Article: IV Therapy for Hangover: What It Is and How It Helps You Recover

Dec 23, 2025 → Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dan Nguyen, MD, MBA

IV Therapy for Hangover: What It Is and How It Helps You Recover

When you wake up with severe hangover symptoms and the usual solutions don’t seem to be working, it’s unpleasant enough to make you seek out more drastic remedies. One of them—and one that’s been gaining popularity in recent years—is IV hydration. Some people even call IV therapy for hangovers the most effective hangover remedy they’ve ever tried.

But how does it work, and is it worth the risks and high cost? Read on for an evidence-based overview of what IV therapy has to offer and why you might want to skip it.

What Is IV Therapy?

IV therapy for hangovers involves delivering fluids, electrolytes, vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, B-complex), and sometimes anti-nausea or pain medications directly into the bloodstream. A trained professional, like a nurse, must be present to insert the IV into your vein and begin the infusion.

How Can IV Therapy Help You Recover?

By sending fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, and medications directly into the bloodstream—more rapidly than any supplement taken by mouth—IV infusions can work faster than more accessible alternatives. This means that an IV can provide relief within two to four hours.

Does IV Therapy Work for Hangovers?

According to Sandy Wang, MD, MPH at University of Rochester Medical Center, the answer to this question is “maybe.” However, she also warns that “IV fluids are not always needed. In fact, it is not recommended to give IV fluids unless a patient cannot keep anything down, especially water.”

Similarly, Cristina Ignacio, MD of Hackensack Meridian Health notes that “rehydrating with IV fluids won’t cure a hangover, because dehydration is only one symptom.” She goes on to point out that even an IV treatment with added electrolytes and vitamins can’t address all hangover symptoms (e.g., headache, nausea, trouble concentrating, etc.). Dr. Ignacio adds that IV fluids can’t help your liver break down the alcohol in your system any faster, either.

Like Dr. Wang and Dr. Ignacio, most doctors would not recommend IV therapy for hangovers due to the associated risks (more on this in the next section).

Unfortunately, although there’s an abundance of anecdotal evidence from people who say IV therapy relieved their hangovers, there’s not much scientific data to back up these assertions. For example, in one study, administering IV saline for acute alcohol intoxication in the ER did not help patients wake up sooner or spend less time in the hospital.

As Dr. Abdulrahman Alangari of the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital describes the body (or lack thereof) of scientific evidence supporting IV therapy: “Despite claims that IV therapy can enhance energy, boost immunity, or improve skin health, these purported benefits are primarily anecdotal or based on self-reported outcomes rather than well-designed randomized clinical trials.”

Drawbacks of IV Therapy

Dealing With Needles

There’s no way around it: until the technology develops further, getting an IV inserted will always require you to be poked with a needle. If you’ve been told that your veins are hard to find or you’re uncomfortable with needles, this can be a particularly unpleasant experience.

Health Risks

All IVs carry some risk of infection. At wellness spas and mobile home services, adherence to sterility protocols might be imperfect, which increases the risk of infection. Additional risks of IV therapy include thrombophlebitis, air embolisms, vein damage/collapse, and other concerning health outcomes.

Expensive

Since health insurance doesn’t cover IV hangover treatments, they’ll typically cost you between $100 and $500 per session. A basic hydration drip will be on the lower end, while the addition of vitamins and antioxidants like glutathione can raise the price by several hundred dollars.

Support Your Recovery With PREGAME

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PREGAME costs $3.57 per dose, making it not only lower-risk than IV therapy, but also much more affordable.

Visit the Capsulyte blog to find even more scientific suggestions for recovering from post-drinking symptoms!

Written by Dan Nguyen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IV therapy help with hangover symptoms?

IV therapy may help with certain hangover-related symptoms such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. However, it does not address all symptoms and does not affect how quickly the body processes alcohol.

How quickly might IV therapy provide symptom relief?

Some individuals report feeling improvement within a few hours, but results vary. Relief depends on factors like hydration status, alcohol intake, and overall health.

Is IV therapy medically necessary for hangovers?

In most cases, IV therapy is not medically necessary for hangovers. Medical professionals generally recommend oral hydration, rest, and nutrition unless someone is unable to keep fluids down.

Are there risks associated with IV therapy?

Yes. IV therapy can carry risks such as infection, vein irritation, and other complications, particularly when performed outside of clinical medical settings.

Why is IV therapy for hangovers expensive?

IV hangover services typically cost between $100 and $500 per session because they require medical equipment, trained personnel, and are not covered by health insurance.

Are there alternatives to IV therapy for supporting recovery after drinking?

Yes. Oral supplements, hydration, sleep, and balanced nutrition can help support the body’s natural recovery processes after alcohol consumption without the risks associated with IV treatments.

How does PREGAME fit into post-drinking recovery?

PREGAME is designed to support the body’s natural detoxification and antioxidant systems before and after alcohol consumption. It contains ingredients that help support liver function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall recovery.*

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.