IV Therapy For Hangovers

Almost everyone has experienced a hangover at least once in their life. A fun night out with friends may turn into a dreadful sickness the next morning. Besides making you feel nauseous, it also prevents you from continuing your everyday activities. That’s why this page will focus on the use of IV therapy for hangovers.

Mainly for hydrating the body and providing the right vitamin absorption, IV therapy might be used as a quick and effective hangover remedy. However, not many people are aware of its positive impacts on our health. While some haven’t had the opportunity to inform themselves about the subject, others are simply afraid of intravenous injections.

In order to understand the full potential benefits, we’ll go over all the essentials of IV therapy. This includes the nutrients in it, how they affect the body, and the ways you can get a hangover IV drip at home. Continue reading to discover the best IV fluids for hangovers and how you may benefit from them!

Source: shutterstock.com/ Photo Contributor: Michael Traitov

What Is a Hangover and Its Symptoms

Before learning how to use an IV treatment for hangover, you first need to know what causes it and its symptoms. That being said, the dreadful hangover is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. 

Ethanol suppresses the brain's glutamate activity, which your body tries to compensate for once you stop drinking. It also causes a disbalance in the electrolytes and can lead to dehydration. 

Yet, the symptoms and difficulty can vary for each individual. People start feeling its effects when the alcohol levels have depleted from their blood. While this can take at least 18 hours, depending on how much you've consumed, it can also last up to 24 hours or more.

While a hangover is an uncomfortable feeling, it can also be dangerous. It may affect your attention, muscle coordination, and reasonable decision-making ability. If you’ve indulged in drinking, never attempt to operate machinery, like driving a car or other vehicles. It may have catastrophic results for you, the passengers, and innocent bystanders.

Most common hangover causes

Ethanol is the main cause of hangovers, and it affects the body in many ways. So if you’re experiencing symptoms, some of the causes may be:

Dehydration

Since alcohol is a diuretic, the body produces more urine, leading to water loss. This effect is caused by suppressing the hormone called vasopressin, which regulates water excretion. Dehydration might also be caused by common hangover symptoms like vomiting and sweating.

Inflammation

When you consume alcohol in your body, you may trigger your immune system to react as when you’re sick. That’s why many people experience cold-like symptoms during their hangovers. 

Furthermore, it may affect the person’s ability to concentrate. They might also experience memory problems and appetite loss. 

Gastrointestinal irritation

Liquor highly affects the stomach and intestines. By increasing stomach acids, it can irritate the stomach’s lining and may cause gastritis. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Acetaldehyde exposure

When consuming alcohol, the liver starts to turn the naturally produced acetaldehyde into acid. Also known as ethanal, it might cause severe damage when exposed to it for long periods. 

When drinking, the acetaldehyde enters your bloodstream. This might damage the membranes and leave scar tissue. Furthermore, the exposure may produce many unwanted hangover symptoms. These include headaches, rapid heartbeats, and stomach pains.

Restless sleep

Even though alcohol is initially sedating, it is known to cause restless sleep during the night. This happens because the sedating effect disappears within a few hours. 

Furthermore, chronic alcohol use is related to major sleep problems, including insomnia. You may still experience sleep issues and vivid dreams even after you've stopped drinking.

Low blood sugar

Since alcohol directly affects the liver, it may deplete its glucose reserves. While this organ tries to break down the ethanol, it stops releasing glucose. This may lead to very low blood sugar levels and even hypoglycemia. Therefore, it contributes to several hangover symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, and mood disturbances. 

Alcohol withdrawal

Lastly, experiencing symptoms of withdrawal is common after a night of heavy drinking. Even though they may overlap with the ones from the hangover, the common side effects are a rapid heartbeat, tremors, and sweating. 

These symptoms are caused by the effect alcohol has on the central nervous system. Ethanol affects the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitters that regulate nerve cell activity. While it lowers the GABA sensitivity, it heightens the one to glutamate. So when the alcohol levels deplete, the body is left in an “overdrive” state. 

