- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
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Alternative medicine (2)
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Question
Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
I take niacin to treat my high cholesterol, but I've heard that if you take too much it can be harmful. Should I be concerned?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Niacin overdose is unlikely if you take niacin only in the amount prescribed by your doctor. In recommended doses, niacin is an effective treatment for high cholesterol, high blood fats (lipids) and niacin deficiency.
You may have heard that too much niacin can be harmful because of Internet rumors. The rumors falsely state that by taking a large amount of niacin, people can flush the chemicals that show they've used marijuana out of their bodies before they take a drug test. No studies have shown that niacin can do this, and this can be very dangerous because it may lead to niacin overdose.
Signs and symptoms of a niacin overdose include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin flushing combined with dizziness
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Severe liver damage (hepatoxicity)
If you're concerned about a potential niacin overdose, talk to your doctor to make sure you're taking the correct amount. If you think you may have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.
Next questionCoenzyme Q10: Can it prevent statin side effects?
- Guyton JR, et al. Safety considerations with niacin therapy. American Journal of Cardiology. 2007;6:S22.
- Mittal MK, et al. Toxicity from the use of niacin to beat urine drug screening. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2007;50:587.
