Can You Overdose on Niacin?
Niacin (brand names include Niacor
®,
Niaspan®, Slo-Niacin
®, and several others) is a vitamin most often used to improve
cholesterol. It is available both as prescription medications and as non-prescription
dietary supplements. As with any medication, it is possible to take too much niacin, and a niacin overdose can be quite dangerous. The specific effects of a niacin overdose can vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
niacin dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
Of course, a niacin overdose may cause any of the usual
niacin side effects, most notably flushing. Stomach upset and
diarrhea are also likely. There have been reports of dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension) due to a massive overdose of niacin. Because niacin (even at normal doses) can cause liver problems, it is possible that a niacin overdose could cause significant liver damage, although this is most likely with chronic overdoses, not a one-time overdose.
People sometimes overdose on niacin to try to "beat" urine drug tests (which is both dangerous and ineffective).
Treating an Overdose of Niacin
If the niacin overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach.
" Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you or someone else may have overdosed on niacin.
