I take niaspan1000 mg at bedtime but recently i have been itching & flushing in the morning soon after i wake up. is this normal?

Flushing with : Niacin is extremely common. That is one reason patients are instructed to take it before bed -- to sleep through the side effects. There are slow release forms which are helpful in many cases.

See below: This is a common side effect of niacin. You should stop the drug and notify your doctor right away.

Common: One can try taking 160 mg of Aspirin 1 hour prior to taking niacin. Because of these side effects, one should take their Niacin at bedtime.