Niacinamide and Xanax

[Zai]

Hello. Well, I had a question.. I've been hearing and reading a lot of posts from people about their experiences with the Niacinamide supplement, and how effective it seems to be with people suffering from anxiety. I just got myself the thing.. but I'm having thoughts on whether to take it or not. I'm currently on Xanax a .5 mg every night. So even if I did consider taking Niacinamide, it wouldn't be advisable to take it while I'm on Xanax at the same time would it? I'm guessing not if they seem to be having the same effects on the nervous system. I'd do anything for an alternative to this drug, I mean the withdrawal effects and just the way I'm dealing with it tends to get so uncomfortable at times. Do you think I should discuss this with my doctor before taking a 500 mg of Niacinamide? Would he know better? As my current doctor's just a general physician + a cardiologist.

I'd appreciate it if I could get some answers.. Thank you :)

[drozanski]

Nothing serious will happen if you eat grapefruit while taking xanax.  It may mildly potentiate the effects of the xanax (alprazolam) but it is nothing to worry about if you want to eat grapefruit from time to time.

[Jade59]

The Xanax and the short half life is a good point and since I don't take the Xanax during the day, or even eat grapefruit very often, I guess I'm safe.  I was wondering because one of my husbands co-workers has a grapefruit tree and he's sharing.  Nothing better than right off the tree!

Thanks again!!

[RubyWitch]

All I can really tell you is that there is an interaction with SOMETHING in grapefruit, especially the juice, that increases the drug level in your system. Good thing? Bad thing? Xanax has such a short half-life that if you took a dose at night and ate a boatload of grapefruit in the morning, I don't THINK anything really horrible would happen. I personally have just learned to live without grapefruit and done away with one more thing to worry about. I am totally addicted to Kiwi now! But I suppose I'll soon find a warning on my Nadolol about THAT!
Peace
Greenlydia

[Jade59]

Just one more question about the grapefruit.  I used to eat grapefruit all the time too until this fact was written on my prescription bottle (on a tiny little tab, mind you).  Now, does that mean you can NEVER eat grapefruit while taking this drug or does it mean don't eat grapefruit a few hours before or after taking Xanax?  And what does it do, interfere with the absorption of the Xanax, or what?

[RubyWitch]

While niacin is not a drug I encounter often at the hospital, I know that many doctors have us withold this med, especially in patients with cardiovascular issues.

Quite a few years ago, while I was browsing the shelves in a health food store, the clerk asked me what I was looking for. I told him I had severe panic disorder and he immediately recommended that I take large doses of niacin, as he said it's good for people with anxiety problems. Two days later I was in the hospital with horrible vasovagal attacks. So, maybe that was just me. But ever since then, when I hear of someone recommending niacin for ANYTHING, I don't hesitate for an instant to tell them to talk to their doc first. The fact that you can buy that **** OTC should really be rethought.
And I've been on Xanax for a very long time and use to eat grapefruit by the truckload! Who knew?
And who knows what else we don't know about all the meds we gobble like M&Ms?
I've seen too much in my line of work to not think of ANY med/vitamin/supplement as something that should be well researched before we just swallow the damn thing.
Peace
Greenlydia

[Jade59]

Wow, thanks so much for giving me such a detailed answer.  My book doesn't go into near as much detail.

Thanks, but I DO know about the grapefruit issue and Xanax.

Thanks Greenlydia, you're a gem ♥

[RubyWitch]

Taking Xanax and a good multi-vitamin is fine. Make sure it doesn't contain any extract of grapefruit though. Do you want to know about that as well?
Why do I suggest Zai consult with her doctor before adding Niacin, I'll tell you what I know.
Niacinamide is needed for the conversion of fats, protein, carbohydrates, by oxidation reduction; acts directly on vascular smooth muscles, causing vasodilation, reduces LDL, HDL, triglycerides and lipoprotein A.
It's uses are for Pellagra, hyperlipidemias (types 4 & 5), peripheral vascular disease that presents a risk for pancreatitis.
The side effects for niacinamide include, but are not limited to:
CNS: Paresthesias, headache, dizziness and ANXIETY
CV: Postural hypotension, vasovagal attacks, dysrhythmias and vasodilation
EENT: Blurred vision, ptosis
GI: Nauses, vomiting, anorexia, jaundice, hepatotoxicity, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, dyspepsia
INTEG: Flushing, dry skin, rash, pruritus, itching & tingling
They add the precaution that it should not be used for people with various disorders and diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)
That you must avoid alcohol and sunlight. That orthostatic hypotension is common so you must arise from a recumbant position slowly. That clay colored stools must be reported to your doctor immediately.
This is not a supplement that one adds without some thought. It goes back to what I said about niacin being good in some respects and bad in others.
Regards,
Greenlydia
    

[Jade59]

Why do you say "I would certainly discuss with my doctor before adding this supplement with Xanax"?  I take Xanax AND vitamins.  Always have.  

Tell me what you know?  

Thanks : )

[Jade59]

I would call your pharmacist if I were you.  Also, the Niacinamide is a supplement which would be in a completely different catagory than Xanax.  I have a book right here called the "Vitamin Bible" and it doesn't indicate any reason why you couldn't take it and Xanax at the same time.  I mean, the Niacinamide is just a vitamin, you know?  

Oh, wait a minute, it says that sleeping pills are "enemies" of Niacinamide, but Xanax isn't a sleeping pill, however, its kind of close so like I said earlier, give your pharmacist a ring.

Good luck!

[RubyWitch]

Hi Sweetie,
I would certainly discuss with my doctor before adding this supplement along with Xanax. You say your regular doctor is also a cardiologist? Did I understand that right? If so, then he/she would certainly be able to advise you on the wisdom of taking this. Niacin can be good in many respects, but it can also be bad in others. Better to play it safe.
You take care, OK? And let us know what your doc says.
Peace
Greenlydia