About a year or two later, my count dropped to 136 and my coronary risk ratio which was over 6, dropped to something like 3.5. When I joined the VA healthcare system last year, my provider there also told me to take niacin. I think there are a few different brands and types of slow-release niacin but the best that I know of is 'Slo Niacin', which is also the one that the VA recommended and can be bought OTC. It's expensive but it works.
I don't know how niacin compares to some of the prescription meds like Lipitor, but I think those are tough on the liver and I'd rather stay away from them if possible. Anyhow, I hope this helps and maybe it's something to talk about with your doctor.
From the Mayo Clinic-
Niacin to boost your HDL, 'good,' cholesterol
Niacin is an important B vitamin that may raise your HDL, "good," cholesterol. Find out if you should talk to your doctor about taking niacin alone or with cholesterol medications. By Mayo Clinic staff
Niacin, a B vitamin, has long been used to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the "good," cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps sweep up low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the "bad," cholesterol, in your bloodstream. Although niacin is readily available and effective, it hasn't gotten much attention compared to other cholesterol drugs.
Most discussion about cholesterol focuses on lowering your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. That's still an important goal. But boosting your HDL level can be just as important as lowering your LDL cholesterol. Taking niacin — either by itself or along with other cholesterol-lowering medication — may help control your total cholesterol level.
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/niacin/CL00036
