Having to take something that causes panic attacks

[Alisonj29]

I have a problem with my HDL(good) levels of cholesterol it is hereditary and diet and exercise are not helping it at all. So a few months back my doctor told me I needed to take Niacin(vitamin B3 in high doses basically) so I tried it. Well it has the worst side effects ever. It causes major flushing, itching, burning of the skin. I felt horrible and started to panic pretty badly. Never took it again. I saw my doctor yesterday and she told me I have to take it so she prescribed Niapan which is basically the same thing but in an extended release. However it still states the same side effects (flushing, burning, heart pounding, etc) it says to take at bedtime in hopes you will be asleep when the flushing occurs but it takes me along time to fall asleep. I am terrified to take this medication as it was so horrible last time but at the same time terrified not too because of my family history of heart issues and I dont want another risk factor!!!! Any ideas on how to handle this? My doctor had no advice other than it will not be so bad after a few weeks at which time they raise the dose and I will go through it again. ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AM1995]

Have you tried eating more cinnamon?  I thought a friend once told me that cinnamon is good for lowing cholesterol, like a tsp a day sprinkled on cereal or toast or whatever... might be worth a try???  I know I hate taking anything, especially after I read the side effects.  Something natural is so much easier to deal with. :-)

[DJ873]

yikes, a panic sufferers nightmare! possibly knowing what is causing those side effects might help??? is there a counter med for the side effects? yikes sister, you got me with this one I'll have to see what I can learn, I know my husband takes niacin so i'll ask him