Most common hangover symptoms

Now that you know the causes, there are hangover symptoms you should be aware of. Since they can be both physical and psychological, they come in the form of:

What causes more difficult hangovers

Even though hangovers vary from one person to another, there are several factors that might cause more difficult symptoms. These are:

  • Family history - recent studies show that genetics might play an important role in how the body processes alcohol. Those with family members that struggle with addiction may be more prone to becoming addicted themselves. This may also cause more severe hangover symptoms that last longer. 

  • Combining other drugs - alcohol should never be used while on medication. There are serious harmful effects that may put your life at risk. Furthermore, the use of narcotics with alcohol, such as cocaine, can also lead to prolonged and stronger effects. 

  • Congeners - besides ethanol, alcohol has other compounds left behind during the fermentation process known as congeners. When present at higher levels, they may worsen the hangover symptoms. Moreover, they’re mostly found in darker spirits, like whiskey, red wine, and brandy.

  • Drinking while hungry - some people say that you shouldn't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you’re drinking when hungry, the stomach absorbs the alcohol faster.

Source: shutterstock.com/ Photo Contributor: Anatoliy Karlyuk

IV Therapy For Hangovers

If you’ve ever had a hangover, you know how debilitating the symptoms can be. Not only with being bed bound, but you’ll also have difficulty dealing with everyday tasks. That’s why many people seek remedies that can help cure this dreadful feeling. So how does IV therapy work for hangovers?

First, be aware that there aren’t any proven methods that cure hangovers. However, IV therapy may help reduce some of its symptoms. 

Since it’s an intravenous treatment, many people might start to feel relief quickly. Its fast effectiveness results from the fluids entering the bloodstream directly and avoiding the digestive system. 

Furthermore, the IV solution for hangover has many essential nutrients. Most professional services offer various IV cocktails based on your needs. Plus, you can always choose to include additional ingredients for the best results.

That being said, there are several nutrients that play an important role in lessening hangover symptoms.

What’s in an IV solution for hangover

If you’re looking for the best IV fluids for hangover, ensure they have the following ingredients:

  • Saline

  • Vitamin B

  • Vitamin C

  • Magnesium

  • Glutathione

  • Pepcid

  • Toradol

  • Zofran

  • Zinc

Saline

Every IV therapy is based on a saline solution. It’s a combination of water and salt (sodium chloride) that is used for many medical reasons. However, the biggest benefit it has for minimizing hangover symptoms is that it rehydrates the body. 

Since it’s taken intravenously, it’s ideal for people who can’t take enough liquids orally. Besides the quick refresh, it can also meet the body’s daily water and salt needs. 

Vitamin B

Almost every IV therapy for hangovers contains vitamin B. Many studies show that alcohol consumption can create an imbalance between different vitamin B levels. While in most cases, it creates a deficit of vitamin B12, some alcoholic beverages can raise the level of B6. 

This may lead to many psychological conditions, including anxiety and irritability. Furthermore, it explains the irritability and sensitivity after a night of heavy drinking. So, when taking a vitamin B-rich IV therapy, it may work as a mood stabilizer. 

Moreover, B6 is thought to regulate GABA processing levels. By doing so, the individual starts feeling a soothing effect. Therefore, many people might find it helpful when battling the “overdrive” effect caused by alcohol.

Vitamin C

The second important vitamin that IVs contain is vitamin C. Even though there isn’t any scientific research that proves that this nutrient is helpful for hangovers, there are several other benefits from it.

First, chronic alcohol intake can lead to a vitamin C deficit. This condition manifests itself with mood imbalances and fatigue, which are common symptoms of a hangover. Even though you can replenish your body with a healthy diet, an IV still offers a quick boost.

In addition, this nutrient is well-known for its antioxidant properties. It protects the body from free radicals caused by cigarette smoke, chemical toxins, and pollution. So intravenously taking vitamin C offers a refreshing cleanse. 

Magnesium

Another nutrient that gets depleted from alcohol consumption is magnesium. This mineral is responsible for at least 300 enzyme systems. Besides regulating many biochemical reactions, it also plays a role in blood pressure and sugar regulation, protein synthesis, and muscle and nerve functions.

The early signs of magnesium deficiency can also be seen as hangover symptoms. Therefore, people usually experience weakness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. 

