Niacinamide is the amide (more water-soluble) form of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3). It is also called nicotinamide and nicotinic acid amide, and does not cause the flushing that niacin does. Caution must be exercised with niacin, niacinamide and sustained release niacin because larger doses may cause liver damage. The first indications of over-use are usually nausea and elevations of liver enzymes.
Niacinamide may cause flushing and a feeling of warmth about the face and neck within the first two hours of taking a dose. Itching, tingling, or headache may occur as well. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Less likely symptoms include vision problems, dark urine, stomach (abdominal) pain, rash, swelling, dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, yellowing eyes or skin, irregular heartbeat, black stools, increased urination, muscle aches/pains. However, Dr. Kaufman has noted that niacinamide in approprate does (alone or combined with other vitamins) in a thousand patient-years of use has caused no adverse side effects. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Some brands of niacinamide on the market today contains excipients that act as preservatives, probably meant to prolong shelf life. Some patients have severe adverse reactions to these preparations while most do not experience any ill effects.
Niacinamide has ready entrance to the central nervous system. It has a strong affinity for the central nervous system’s benzodiazepine receptors and causes a pleasant calmative effect. In addition, it improves central nervous system function in the kinds of central nervous symptom impairments. These are noted in Dr. Kaufman’s 1943 book, Common Forms of Niacinamide Deficiency Disease: Aniacin Amidosis,starting on page 3.
Niacinamide works systemically to improve joint mobility, muscle strength, decreases fatigability. It increases maximal muscle working capacity and reduces or completely eliminates arthritic joint pain. Niacinamide heals broken strands of DNA and improves many kinds of CNS functioning.
Niacinamide can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Frequent smaller doses, rather than larger less frequent doses are important in maintaining a steady level in the blood. It seems the half-life of niacinamide in the blood stream is about 4-6 hours. Although not really necessary, if you wanted to minimize the flushing effect (redness, itch) take a plain (not enteric-coated) 325mg aspirin tablet (or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) 30 minutes before each niacinamide dose. After a few weeks, this flushing effect should stop occurring, or decrease in intensity. Also, avoid alcohol or hot beverages near the time of the niacinamide dose.