Is Niacin suppose to make you itch and make you burn so bad it feels like you ears are of fire??

Just took Niacin to detox system for drug test tomorrow. Im itching like hell and my ears feel like someone set them on fire with a liter....is this normal??

Just took Niacin to detox system for drug test tomorrow. Im itching like hell and my ears feel like someone set them on fire with a liter....is this normal??

Does this mean its working??

That's a normal reaction. I take niacin too to boost my metabolism. Next time be sure to get the flush free kind.

No this is a severe allergic reaction. Head to the ER and get checked out.

Niacin has a tendency to burn and itch. Especially if you take on an empty stomach or took too much. It's not life threatening, just a side effect. Some companies a "non burning" niacin cap/tab.

Yes, it can. Some people are very sensitive and cannot use it.

My dad takes a kind of niacin pill, and you are lucky if that is all you got. If you ate anything with spice in it, anything with tomato, anything with chocolate, any caffeine (all these will aggravate the niacin), you may be headed for a very very long night and should GO TO THE ER! The itching and burning can spread to your whole body and cause a rise in body temperature. Here is what Northwestern University says about it:
"Administration of pharmacological doses of nicotinic acid (1-2 g three times a day) is used in treatment of high blood cholesterol. At this level of intake, histamine release may be triggered resulting in flushing of the skin which can be harmful to patients with asthma or peptic ulcer disease. Niacin also promotes hepatic toxicity when consumed at high doses found in some supplements."

I have to say it is poor judgement to take a pill to "detox before a drug test." It will not wipe out any illegal drugs that are in your system. You should get medical attention before it gets worse.

Some individuals are allergic to niacin - Please go to the web page Intelihealth - I included their comments on niacin allergy. Please go to emergency if your throat is swelling or you are having any breathing problems.

Allergies


People should avoid niacin/vitamin B-3 if they have a known allergy to niacin or niacinamide. Anaphylactic shock (a severe allergic reaction) has occurred. Signs of allergy may include rash, itching or shortness of breath.


Side Effects


Niacin has been associated with many minor side effects. Some people may experience flushing, itching and stomach discomfort, including stomachache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Niacin may also aggravate peptic ulcer disease. Most stomach-related side effects usually go away over time. Taking niacin with food may prevent stomach discomfort.


Flushing or a warm sensation, especially on the face, neck and ears, occurs in almost all patients using niacin for the first time or at higher doses. This side effect usually goes away on its own after one or two weeks. Using aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce the tingling, itching, flushing and warmth associated with niacin. Slow-release niacin formulations may have a lower incidence of flushing but may also be more likely to cause stomach upset and liver abnormalities