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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mrtook on December 15, 2010, at 15:00:11
Is there a consensus on which is the better form to take for Anxiolytic properties?
From what I have researched niacin is converted to niacinamide in vivo so taking the first is essentially taking the second.
I ask because I want to try this supplement, but I am leaning towards Niacin because it has the added benefit of potentially raising my HDL which my GP has been wanting me to take seriously for some time.
Thoughts?
Posted by Christ_empowered on December 15, 2010, at 15:52:47
In reply to Niacin vs Niacinamide, posted by mrtook on December 15, 2010, at 15:00:11
I take niacinamide myself...no flush, I don't need the cholesterol lowering, it makes sense. Combined with Abilify and other supplements, it works for me.
If you opt to take niacin instead, just be sure that your healthcare practitioner hooks you up with regular liver testing. I think both forms can cause elevated liver enzymes. I got liver testing for depakote when I first started taking "mega-doses" of niacinamide, so I know that it doesn't cause any problems for me, even combined with potentially liver-destroying meds.
Anyway, I wish you luck, whatever you choose; just be sure to get those blood tests periodically.
Posted by Melanie-00 on December 15, 2010, at 16:11:23
In reply to Re: Niacin vs Niacinamide, posted by Christ_empowered on December 15, 2010, at 15:52:47
I believe high doses of niacinamide are rumoured to act like benzos. I tried this briefly with no luck! Maybe I did not give it enough of a try, but I am currently of the opinion that this claim is just hype. I have also heard that taking a good B-complex vitamin helps with anxiety, and, of course, a B-complex should contain niacin and/or niacinamide. For purposes of treating anxiety, if niacin were to help at all (the jury is still out for me), the niacinamide form would probably be preferred, as this does not cause flush. For cholesterol, on the other hand, you would want niacin (nicotinic acid).
I have been posting a lot of questions about help with anxiety recently, and almost all my threads are on the Alternative Board.
Good luck!
Posted by mrtook on December 15, 2010, at 21:56:45
In reply to Re: Niacin vs Niacinamide, posted by Melanie-00 on December 15, 2010, at 16:11:23
Thanks Melanie. You should put a site up with all the great research you have been doing.
Posted by bleauberry on December 20, 2010, at 19:23:57
In reply to Niacin vs Niacinamide, posted by mrtook on December 15, 2010, at 15:00:11
Niacinamide is the one usually used for anxiety symptoms. From everything I have seen, it requires a very high dose and a month or so to kick in. It has affinity for benzo receptors. But with the dozens or hundreds of other metabolic functions influenced by it, who knows where the anti-anxiety comes from. Probably a lot of different angles. Mileage varies widely I am sure, as some I would guess might do well on much less than a high dose. Others might need really high doses. And time.
I have only read about one doctor who uses Niacin. He claims he uses it for the psychiatric (unspecified) symptoms common in Lyme treatment. Interesting.
My guess is a mixture of the two, following individual trials of each, would work better than either alone. The ratio could be tailored to needs.
This is the end of the thread.
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