Man, that was strange

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my doctor put me on niacin for my cholesterol and he didn't tell me of the side-effects including one I think he might have warned me about ahead of time. that being the niacin flush. My face, arms, chest, back and legs became HOT and tingly like tiny sharp needles were poking me all over. It was a very disturbing experience.

that stinks. i am surprised he didn't warn you. did you read the piece of paper with the medicine's information on it, yet? reminds me of the time i went on antidepressants for the first time. was very asthmatic that day and my ears were hot. but! i got better. i hope you get better the next day. it took me two weeks to get used to it. it might just be your body adjusting to the medicine at first. *might* be. what does that piece of paper say?

Been on it for about a week now and I only had the flushing that once.

I had it a few times, thought I was having a stroke, not the best feeling

A niacin flush can actually be good for you....it releases toxins through your skin. I've done them purposely before....habitually, actually. Though the doc really should have warned you, since it's NOT exactly fun, and it's scary as hell the first time it happens...not to mention, it's not the sort of thing you'd want to have happen at work or anywhere in public.

never take anything anyone gives you --doctor or no--without first reading up.

read up on:

1. expected effects
2. what it's supposed to do for you
3. possible side effects
4. what other things it can interact with
5. and for good measure, google something lik "[substance] has made my life hell" and see what turns up. there's forums for practically anything, including drugs, vitamins, etc.


just because someone took some courses and got a certificate and can now legally give you something doesn't mean they have the time or innate skill to always give the right thing, at the right time, to the right person, with the right instructions and info.

also: a pharmacist is a better bet for info than a doctor. pharmacys focus on one thing only: the prescribed substances.

doctors have a whole bunch of other concerns and often, are too busy to keep up to date on drug research. also, they receive little training on vitamins, nutrition, and so on.