Niacin

Overview & Context

Niacin might seem like an ordinary B vitamin, but in the world of psychedelic enhancement, it’s the unsung hero that makes magic happen. This humble nutrient is the secret sauce that transforms a simple psilocybin microdose into the legendary Stamets Stack—the most researched and respected neuroplasticity protocol in existence.

What makes niacin special isn’t just its ability to support brain function, but its unique capacity to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of other compounds throughout your nervous system. That characteristic “niacin flush” isn’t a side effect—it’s the mechanism that helps distribute neuroplasticity-enhancing compounds exactly where they need to go.

Origins & Traditional Use

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3, was first isolated from nicotine in 1937, though its therapeutic potential wasn’t fully understood until decades later. The vitamin gained prominence in the 1950s when researchers discovered its ability to treat pellagra, a devastating neurological condition.

Psychiatrist Abram Hoffer pioneered niacin’s use in mental health treatment during the 1960s, using high doses to treat schizophrenia and depression. His work laid the groundwork for understanding niacin’s profound effects on brain function and neurotransmitter production, insights that would later inform its use in psychedelic protocols.

Mechanism of Action

Niacin works through multiple pathways to enhance neuroplasticity and psychedelic effectiveness. As a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), it supports cellular energy production and DNA repair—essential processes for neurogenesis and neural adaptation.

The famous “niacin flush” occurs when niacin binds to GPR109A receptors, causing vasodilation and increased blood flow. This enhanced circulation helps deliver psilocybin and Lion’s Mane compounds more effectively throughout the nervous system, including peripheral nerves that might otherwise be missed. Paul Stamets theorizes this peripheral nerve stimulation is crucial for the stack’s neuroplasticity benefits.

Dosage & Timing

Stamets Stack: 100-200mg with psilocybin microdose and Lion’s Mane Standalone: 50-100mg daily for general health Timing: Take with microdose, preferably with food to minimize stomach upset Form: Use immediate-release niacin (nicotinic acid), not niacinamide or slow-release forms

Start with 50mg to assess flush tolerance, then gradually increase. The flush typically peaks 15-30 minutes after ingestion and subsides within an hour. Taking with food can reduce intensity but may slightly delay onset.

Benefits & Effects

The niacin flush—characterized by skin redness, warmth, and tingling—is actually the desired effect, indicating enhanced circulation and compound distribution. Beyond the flush, users report improved mood, enhanced focus, and better integration of microdosing insights.

Research suggests niacin supports neuroplasticity through multiple mechanisms: enhancing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) production, supporting mitochondrial function, and promoting healthy neurotransmitter synthesis. Many practitioners find the flush becomes less intense over time as tolerance develops.

Psychedelic Synergies

In the Stamets Stack, niacin serves as the delivery system that ensures psilocybin and Lion’s Mane compounds reach peripheral nerves throughout the body. This full-body neuroplasticity enhancement may explain why the stack produces more comprehensive benefits than psilocybin alone.

Take niacin simultaneously with your psilocybin microdose and Lion’s Mane. The flush timing can help you gauge absorption and effectiveness. Some practitioners use the flush as a mindfulness anchor, viewing it as a physical reminder of the neuroplasticity work happening throughout their system.

Safety & Interactions

Niacin is generally safe but can cause significant flushing, especially in new users. This can include skin redness, warmth, itching, and tingling—effects that are harmless but can be uncomfortable. Starting with lower doses helps build tolerance.

Contraindications: Avoid with liver disease, peptic ulcers, or severe hypotension. Can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. The flush can be more intense with alcohol consumption.

Important: Use immediate-release niacin (nicotinic acid), not niacinamide or slow-release forms, which don’t produce the beneficial flush effect.

Practical Tips

Purchase immediate-release niacin tablets, not capsules or slow-release formulations. The flush is essential for the Stamets Stack’s effectiveness—if you’re not flushing, you’re not getting the full benefit.

Take with food to reduce stomach upset, but expect this may delay the flush slightly. Keep a journal of flush intensity and duration to track tolerance development. Quality brands like NOW Foods, Solgar, or Thorne provide reliable immediate-release niacin.

The flush typically becomes more tolerable after 1-2 weeks of consistent use. If the flush becomes too uncomfortable, reduce the dose rather than switching to non-flushing forms.