Niacin instead of Statin

Hello folks,

I have a question for those who went off Statin and started Niacin to control their cholesterol.

My FIL had a mild stroke about 5 years ago, since then he has recuperated very well, but his specialist has put him on statin. He still has few left over symptoms of stroke (like, he has lost ~30 degree vision from one of his eye). I strongly feel that Niacin with flush could fix it eventually (hoping that there is no clot there).

My mom also has some kind of heart issue. It is undiagnosed yet but she is also on statin. She suffers from heart palpitations and serious headache (and that is related to cholesterol, as per her cardiologist). They found some clot in an artery behind the ear (!). I don't know the details as my mom could not tell me correctly.

The problem is, the specialist that both of them see doesn't seem to be well versed with Niacin and since they does not live in the country as I do, I do not want to take any chances. I plan to discuss with the specialists when I visit them, but I am doing some home work on how this should be done.

I know statin and niacin should not be taken together for muscle loss issue. I wonder if its a good idea to get him off statin and start on Niacin.

If anyone here has weaned themselves off statin and went on Niacin, would love to hear the stories.

Many thanks in advance.