NAD Before and After

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) has become a growing trend in the health and wellness spaces, especially in IV therapy clinics. Still, you can also find this co-enzyme in the form of oral supplements, nasal sprays, and subcutaneous injections.

NAD is used in virtually all cells and is essential for turning the food we eat into energy, DNA repair, and gene expression. It's something our body starts to produce less of as we get older, leading to signs of aging. Boosting your NAD pools is said to help with mental clarity, energy, exercise recovery, and supporting an overall more youthful look.

So, what can you expect before, during, and after taking it?

Individual experiences will vary, and it also depends on the type of NAD you're taking. 

For instance, people generally feel the effects of NAD with injections much quicker than those who take oral supplements, but each format does carry its pros and cons. And while NAD therapy isn't meant to treat, cure, or mitigate any diseases, we've rounded up some of the experiences of everyday people for a better idea of what it's like before and after using NAD.

How Can You Take NAD+?

There are several ways people use NAD+:

• IV Drips: Direct NAD+ infusions, typically administered in clinics, bypass the digestive system and deliver the compound directly into the bloodstream, usually in a saline solution (sometimes combined with other vitamins and compounds) that also provides hydration benefits. Some people report a noticeable boost in clarity or energy afterward, though sessions can be expensive ($200-$700 per session) and time-consuming.

• Sublingual Drops: NAD+ liquid held under the tongue (like liposomal formulas) is a more affordable, at-home option. It allows for quick absorption without the need for needles.

• Capsules: Easier to take daily, though some research suggests bioavailability may be lower than other formats. Because of this, you may want to opt for NAD+ formulations that have a liposomal delivery format or use NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

• Nasal Sprays: Nasal sprays deliver NAD+ through the thin mucous membranes in the nasal cavity, which allows the compound to bypass the digestive tract and potentially reach the brain more directly via the olfactory nerve pathway. Some users report faster, more noticeable effects compared to capsules or oral forms.

• Subcutaneous Injections: This involves injecting a small amount of NAD+ into the fatty layer just beneath the skin, usually in the abdomen or thigh, with a small needle one or a few times a week. This can be done in a clinic setting or at home by experienced users who are comfortable with sterile injection techniques.

• Topical Creams: Emerging for skin health support, but research is still early. So far, it's difficult to get the larger coenzyme molecule to absorb through the skin to deliver its benefits.

NAD+: Before, During, and After

It's possible for people to have different experiences based on their age, lifestyle, genetics, medications, and, of course, how they're using NAD. But that being said, here’s a general breakdown of what some users describe experiencing with NAD+.

Before NAD

A common complaint people have before reaching for NAD+ is that they're feeling brain fog, sluggish, burnt out, or just generally “off.” Days start to feel heavier, and it becomes harder to focus, stay motivated, or recover from stress, whether that’s mental, physical, or emotional.

For some, workouts feel harder to bounce back from, even if their routine hasn’t changed.

Others notice afternoon crashes, low resilience to stress, or more frequent colds or dips in immunity that linger longer than usual. These patterns are often subtle at first, but enough to prompt people to seek something that helps them feel more like themselves again.

During NAD

Once people start taking NAD+, many report subtle shifts in how they feel — sometimes within the first few days, other times after a week or two of consistent use.

These effects tend to vary based on how it's taken (liquid, injection, capsule, etc.), how depleted your baseline levels are, and what your daily routine looks like.

Some of the most commonly reported experiences include:

• Mental clarity: The fog begins to lift, making it easier to focus on tasks without getting distracted.

• Smoother energy: Instead of rollercoaster highs and crashes, energy feels more stable from morning to evening.

• Natural motivation: A sense of productivity returns, not from stimulation, but from having the bandwidth to handle more without feeling overwhelmed.

• Improved mood: People often describe a subtle yet noticeable lift in mood or increased emotional resilience, especially during long days.

Instead of feeling “amped up” like with caffeine, users describe NAD+ as a clean, grounded energy that helps them stay sharp without the jitteriness or crash.

"Liposomal NAD+ Liquid Drops is truly effective... I love that I can wake up energized and ready to tackle a productive 16-hour day without needing any caffeine.” — Selena B, Neurogan Health Customer

Depending on the format, these changes can show up quickly or build over time:

• Injections and nasal sprays: Effects are often felt more immediately, within minutes to hours

• Sublingual drops: Noticeable within days

• Capsules: Typically build up more gradually, with effects often reported after 1–2 weeks

While experiences differ, the “during” phase is often when people decide NAD+ is something they want to stick with long term.

After NAD

After several weeks of consistent use, many users report feeling a noticeable difference — not just in energy or focus, but in how they handle stress, recover, and stay mentally “on.” 

It's not going to be a dramatic shift, but more so about returning to a version of themselves that feels sharper and better equipped to handle daily life.

Some of the most commonly shared long-term benefits include:

• More resilience during demanding weeks: People often say they don’t feel as drained or depleted.

• Faster bounce-back time: Recovery after feeling under the weather — or even after a poor night’s sleep — seems to happen more efficiently.

• A stronger baseline mood and alertness: People report fewer afternoon crashes, better morning wake-ups, and an overall sense of “staying in the zone.”

“I’ve been taking this liquid for a couple weeks now and overcame a cold like nothing!... I healed extremely fast.” — Jared N. Neurogan Health Customer

For many people, NAD+ becomes part of a daily or weekly wellness routine, especially if they’re focused on healthy aging and productivity.

“Over time, the positive effects are noticed in clearer energy levels.” — David S. Neurogan Health Customer

What Happens If You Stop Taking NAD+?

Stopping NAD+ isn’t dangerous. Your body naturally produces it, and supplementation is simply a way to help replenish what declines with age, stress, or sickness.

However, once you stop supplementing, your NAD+ levels will eventually return to your baseline. For some people, this may mean:

• Slower energy metabolism

• More noticeable fatigue

• Brain fog creeping back in

• A drop in motivation or productivity

In other words, you may feel like you're “back where you started” — not necessarily worse, but less optimized than when you were supplementing. Many people find this contrast noticeable, which is why they choose to cycle NAD+ or use it consistently for long-term support.

Comparing Delivery Formats: NAD+ Before & After

Each method of taking NAD+ has its own rhythm. Some formats deliver fast-acting support, while others build gradually over time.

Here's a side-by-side look at what people commonly report feeling before, during, and after using different types of NAD+ delivery formats to help you decide which option might suit your wellness goals best.

Interested in Trying NAD+?

No NAD+ format is going to be that elixir of youth or quick fix, but it's clear to see that many people describe real benefits of adding NAD to their routine, which can help support broader lifestyle modifications that help you feel more productive or support healthy aging.

Just keep in mind that everyone's experience is different, and the results you get with NAD will depend on your lifestyle and baseline NAD levels.