side effects.
5. Drink a large amount of water (16 - 32 ounces) with niaspan dose.

The alcohol and fatty food items may be realated to and affect liver function, which can be affected by niaspan. Alcohol is also a major contributor to triglycerides. If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, leave the beer and booze alone.

T.R.