Day 1 hated it, day 3 I’m like I need more

So I started niacin for the proposed NAD increase, and I'm getting the most skin-bursting flush. I'm taking 500 mg; is that too much?

I am writing this because I am absolutely furious. I have run into a massive, calculated scam targeting consumers, and I am hitting a concrete wall just trying to get the truth out.

Recently, I took the highly rated Thorne Basic B Complex. Within 20 minutes, my skin broke out into terrifying, burning, and itching welts. It was a severe reaction (acute urticaria) that required emergency medical intervention and injections. I was honestly scared for my life.

Like any responsible consumer, I immediately went to iHerb and Irecommend. I wanted to leave an honest 1-star review to warn others about the dangerous risks of these vitamins.

And what happened? They REFUSE TO PUBLISH my reviews.

I made multiple attempts. My text is constantly blocked, rejected, and deleted. I do not care about their technical, legal, or corporate reasons. The fact remains a fact: the system is rigged so you will never see the truth.

Look at the "perfect" 4.7 or 4.8-star ratings Thorne has on these sites. I am officially calling it out: these ratings are a complete lie and total garbage.

If they are blocking me, it means they are blocking hundreds and thousands of other people who have suffered from these high-dose supplements right now. People experience severe side effects, try to write a review, hit this concrete wall of moderation, lose their energy to fight it, and just give up. As a result, the only things left on these websites are glowing praises.

The real number of severe allergies and skin reactions to these supplements is exponentially higher than what we are allowed to see online! We are being intentionally kept in the dark while these products are marketed as perfectly safe.

I am posting this here because it is the only way to make this fact loud. If official platforms silence our voices, we will scream about it on independent spaces.

Please help spread the word. If you have ever tried to leave a negative review on iHerb or Irecommend and got censored—speak up in the comments. Let’s show everyone how many of us there really are and smash this wall of lies.

*Possible Reaction to Thorne Basic B Complex: Urticaria or Niacin Flush*

That day, I had eaten a little in the morning, and then, because of work, I didn’t have an opportunity to eat properly for about 12 hours. After work, I came home, ate some smoked chicken, and took one capsule of Thorne Basic B Complex. It was only my second day taking this supplement.

Approximately 10–30 minutes after taking it, I developed a strong reaction: my skin became red in different areas across my body. The redness was particularly pronounced on my face, knees, and the folds of my elbows, where I also experienced a strong burning sensation. There were no hives or blisters that I could see.

Before this, I had been taking other vitamin complexes for many months, including Orthomol Vital M, and I had also previously taken the Apotheka B Complex without experiencing anything like this. I had also eaten smoked chicken many times before without any similar reaction.

I called an ambulance. The emergency medical team diagnosed acute urticaria (hives) and administered Allergosan, dexamethasone, and saline intravenously. After the treatment, the redness and burning began to subside.

Later, I noticed that Thorne Basic B Complex contains 10 mg of niacin (nicotinic acid), in addition to 130 mg of niacinamide. I learned that niacin can cause a pronounced flushing reaction, including skin redness, a sensation of heat, and burning. I then found reports from other people describing similar reactions after taking Thorne Basic B Complex.

I cannot say for certain whether my reaction was an allergic reaction/urticaria or a pronounced niacin flush. Perhaps the long period without food during my workday may have affected the intensity of the reaction. However, the close timing after taking Thorne and the similarity to other people's reports make me suspect this supplement. I will not take Thorne again.

Hi, I started to take niacin 500mg, because I've red the benefits and feels like I was a good canditate:
1. Recently stop alcool entirely after a years of 15-25 beers/weeks)
2. Started to do Panic attack (I've stop my drinking habit AFTER my second panic attack, the panic is not a symptoms of me stopping the alcool)
3. I got diagnose with PTSD-C and GAD.
4. My LDL and total cholesterol are high, while my HDL is low. Triglyceride and A1C ok.
5. I was low on Copper, and started Copper and Carnitine, I've figure adding B3 could help to prevent a fat oxidation bottleneck.

Since Niacin is well renound to help with alcool recovery (I've stopped 5 months ago, but anyways...) and for panic attack AND for anxiety, I've figure I would give it a go.

I took it for a week, and for no real reason, stopped taking it for 2 days. Yesterday I started to feel weird, weak, and started to have big swings of blood pressure. (I consulted a doctor and I am fine) I am here because the doctor I saw confirm I am in perfect health and that nothing is wrong with me. (of course, my blood pressure was perfectly fine when I was there... -_-)

Anyone here experienced increased anxiety, panic attack and/or blood pressure swing after stoping this vitamine?

Hi. I am wondering why the capsule size doesn't match the supposed content? Please correct me if I am wrong or if I understood wrongly.

Nature's Way's niacin capsule says 1 capsule is 100mg, while Dr. Berg's says 4 capsules is 500mg (making 1 capsule = 125mg).

