regular niacin vs slow release

"In its therapeutic form, nicotinic acid, niacin can increase HDL as much as 35 percent when taken in high doses, usually about 2,000 milligrams per day. It also lowers LDL, though not as sharply as statins do, and it has been shown to reduce serum levels of artery-clogging triglycerides as much as 50 percent. Its principal side effect is an irritating flush caused by the vitamin’s dilation of blood vessels.

Actually, I like that irritating flush. After awhile, with regular niacin usage, the flush goes away, and it's usually very easy to manage if you start at low amounts and gradually work up to the higher amounts. Talk to a trusted health care provider if you're uncertain about real niacin."

I'm aware of the flush and getting used to it.  Keep in mind that only the regular niacin and not the slow release stuff, works.