Lived Experience Forum

[Zoostar84]

I was recently told niacin (a form of vitamin b3 can be beneficial to people with anxiety and depression.

I have read a book written by Abram Hoffer and he discusses niacin in treating treat schizophrenics.

It can also be used to treat anxiety/depression

I have started taking niacin and the side effect of this is flushing. I have experienced this flushing from my head, along my arms, across my stomach and even down my legs. I am not up to the stage where I experience the flushing everytime I take it. 

I'm unsure as to if it has been beneficial yet

Just wondering if anyone has tried this?

[Zoostar84]

I have read a book written by Abram Hoffer and he discusses niacin in treating treat schizophrenics.

It can also be used to treat anxiety/depression

I have started taking niacin and the side effect of this is flushing. I have experienced this flushing from my head, along my arms, across my stomach and even down my legs. I am not up to the stage where I experience the flushing everytime I take it. 

[Zoostar84]

I'm unsure as to if it has been beneficial yet

[Zoostar84]

Just wondering if anyone has tried this?

[NikNik]

Hi @Zoostar84

Firstly, a big welcome to the Forums 🙂

I don't know much about vitamin B3, but maybe some other members do.

I just want to remind everyone to be careful taking vitamins B. It's really important to consult your treating Dr or team if you are looking to try vitamin B.

Even though vitamins and supplements aren't prescription medication, they can have an impact - both negative and positive. It's really important to consult a professional, especially if you're currently on other medication.

🙂

Again - welcome @Zoostar84 I hope there are others who have experiences to share.

[CannonSalt]

Hi @Zoostar84 ! Welcome to the forums. 🙂

Which book of his are you reading?

If it were me flushing like that, I would be inclined to read it as my body saying 'thanks, but no thanks'. Biotin, another B-group vitamin that's been popular to megadose on, has a similar side effect of 'skin rashes'. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/05/biotin-hair-skin-nails_n_4016804.html

An Australian study published in 1999 with 19 patients over a period of 5 months reckoned that there was no benefit of niacin supplementation for schizophrenia. http://anp.sagepub.com/content/33/1/84 😞

[Zoostar84]

Thankyou for your reply CannonSalt

The book is called

Feel better, live longer with vitamin B-3: Nutrient Deficiency and Dependency by Abram Hoffer, Harold D. Foster

The flushing lasts about 30 mins and disappears on its own

I'm unable to read the full article on Megavitamin and dietary treatment, so I'm unsure as to whether the vitamins were used with an orthomolecular medicine approach, which is what I was wanting feedback on with niacin.

[CannonSalt]

Hey @Zoostar84 ! If you join the National Library of Australia, (all you need is an Australian residential address!) you can access the Health Source Nursing Academic Edition database, which contains the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, and this article's full text.  The article does discuss and test the orthomolecular medicine approach and Hoffer's ideas - it cites him twice.

[ivana]

I take Vit B3 but for other reasons.Personally i havn't found any difference in mood.

Some people find that Magnesium helps their anxiety and 5htp helps with depression,but of course its all individual and should be taken with caution etc especially when using other medications.

In some people,certain supplements can actually increase their anxiety (or other)instead of decrease it.

Have you ever had tests for Homocysteine and Methylmalonic acid to get a more accurate view of your Vit B12 levels?

The below link may interest you:

http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/home/article/vitamin-deficiencies-and-mental-health-how-are-they-li...

[Zoostar84]

I have created an account a received a library card Cannonsalt. I will read the full article shortly.

I am on prescribed medication hoping to get additional benefits from vitamins. I am also taking B vitamins, Magnesium, Vit C and Zinc. My specialist is aware of me taking these when reviewing my medication.

I have not been tested for Homocysteine and Methylmalonic acid Ivana

[CannonSalt]

I'm glad to hear that you've signed up for a library card, @Zoostar84 . 🙂 Have you told your specialist about the flushing?