Whether NAD+ injections are “worth it” depends on your health goals, your budget, and your risk tolerance.
The reviews of NAD+ injections and IV therapy are mixed, but often lean on the positive side.
Many report a noticeable boost in energy and mental clarity, even in the first session. Others have noted mild side effects like nausea and headaches, and we've also found a small group of people who have said they've felt no difference at all in these treatments.
The results appear to be influenced by the individual, dosage, and delivery method, which we'll explore to help you decide if NAD injectables are a good fit for your routine.
Do NAD Injections Work? My Experience With NAD IV Therapy
I had an acquaintance start up a mobile IV therapy business based out of Calgary, Canada, and I got to try NAD+ IV for the first time. We had scheduled the session for the day after my girlfriend’s birthday party, fully anticipating the hangover that would follow.
You can choose from IV bags for general hydration, immunity, hangover, energy, and NAD, which cost anywhere from $300 to $400 per bag. I opted for the NAD+ drip, figuring it was the best time to try it.
Getting hooked up was straightforward.
I’m not squeamish about needles, so once the IV was placed, I settled into a cozy corner of my friend’s couch with a blanket and snacks. The drip itself took about three hours, which sounds long, but honestly flew by. The liquid is a little cold going in, but with the blanket and good company, it was surprisingly relaxing.
About halfway through the session, I already felt better, though I’m sure part of that was just the hydration kicking in. My head cleared, the sluggishness faded, and I had more energy than I expected given the previous night’s festivities.
Over the next few days, I noticed that I bounced back much faster than usual. Normally, a night like that would leave me foggy and drained for two or three days, but by the next afternoon, I felt like myself again.
That said, I didn’t experience the dramatic energy boost or improved sleep that some people claim from NAD+ therapy. For me, the most significant benefit was how quickly it helped me recover from a night of drinking, but at $400 a drip, that’s a pretty steep hangover cure.
Personally, I think I’ll stick with oral NAD+ supplements for now.
A one-month bottle costs $60 and fits better into my routine and budget. The IV was a cool experience and did help me bounce back faster, but it’s not something I’d shell out for every month.
Positive NAD+ Injection Reviews
Across subcutaneous injections and IV drip therapy, many people report feeling real benefits, especially when taken consistently. While everyone’s experience is different, there are a few effects that come up again and again: improved mental clarity, increased energy, better sleep, and a lift in mood.
For some, the changes are subtle, but for others, they’re described as life-changing.
Here’s what real users have shared about their NAD injection experiences:
“I do injections. Best thing ever. Completely cleared my depression... I feel like I did 20 years ago mentally.”
“So far, I’ve noticed mental clarity, more energy, better sleep, and less joint stiffness when I wake up. I think I’ll see more benefits with time.”
“I’m on my third order—I feel brighter. My hair looks great. Nails are slower, but you need to stick with it. I’d recommend it to everyone.”
“After struggling with peri-menopause symptoms [...] I’ve been free from night sweats and brain fog. My skin looks more youthful, I’ve lost weight, and I feel happier, stronger, and more energized than ever before.”
Negative NAD+ Injection Reviews
While we have found many people feeling better after NAD+ injections, others have had less impressive experiences. For some, the cost outweighs the benefits, and for others, side effects or a lack of noticeable improvement make it hard to justify continuing.
Here’s what some users have shared:
“NAD is more expensive than Botox and for most people the benefits are vague and unmeasurable.”
“I’ve been doing NAD+ injections for about three months. My only side effect has been a chronic headache... worse than the benefits for me.”
“I got extremely tired and lethargic after my infusion. My blood pressure dropped a lot and I needed to lie down for the rest of the day.”
“I took this after hearing the reviews from the influencers... but I didn’t feel any different. No increase in energy.”
“It can cause headaches, cramps, dry mouth... the first time gave me a full-body hot flash.”
While not everyone reacts negatively to NAD injections, it’s clear that NAD+ therapy isn’t a magic fix for everyone. If you're thinking about trying it for yourself, it helps to start with realistic expectations and work with a provider who can help adjust your dose or delivery method.
Are NAD Injections Worth It?
The research behind NAD therapy shows that it supports cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and DNA expression, leading to improved overall health [1]. However, there are a lot of mixed feelings about NAD injectables, whether it's IV drip or subcutaneous injections.
If you want fast effects, some people claim NAD injections provide an almost immediate boost in mood and mental clarity over oral NAD supplements. But if you don't like needles, injections are likely going to be a no-go.
Another substantial barrier to NAD injections is the price.
A single NAD+ drip can cost $250–$750. Over time, that adds up fast. For most people, daily oral NAD+ or precursors like NMN or NR are far more practical and cost-effective.
In terms of long-term improvements, there's no strong evidence that one or two injections or IV sessions are going to change your long-term health. NAD is a compound our body constantly uses for a variety of biological processes, which means it's something that has to be replenished either from lifestyle changes or supplementation to get the benefits, but as it stands right now, there are not enough studies showing that injectable NAD is going to give long-term benefits.
If you decide to try it, please exercise caution. Start with low doses, short courses, and under licensed supervision, and pay attention to how you feel when you take it and consult with your health care provider, especially if you have a medical condition.
Should Everyone Try NAD Injectables?
If you're young, healthy, and already supporting your energy levels through a balanced sleep, diet, and regular physical activity, NAD injections are likely unnecessary. However, if you're older, feeling chronically depleted, or recovering from burnout or stress, they may be worth exploring, but only under professional supervision.
That said, NAD injections and IVs aren’t a magic fix or a sustainable long-term strategy for most people. They’re expensive, time-consuming, and for some, come with side effects. Even among positive reviewers, the most common takeaway is that results vary, and they’re often short-lived.
We’ve found that the most practical and affordable way to support NAD levels consistently is through oral NAD+ supplements or precursors, such as NMN or NR, taken daily. They may not deliver the same immediate “boost” as an IV drip, but they’re easier to stick with and don’t cost hundreds of dollars a session.
But if you're curious and can afford to try an injection or two, go for it — just don’t expect it to change your life overnight.
Resources:
- Zhang, H., Ryu, D., Wu, Y., Gariani, K., Wang, X., Luan, P., ... & Auwerx, J. (2016). NAD+ repletion improves mitochondrial and stem cell function and enhances life span in mice. Science, 352(6292), 1436-1443.
