Spot Signs of Niacin Overdose

Whether it is happening to you or someone else, a nutritional overdose can be scary. Niacin, more commonly referred to as vitamin B3, is consumed by eating meat and fish. Most people get enough niacin through their diet and it is essentially impossible to overdose on niacin from diet alone. Doctors may prescribe niacin supplements to help treat low blood pressure and to decrease the chance of a heart attack. As a result, you can overdose by taking too much prescription or over-the-counter niacin. To spot the signs of niacin overdose, you should be able to recognize both visible and internal symptoms. If an overdose is suspected, should seek medical attention immediately.

Steps

Recognizing Visible Symptoms

  1. Look for flushing of the skin. One of the most visible symptoms of a niacin overdose is flush skin. This can include redness, warm, itchy or irritated skin, as well as a tingly feeling under the skin. These symptoms can be enhanced if alcoholic or hot beverages are taken shortly after the niacin.[1]
  2. Notice signs of jaundice. Niacin is processed by the liver, and as a result, an overdose can cause the development of jaundice like symptoms. This includes yellowing of the skin and eyes.[1]
  3. Watch for signs of nausea. A niacin overdose can cause symptoms associated with nausea and an upset stomach. For example, you may experience vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhea.[2]

Noticing Internal Signs of Overdose

  1. Monitor your heart rate. Niacin can be medically prescribed to help lower the risk of a heart attack among patients who have already suffered from at least one heart attack. As a result, niacin can impact your heart rate. In cases when a niacin overdose has taken place, you may experience a fast, pounding, uneven, or irregular heartbeat.[1]
  2. Look for signs of low blood pressure. Niacin is often medically prescribed to help lower blood pressure. If an overdose occurs your blood pressure may decrease to dangerous levels. Symptoms associated with severely low blood pressure include, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and the feeling that you may pass out.[1]
    • You should never take niacin if you already have low blood pressure.
  3. Visit your doctor regularly. While taking niacin supplements, you should have your blood tested regularly by your doctor. This way your doctor can monitor your overall health, particularly the functioning of your liver and kidneys. Kidney or liver failure can be severe and even deadly, if left untreated.[1]

Treating a Niacin Overdose

  1. Seek medical attention immediately. If you believe that you, or someone you know, has overdosed on niacin, you should seek medical attention immediately. Go to your nearest hospital emergency room or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Some side effects of a niacin overdose are severe and can lead to other major medical issues including kidney, liver, or heart failure.[1]
  2. Treat the symptoms that occur. A niacin overdose can impact your liver, blood pressure, and heart rate. It is likely that your physician will treat the symptoms that are presenting. For example, you may have your stomach pumped to remove the niacin from your system. Alternatively, you may be required to have your blood tested to see if your liver is functioning properly.[3]
  3. Stop taking niacin. Most of the side effects related to a niacin overdose will subside once you stop taking niacin. Your doctor will likely terminate your use of the drug. Niacin can then be re-prescribed at a lower daily dosage.[3]

Warnings

  • Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Overdosing on niacin can lead to severe side effects that require medical attention.[1]
  • If you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, gout, or low blood pressure, you should not take niacin.[4]
  • A high dose of niacin will not flush drugs out of your system, and can lead to an overdose. You should not take niacin as a way to pass drug screening tests.[5]

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 https://www.drugs.com/niacin.html
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/niacin-overdose/faq-20058075
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://livertox.nih.gov/Niacin.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b3-niacin
  5. ↑ https://www.wired.com/2007/10/morons-overdose/

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