What Is an NAD IV Drip and Does It Work?

By LIV Clinic · Medically reviewed by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D. · Published November 4, 2026

NAD+ is one of the most talked-about drips in wellness — and one of the least proven in people.

What is an NAD IV drip and does it work? It is an infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule cells use to produce energy. Levels fall with age, which is why it is marketed for energy and anti-ageing. However, human evidence that an NAD drip improves energy, ageing or longevity is limited and inconclusive, and infusions often cause temporary discomfort such as nausea or chest pressure.

What NAD+ is

A molecule in every cell

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme involved in turning food into cellular energy and in DNA repair. Laboratory and animal research linking falling NAD+ levels to ageing is what drives the interest in topping it up.

Ways it is taken

NAD+ itself, or precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are sold as oral supplements; NAD+ is also given as an IV infusion by some wellness clinics.

What the evidence actually shows

Benefits are unproven in people

The Cleveland Clinic describes anti-ageing and longevity benefits as unproven, notes that research is still developing, and says long-term benefits and risks are unclear. For heart, neurological and metabolic uses, evidence is described as limited or inconclusive.

What a recent infusion study found

A small 2026 retrospective tolerability study compared 500 mg IV NAD+ with IV nicotinamide riboside over four days. All six NAD+ recipients reported moderate to severe symptoms during infusion — including cramping, nausea, raised heart rate and chest pressure — which stopped when the infusion ended. The study was tiny, uncontrolled and clinic-funded, so it says little about benefit.

Claims versus evidence at a glance

Summary of current evidence; research is ongoing and may change.

What an NAD infusion feels like

Reported effects during an NAD+ infusion include:

• Nausea or stomach cramping
• A feeling of chest tightness or pressure
• A faster heartbeat
• Flushing, warmth or restlessness
• Headache or throat discomfort

These effects are why NAD infusions are usually run slowly, sometimes over one to two hours, and slowed or paused if symptoms appear.

Who should avoid an NAD drip

Medical conditions

The Cleveland Clinic advises people with a history of cancer, advanced liver disease, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding to speak with a doctor before NAD supplements. Its broader guidance on IV vitamin therapy adds heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease as reasons for caution.

Anyone expecting a cure

If you are exhausted, unwell or struggling with recovery, a medical assessment for the underlying cause is more useful than an experimental infusion.

Step-by-step: deciding whether to try it

If you are curious about NAD+, a sensible path is:

1. Write down what you hope it will change, in specific terms.
2. Book a medical consultation and share your full history and medicines.
3. Ask the doctor what evidence exists for your specific goal.
4. Ask whether the clinic offers NAD+ at all, and in what dose and infusion time.
5. Consider proven basics first — sleep, hydration, nutrition and a check-up.
6. If you go ahead, eat beforehand and allow plenty of time for a slow infusion.
7. Stop or slow the infusion if you feel unwell, and review honestly afterwards.

Better-evidenced alternatives

For tiredness on holiday

Rehydration, sleep and a check for common causes such as dehydration, heat exhaustion or anaemia are a better first step than an experimental drip.

For skin and ageing

Daily sunscreen, retinoids and in-clinic treatments with stronger evidence are more reliable than NAD+ for visible skin ageing.

NAD and IV drips at LIV Clinic

An honest conversation

At LIV Clinic on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Dr. Narathai will discuss what NAD+ can and cannot do. NAD infusion availability varies — confirm with the clinic before booking.

Read next

See our IV drip service, read about the safety of vitamin drips, or book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Safety and consultation

An NAD IV drip is a medical procedure and carries some risk — common effects include bruising or discomfort at the cannula site, and less common reactions are possible, which is why a medical screening comes first. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be promised. This article is general information, not medical advice.

At LIV Clinic, every treatment begins with an in-person assessment by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D., who reviews your skin, medical history and goals before recommending a personalized plan. Book a consultation to find out whether this treatment suits you.