Add niacin only with physician approval

February 14, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing concerning the letter a gentleman wrote regarding his wife’s high triglyceride level. He said that when she started with a niacin regimen, her triglyceride level was lowered considerably. He did not mention whether she was on any prescription medication during this time.

I take Lipitor for high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels and would like to try this approach. However, since niacin can cause side effects, I don’t want to try it until I know it will not adversely interact with the Lipitor. Any thoughts on this?
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High cholesterol helped by low fat diet

February 7, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband has high cholesterol and his doctor at the clinic said that if he couldn’t get it down on his own and refused to take medication, he wanted him to sign a release stating this fact. The doctor told him to take niacin and drink a half glass of red wine each night to help lower his levels. My husband thinks this is enough but continues to eat a great deal of cheese, bacon and salami. I’m afraid for him. Am I justified?

DEAR READER: Unfortunately, yes. However, your husband appears to be willing to make some modifications. He has taken a step in the right direction by using niacin. For appropriate benefits from this vitamin, he should be taking 1000-1500 mg every day (500-750 mg twice daily works best).
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