IV Therapy: Experts Share Costs, Benefits, and Risks

The worst part was, obviously, insertion. The nurse applied a rubber band to my arm to find the right vein, then gently inserted the catheter. Once I got past the initial stinging feeling, it was pretty much smooth sailing after that. I propped my injected arm on a pillow and was able to scroll through my phone with my other arm as I waited for about 30 minutes. 

The weird part was tasting the vitamins in my mouth. After a few minutes of treatment, I could literally taste the vitamins as they entered my bloodstream, which the nurse assured me was normal. Once the IV bag emptied, she injected the site with saline to clear out any remaining solution and removed the catheter. She tightly bandaged my arm and told me that effects may be felt immediately but would be most optimal the next morning. 

While my light headache dissipated, I didn't notice a significant improvement in my energy levels, so I decided to wait until the following morning. Sure enough, my nurse was right. When I woke up after another night of drinking, I didn't feel hungover in the slightest. I also had an easier time getting out of bed and felt ready to pack up my belongings to head home after a week of vacationing. 

Want to know whether IV therapy is right for you? Ahead, Dr. Jose and Dr. Beer break down everything you need to know, including benefits, costs, and potential risks. 

What conditions can IV therapy treat? 

Dr. Jose clarifies that IV therapy cannot treat any medical conditions, but it can “boost immunity, thus it may help fight viruses and even bacteria,” she says. “It may also help alleviate migraine headaches, fatigue, asthma, depression, hypertension, and some autoimmune conditions and may simply help boost our vitamin levels for wellness.”

Dr. Beer also says IV therapy can help with fatigue and boost immunity, as well as support skin health and enhance cellular rejuvenation. 

Will IV therapy help with my hangover?

In my personal experience, IV therapy helped with my hangover. Dr. Jose says this is one of the most common reasons patients seek treatment. “IV therapy helps hydrate, and people with a hangover are often dehydrated,” she says. “We also mix in vitamin B complex and magnesium, which help patients feel better when they have had a little too much alcohol to drink.” 

Dr. Beer agrees, and recommends treatment when to ward off symptoms. “IV therapy can help with the symptoms of a hangover, such as dehydration, fatigue, and headache,” he says. “The fluids and electrolytes in the IV solution help to rehydrate the body and restore balance. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in the IV solution can help to boost energy levels and improve overall well-being.”

Who is a good candidate for IV therapy?

Dr. Beer says there are a few groups of people who can benefit from IV therapy, including people with nutrient deficiencies, high stress levels, digestive issues, and athletes. “People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or malabsorption issues, may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from oral supplements,” he says. “Wellness IVs offer an alternative method to ensure proper nutrient intake.” 

Who should not do IV therapy?

On the other hand, there are groups of people who should not try treatment. “IV therapy is not safe for certain individuals with specific medical conditions,” says Dr. Beer. According to Dr. Jose, these medical conditions include “kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and anyone with multiple allergies.”