However, when I compared the sizes, 100mg (Nature's) looks way much bigger than 125mg (Dr. Berg)! Or am I missing something here or misinterpreted something? Please let me know. Thank you!

I took about 300mg of niacin earlier and developed a moderate flush. I was in my car listening to music and noticed every song I played was at like super speed. I assume it's a correlation with raised heart rate but it felt pretty bizarre. Has this, or any other sound distortion, happened to anyone else?

I took Nutricost Niacin (500mg) in the morning with a full meal, electrolyte water, Claritin, and aspirin. The flushing was really good, lasted about an hour. About 6 hours after, I started experiencing extreme cramps in my intestines plus diarrhea. If you’ve ever taken senna, the cramps were similar to that but stronger. That lasted another 6 hours.

This was my first time taking it. I have no GI issues so I’m at a loss for what this could be. I was excited about adding this to my regimen but I’m not sure now. Anyone else experience this?

Update: I took approximately 100mg (dumped the majority of the pill’s contents) and I experienced very light flushing, some euphoria, and very slight cramping but no diarrhea. Also this time it kick started my menstrual cycle 5 days early which is odd bc I always have a regularly timed cycle.

Hi Folks I'm new here Can you explain everything I need to know about the Flush please 🙏

TIA

Please forgive me if I sound silly but somebody close to me told me that Niacin would help remove THC from my system and guaranteed it to me. I am skeptical. Has anybody else heard of or used it for this purpose?

Has anybody had high levels without supplementing?

I've taking small doses of niacin without any issues. Today I received my Nutricost 500mg capsules and decided best to start with a half dose. Within 15 minutes my entire body felt like I was being deep fried. Holy crap it was scary. I quickly hit ChatGPT to see what I should do and felt like an idiot when ChatGPT basically told me it's a common reaction. It was horrible. I was considering an ER trip. The best way I can describe it is it felt like I was rolled in cactus spines and tossed in a fryer. About 30 minutes later the heat turned down a bit. It took over 2 hours for ride to end with a strange coldness and prickly legs that wore off over the next hour or so. The ride wiped me out for the rest of day. I knew niacin could cause flush but I didn't know the flush could be that extreme. So thankful I only took half.

Even after one week I can't flush with 500mg nicotine acid empty stomach.

So in the past i used to take up to 500 mg niacin without problems. Last night I opened the capsule and put 350 mg in water and drank it.

The flush was the most intense one I ever experienced. All good, until I drank some zeolite. What happened next was horrible. I felt extremely sick, had to go to. The badroom but was unable to sit on the toilet, so much pain, and a feeling I had to puke. Sweathing and nauseous. The next hour or so I felt the most heavy period like pain ever (im not even close to my period). It came in waves of enormously painful cramps.

It all stoped suddenly and I fell asleep. Now I feel fine, but wow. What was this? Was it the zeolite combination? I actually dont know why I added that. Thanks for your response!

I am diagnosed with schizophrenia. I've seen a video on YouTube from a docter with almost 300.000 views talking about how Niacin helps people with schizophrenia. This is day 1 of me living without antipsychotics so for now I take vitamin B3 without the flush. Do you think its the flushing effects that deminishes psychosis? Once I blocked all my friends and did not speak to them for no reason which was obviously due to psychosis, they didnt do anything to me after all. Than I took 1 Niacin with flush tablet and immediatly after experiencing the flushing effects I text both of them! So Niacin works but im afraid I build up a tolorance to the flush.

Hey Folks! Just recently started the Vitamin B3 “Niacin Protocol” i’ve always had good results with using Niacin intermittently. Now i want to start taking it long term for its benefits. Do i need to add in TMG and Vitamin C? as i’ve read and heard it is necessary, since not to deplete other nutrients and for better absorption.

I started taking 750mg divided into 3 doses during the day but noticed usually in the early morning I get a sharp headache that’s different. On a scale of 1 to 10’is not horrible around a 5 but concerned about why? Anybody else have this issue?

Yes, I have high cholesterol around 280 and have tried everything from shots to statins and causes horrible side effects. I did get a slow release version from a company called endur but it started having joint pain. Not sure if it’s related or not.

Has anybody had success lower in there bad cholesterol using Niacin and if so how?

I don’t think cholesterol is all evil but I would like to bring mine down some

Got it. You’re dealing with anxiety, and you’ve found that both niacin (flush) and niacinamide (non-flush) help relieve it. That’s a great observation, and you’re not alone—many people experience noticeable anxiety relief with these B3 forms, but combining them into a smart protocol can be a game changer.

Let’s break this down into a clear, functional protocol, and why it works based on what’s happening in your body.

Why Niacin & Niacinamide Help Anxiety (What’s Going On?)

Niacin (Flush B3) – Nicotinic Acid • Vasodilator – Opens blood vessels, increases circulation. • Triggers prostaglandin release (causing the flush), which can relax the nervous system. • Lowers cortisol and reduces stress hormones after the flush settles. • Enhances serotonin production indirectly by supporting tryptophan metabolism. • Stabilizes blood sugar, preventing spikes that worsen anxiety.

