IV Therapy

IV therapy has exploded from niche wellness clinics into mainstream med spas because the value proposition is clear: get vitamins and hydration delivered directly into your bloodstream in 30–60 minutes, with effects you can often feel immediately. From hangover cures to NAD+ anti-aging protocols, IV drips have become a regular maintenance treatment for an active wellness-focused clientele.

This guide breaks down what IV therapy actually does, the major formulations, what to expect at a med spa, and how to choose between the dozens of marketed options.

What IV therapy actually does

IV therapy delivers fluids and nutrients directly into your bloodstream via an intravenous catheter. The clinical advantage: 100% absorption rate, bypassing the digestive system entirely. Whether that matters depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

The most common goals:

• Rapid rehydration (legitimate medical use — IV fluids treat dehydration faster than drinking)
• Vitamin and mineral replenishment (genuinely useful if you have deficiencies)
• Hangover recovery (combines hydration + anti-nausea + B vitamins)
• Athletic recovery (post-workout hydration + amino acids)
• Immune support during illness (high-dose vitamin C + zinc)
• Energy and wellness maintenance (Myers’ Cocktail, NAD+, B12)
• Beauty and anti-aging (glutathione, biotin, NAD+)

The most common IV drips

Myers’ Cocktail ($175–$275)

The classic. Magnesium, calcium, vitamins B5, B6, B12, B-complex, and vitamin C. Marketed for fatigue, migraines, immune support, and general wellness. Most common entry-level drip.

Hydration Drip ($100–$175)

Saline + electrolytes. Quick and effective for dehydration, hangovers, post-flight fatigue, or after intense exercise. The most evidence-based formulation.

Immune Boost / Vitamin C ($175–$300)

High-dose vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins. Marketed for illness prevention and recovery. Real evidence supports vitamin C’s role during active illness.

Beauty Drip ($200–$350)

Biotin + glutathione + vitamin C + B vitamins. Marketed for skin, hair, and nail health. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant; biotin supports keratin production.

Hangover Recovery ($175–$275)

Hydration + anti-nausea medication (Zofran) + B vitamins + pain relief. Among the most effective and evidence-based IV uses — it works because it directly addresses hangover physiology.

Athletic Performance ($200–$350)

Hydration + amino acids (carnitine, taurine, glutamine) + B vitamins. Popular with marathoners, CrossFit athletes, and serious gym-goers.

NAD+ Anti-Aging ($500–$1,000+ per session)

Premium tier. NAD+ is a coenzyme that declines with age and is critical to cellular energy production. Sessions take 2–4 hours due to slow infusion required. Typically done as a loading series of 5–10 sessions.

Glutathione Push ($75–$150)

Often added to other drips. Powerful antioxidant marketed for skin brightening, detox, and immune support.

What to expect at a med spa IV appointment

A typical first appointment runs 45–75 minutes total:

1. Brief medical history review (5–10 min) — a nurse asks about allergies, medications, and goals
2. Vein assessment (2–3 min) — usually arm vein, sometimes hand
3. IV insertion (1–2 min) — feels like a brief pinch
4. Infusion (20–60 min depending on formula) — you sit/lie comfortably; reading, scrolling, napping
5. Removal and brief recovery (5 min)

You can usually drive immediately after and return to normal activity. Some patients feel an energy boost within minutes; others report effects building over the following 24 hours.

How often is too often?

Honest guidance:

• One-time / as-needed is the best use case for most healthy adults (hangover, post-flight, illness recovery, big event prep)
• Monthly maintenance is reasonable for general wellness — the cost is comparable to other monthly self-care
• Weekly is appropriate for athletes during heavy training but excessive for non-athletes
• NAD+ loading series (5–10 sessions over 2–4 weeks) followed by monthly or quarterly maintenance is the standard anti-aging protocol

More frequent than monthly without a specific clinical reason is more about ritual than evidence — your kidneys efficiently excrete excess water-soluble vitamins, so you’re literally paying for expensive urine.

Choosing a med spa for IV therapy

Look for:

• Licensed RNs performing the IVs — not unlicensed staff
• Sterile technique (single-use needles, proper site prep, clean facility)
• Medical director overseeing protocols
• Clear formulation transparency — they should tell you exactly what’s in each drip
• Willingness to customize based on your medical history and goals
• Reasonable upsell behavior — pressure to do NAD+ on your first visit is a yellow flag

Avoid: clinics that won’t show you what’s in the IV, won’t review your medical history, or push aggressive add-ons on a first visit.

Browse IV Therapy / NAD+ providers near you on ClinicCompass to compare local pricing and book a consultation.