This mineral is also known to relax the central nervous system and regulate GABA levels. Therefore, IV therapy with this nutrient could help lessen the related hangover symptoms.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant found in animals, plants, and fungi. It’s mostly used to prevent cellular damage from free radicals and heavy metals. Furthermore, it’s naturally produced by the liver to help with tissue repairs, immune functions, and the creation of proteins.

Since it supports this organ, it might also aid in alcohol processing and reduce hangover symptoms. Additionally, it may battle inflammation, which is one of the causes of this dreaded condition. 

Even though this nutrient can be replenished by a healthy diet, it’s broken down into amino acids during digestion. If you want an extra boost that could help battle hangover symptoms, the most beneficial way is through IV therapy. 

Pepcid

Pepcid is a renowned medication that helps with decreasing levels of stomach acid. It can be used to relieve ulcers, acid indigestion, and heartburn. However, there are a few potential side effects, including dizziness, intestinal upset, and headache. 

Even though further research is needed, many people believe that this medication may help relieve symptoms. It might be most beneficial for dealing with an upset stomach caused by alcohol. 

Toradol

Toradol is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used for treating pain. It’s also known as ketorolac, and its use is limited to less than six days. Furthermore, there are several side effects you should be aware of. These include nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and sleepiness. 

When struggling with a hangover-induced headache, this medicine might be really helpful. Even though there are several studies that showed its benefits with rats, humans can also experience relief. 

Zofran

Zofran, also known as ondansetron, is a nausea and vomiting medication. It’s mostly prescribed to patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, it can also help relieve hangover symptoms. 

Like with other medications, people may experience several side effects. The most common ones are itchiness, sleepiness, headache, and diarrhea. 

Several studies suggest that ondansetron may be beneficial for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. But further research is needed to determine the right dose. Don't forget that this medication mostly affects the nausea and vomiting symptoms. An IV therapy for hangover can prevent them and hydrate the body. 

Zinc

The last essential nutrient found in the best IV fluids for hangover is zinc. Since it isn’t naturally produced by the body, it has to come from an external source. This can be a healthy diet, IV therapy, and supplements.

Since zinc plays a crucial role in ethanol conversion to acetaldehyde, it should never be overlooked. In simple terms, this mineral helps your organs get rid of toxins faster. Therefore, people experience lessened hangover symptoms because the ethanol breaks down and leaves the body faster. 

Another important role this mineral plays is in tissue repair and aid in cellular functions. Not only will you refresh your body, but you’ll also get other health benefits.

Source: shutterstock.com/ Photo Contributor: Andrey_Popov

Why Choose IV Therapy to Treat a Hangover

If you’re still contemplating trying an IV treatment for a hangover, here are some extra benefits this service offers:

  • Medical expertise

  • Patient care

  • Convenience

Medical expertise

Instead of trying out unreliable home remedies, choosing IV therapy comes with professional help. You won’t have to worry about worsening your symptoms because there will be an expert team by your side. 

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about the product's safety. Hiring a professional service means that you’ll receive premium treatment. Besides following the highest safety standards, you’ll get medical-grade vitamins and minerals. Only then you can expect the best results.

Patient care

Hiring a professional IV service means that you’ll receive the best patient care possible. Besides getting kindness and compassion, you can also tailor the treatment to your needs. With numerous add-on options, you can receive all the essential nutrients you desire.

Convenience

Last but not least, choosing this method is highly convenient. All you need to do is book an appointment, and a professional team member will reach out to you. There’s nothing worse than dealing with traffic and crowds when your head is pounding and you can’t stop vomiting. So instead of spending countless hours amongst people, you can schedule a hangover IV drip at home.

Furthermore, you’ll get to enjoy some fun past-time activities for an hour until the treatment is done. Having all the privacy in the world, you won’t have to feel judged for de-stressing from a wild night out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IV therapy isn’t a cure for hangovers, but it might help lessen the symptoms. Since it contains many essential nutrients, you can battle most alcohol-related issues. 

Besides giving your body a refreshing boost, you’ll also be able to continue with your everyday activities without any trouble.

While there are many options for IV therapy for hangovers, ensure the one you choose contains all the essential ingredients. Always hire a professional service if you want to receive premium treatment and effective results. Lastly, always know your limit when drinking, and be cautious about the risks!