NAD⁺ IV Therapy

NAD⁺ IV Therapy: Who May Benefit, Common Side Effects, and When to Avoid

What NAD⁺ IV therapy is—plain and simple

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme your cells use in energy production and repair. During a NAD⁺ IV, a clinician infuses a sterile solution that contains NAD⁺ (and usually electrolytes) through a small catheter in your arm or hand. The idea is to raise circulating levels quickly while you’re monitored in a clinic.

This is a wellness service for selected adults. It’s not a cure-all and it doesn’t replace medical care for illness or injury.

When NAD⁺ IV might make sense

People sometimes ask about NAD⁺ IVs when they want structured, supervised recovery support—especially after a run of red-eye flights, night shifts, heavy training blocks, or a stressful period where sleep and nutrition slipped. Others are curious after reading about NAD⁺ in wellness or aging articles.

A NAD⁺ IV may be reasonable to consider if you:

• Want monitored hydration and a conservative NAD⁺ dose while recovering from short-term fatigue.
• Prefer an in-clinic option because oral intake has been poor.
• Are already working on the basics (sleep, protein, hydration, activity) and want to add a clinic-supervised option.

If you’re otherwise well and can drink and eat normally, most people do well with foundation habits alone. Your clinician will help weigh potential benefits against time, cost, and comfort.

Who should use caution—or avoid NAD⁺ IV

IV infusions are not for everyone. Tell your clinician if you have or have had:

• Heart failure or significant heart disease (risk of fluid overload from the IV base)
• Chronic kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Severe lung disease (risk of fluid shifting/worsened breathing)
• Marked electrolyte abnormalities (very low sodium or potassium)
• Pregnancy (IVs may be used when medically appropriate—coordinate with your OB clinician)
• History of difficult IV access, migraines, or sensitivity to fast infusions
• Allergies or prior reactions during IV treatments

If NAD⁺ or any IV isn’t appropriate, you’ll leave with safer alternatives and a follow-up plan.

What to expect at your visit (60–120 minutes)

Check-in & screening (5–10 min). We review your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and goals. Vital signs are checked. We discuss risks, benefits, alternatives, and answer questions.

IV placement (5–10 min). A small catheter is placed after the skin is cleaned. Most people feel a brief pinch.

Infusion (45–90+ min).

• The base fluid is typically normal saline or a balanced electrolyte solution.
• NAD⁺ is infused slowly. Many people feel better when the rate is conservative; the rate can be adjusted to comfort.
• You’re monitored throughout. Tell us if you feel pressure in the chest, nausea, warmth/flushing, or a headache—slowing the drip often helps.

Wrap-up (5 min). The catheter is removed, a small bandage is applied, and we go over at-home tips and warning signs.

From arrival to departure, most sessions take 60–120 minutes. NAD⁺ is commonly slower than standard hydration because a slower rate is more comfortable.

How NAD⁺ IV feels: common sensations

People often describe a cool feeling in the arm, a sense of warmth or flushing, mild chest pressure, nausea, or a headache if the rate is too fast. These are typically rate-related and improve when the infusion is slowed. You may also notice an urge to urinate as hydration catches up.

Benefits and risks

Potential benefits (what people seek):

• Supervised hydration and recovery support during a rough patch
• A trial of NAD⁺ under clinical monitoring with a rate tailored to comfort
• Time-boxed visit that builds in rest and rehydration

Possible risks/side effects (generally uncommon and often rate-related):

• Site issues: bruising, soreness, bleeding, infiltration (fluid under the skin), or vein irritation
• Systemic: nausea, flushing/warmth, chest pressure, headache, lightheadedness
• Rare: infection or allergic reaction
• Fluid overload risk in people with heart, kidney, or lung disease

Your clinician’s job is to personalize the rate and dose, or recommend a different approach if IVs aren’t a fit.

Evidence snapshot

Research on NAD⁺ infusions for otherwise healthy adults is limited. Lab and animal studies show NAD⁺’s role in cellular energy and repair; human studies are smaller and mixed. NAD⁺ IVs are not a standard treatment for chronic conditions and shouldn’t be used to replace medical care. If you choose to try it, think of it as a complement to sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress management—not a substitute.

Practical tips for a smoother session

• Eat a light snack beforehand to reduce nausea.
• Hydrate modestly before you arrive (unless you’ve been told otherwise).
• Bring a medication/supplement list and any recent labs.
• Speak up early if you feel flushed, queasy, or pressured in the chest—slowing the rate usually helps.
• Plan a low-key day after your infusion.

Aftercare and warning signs

For the next 24 hours, drink water regularly and include easy, electrolyte-containing foods (broth, fruit, yogurt). Light movement is fine; avoid unusually hard workouts or extreme heat the rest of the day. A small bruise at the IV site is common. Call us if you notice spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, or swelling.

Go to urgent care or call 911 for red-flag symptoms: confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath; no urination for 8+ hours; very rapid heartbeat; persistent vomiting; blood in stool; fever over 103°F (39.4°C); or sudden leg swelling/breathing trouble after fluids.

FAQs

Is NAD⁺ the same as niacin or vitamin B3?
They’re related in the same pathway, but not the same. NAD⁺ is a coenzyme your cells use directly; niacin is a vitamin your body can convert through several steps.

How fast will I feel a difference?
Some people report feeling steadier within hours, especially if hydration was the main issue. Effects vary and depend on rest, nutrition, and the reason you felt run down.

Can I combine NAD⁺ with electrolytes or vitamins?
Often yes, but we’ll tailor to your history and goals. Many people do better starting with a conservative NAD⁺ rate and a simple electrolyte base.

How often should I do NAD⁺ IVs?
There is no universal schedule. Frequency depends on your health status, goals, and response. Repeated fatigue or dehydration should be evaluated rather than treated on autopilot.

Is an IV better than oral supplements?
IVs bypass the gut and change blood levels more quickly, but they’re also costlier and less convenient. For many people, sleep, diet, and routine oral nutrition cover most needs.

Costs, coverage, and next steps

Insurance may cover medically necessary hydration; NAD⁺ add-ons are usually considered wellness and may not be covered. We can provide an estimate up front and a superbill if you plan to submit for reimbursement.

If you’re comparing options, you may also find our IV Therapy overview and What to Expect pages helpful. New patients often complete forms ahead of time so we can focus the visit on care, not paperwork.

Bottom line: NAD⁺ IV therapy can be a clinic-supervised option for recovery support when used thoughtfully and at a comfortable rate. It’s not a cure-all. If you choose to try it, keep expectations realistic and anchor your plan in sleep, nutrition, hydration, and activity.

Ready to discuss a plan? Schedule a consultation in DC/MD/VA. Call our clinic or request an appointment online.
This information is educational and not a substitute for in-person care.