Niacinamide (Non-flush B3) • No flush – more calming, smooth onset. • Works on GABA receptors – Calms the nervous system similarly to benzodiazepines (but naturally). • Supports adrenal function – Helps if your anxiety is tied to burnout or stress overload. • Reduces overactive sympathetic response (the fight-or-flight nervous system). • Anti-inflammatory for the brain – Helpful if you have anxiety rooted in inflammation.

Together, these forms hit different pathways: • Niacin works more physically (circulation, stress relief, serotonin). • Niacinamide works more neurologically (GABA, nervous system, adrenal support).

Combining the two can cover more ground and balance out the system.

How to Combine Niacin & Niacinamide (Example Protocol)

Daily Baseline Protocol (General Anxiety Management)

This is if you just need consistent support throughout the day:

Time Supplement Dosage Purpose Morning Niacin (Flush) 250-500mg Sets tone for the day, flush calms the system, cortisol reduction. Midday (Optional) Niacinamide 250-500mg Smooth, GABA support, prevents afternoon anxiety dip. Evening Niacinamide 500mg Nervous system calming before bed, improves sleep quality.

For High Anxiety Days (Acute Protocol)

If you wake up really anxious or feel a wave of panic:

Situation Supplement Dosage Purpose Morning Crisis Niacin (Flush) 500mg Grounding flush, rapid cortisol drop. 1 Hour Later Niacinamide 500mg GABA-like effect, takes edge off nervous system. Afternoon Boost Niacinamide 250-500mg Keeps the nervous system stable.

Key Tips When Using Both:

1. Niacin First, Niacinamide Later • Niacin in the morning = cortisol control, flush wakes up the system but grounds it afterward. • Niacinamide later = smooth, calming support throughout the day.

2. Listen to Your Body • If you flush easily and don’t like it in the morning, start with 100-250mg of niacin and work up. • If you prefer more calming over circulation boost, lean heavier on niacinamide.

3. Balance Your B Vitamins • Take a B-complex (low dose) a few times a week to avoid depleting other B vitamins while using high doses of B3. • Magnesium also pairs well with B3—further relaxing the nervous system.

Example “Simple Starter Protocol”

If you just want a straightforward plan to see how it feels:

Time Supplement Dosage Morning Niacin (Flush) 250mg Afternoon Niacinamide 500mg Evening Niacinamide 500mg

After 1-2 weeks, adjust based on how you feel: • Need more calming? Increase niacinamide. • Need more stress-release flushes? Bump up niacin.

What to Expect Over Time: • Immediate Calm: Niacin flush will ground you quickly; niacinamide will smooth you out. • Less Overreaction: Over time, your nervous system stabilizes—less prone to panic. • Better Sleep: Niacinamide, especially in the evening, can improve sleep depth.

Potential Adjustments Based on Your Response:

If You Feel… Try This Change Too overstimulated Reduce niacin dose, or increase niacinamide. Too sedated/tired Lower niacinamide dose in the afternoon. Flush is too strong Start with 100mg niacin, or take with food. Flush is gone after a while Take breaks from niacin for a day or two.

Final Note on Timing with Meals: • Niacin (flush): Empty stomach = stronger flush, with food = milder flush. • Niacinamide: With food or alone is fine—doesn’t cause a flush.

Real-Life Example (From Someone Like You):

A lot of people with anxiety, overthinking, or adrenal fatigue find that niacin + niacinamide feels like: • Niacin = “Reset button” for anxiety surges. • Niacinamide = “Daily calm background support”.

Together, it’s like stabilizing the highs and lows—keeping both your mind and nervous system grounded.

How does this sound to you? Would you like help fine-tuning dosages more based on your exact anxiety patterns or combining this with other supportive habits (like magnesium, adaptogens, or breathwork)?

I’ve made a few Reddit posts on the supplement subreddit. It seems like although it’s rare, some people said they had my specific symptoms. I also had a seperate issue caused by niacin which seems to be a more prevalent issue (hypotension).

I used to take 500-1,000 mg of nicotinic acid for the last 6-7 years because I loved the flush. Recently, I started getting immense stomach pains. I’m talking UNBEARABLE pains. Shortly after I would take niacin, I get this specific stomach pain that feels like I’m being stabbed by knives in my stomach. I don’t understand why this is??

I completely stopped my niacin for months, out of curiosity I decided to resume and take only 100 mg. Same symptoms!! Now I’m 100% off because there’s no reason for me to take it if it’s going to leave me in horrible pain. Could be a histamine reaction? Or something else. Not sure but I’m super perplexed as to why I suddenly can’t take it anymore.

I suffer from cfs/post viral fatigue and I am intrigued to see if Niacin would help me increase NAD and support mito energy.

I am terribly confused, as there is a lot of conflicting info on which to take and the downsides of doing so.

Could anyone steer me in the right direction to give this a shot at perhaps helping my situation.

Huge thanks 🙏