I've been taking the 1000mg for about three years now. Yes, itch...

I've been taking the 1000mg for about three years now. Yes, itching was a major problem at first, but it decreases with time. My best tip for new users is to NOT take it at bedtime like they say. Take it in the area about two hours after dinner and two hours *before* bedtime. Any side effects that you might have will be far less and far easier to tolerate while watching tv. You get a good night's sleep that way. DON'T drink any hot drinks or eat any spicy foods for at least two hours before taking it. One of the triggers I soon found was paprika. That's the red stuff on spicy Doritos etc. If you want to experience what the Niaspan flush/itch is all about, take your dose and then a half hour later eat a handful of spicy Doritos. Hot or spicy foods/drinks, direct sunlight, hot rooms, rubbing or scratching an area etc all can lead to Niaspan flush/itch so be careful! Hot showers DO NOT relieve the itch! Warm showers, or even cool ones can help, but not much. Your best bet is to simply wait it out. Itch meds like Benadryl etc DO NOT WORK, so don't try to self-medicate! If the flush/itch *does* get you even after being careful to avoid the triggers, DON'T scratch! You'll only tear up your skin! Instead, wrap a hand towel around your hands and gently rub the affected area. A large bath towel tossed over a chair makes a great "back scratcher". My wife calls it my "Niaspan shuffle" ;) Flip on the tv and find a good sitcom to watch for 30-45 mins. It takes your mind off of it....and it's gone that quickly.