An NAD injection delivers NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule every cell uses for energy metabolism and DNA repair, by needle instead of by mouth. It comes in two forms: a small intramuscular or subcutaneous shot that takes minutes, and a slow IV infusion that can run for hours. Most people choose between them on time, dose and budget. At Vitaluxe Drip Lounge, the NAD+ IM shot is $65 and NAD+ IV runs $199 to $624 depending on dose. This guide explains how each works, what the research says, which side effects to expect and how to use NAD therapy safely.
TL;DR
- NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell. Injections and IV drips are designed to raise circulating NAD+ faster than oral supplements.
- A shot is quick and lower in dose. An IV is a longer session at a higher dose, run slowly to keep you comfortable.
- Human research on IV and IM NAD+ for wellness is still developing, so the best results come from sensible expectations, screening and a clinician-led setting.
- Flushing, nausea, cramping and chest pressure are the most reported infusion effects, and a slower rate is the main tool for managing them.
- Our published prices: NAD+ IM 25mg $65, NAD+ IV 125mg $199, 250mg $334, 500mg $624.
Table of Contents
- What NAD+ is and why people inject it
- NAD+ shot versus NAD+ IV: the practical differences
- How NAD+ works once it is in your body
- What the research shows on benefits
- Side effects and how to manage them
- What the FDA says about injectable NAD+
- NAD vs NMN vs NR: which one fits you
- What NAD+ treatments cost at Vitaluxe
- Who tends to choose an NAD+ shot or drip
- Our perspective
- Book your NAD+ session
- FAQ
- Sources
What NAD+ is and why people inject it
NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a vitamin. Your body makes it from dietary building blocks such as niacin (vitamin B3), and it takes part in hundreds of reactions tied to energy production, DNA repair and cellular signaling. Levels are reported to fall with age, which is why NAD+ became a focus of longevity and recovery interest.
The appeal of an injection is simple. A capsule has to survive digestion and liver processing. A shot or infusion skips the gut. People seek it out for energy, mental clarity, recovery after hard training or a demanding semester, and as part of a broader healthy-aging routine.
A related question is NAD+ versus NADH. NADH is the reduced form of the same molecule, and the two cycle back and forth inside cells. Early clinical work with both forms, including trials in Parkinson's disease, gave variable results, and researchers note it is still unclear whether effects come from the intact molecule or from its breakdown products. That is a useful frame for everything below: the biology is real, and the clinical picture is still being filled in.
NAD+ shot versus NAD+ IV: the practical differences
Both deliver NAD+ outside the digestive system. They differ in dose, time and how they feel.
| NAD+ IM shot | NAD+ IV infusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Dose at Vitaluxe | 25mg | 125mg, 250mg or 500mg |
| Time in the chair | A few minutes | Long session, rate set for comfort |
| Our price | $65 | $199, $334 or $624 |
| Best for | A convenient, lower-dose top-up | A higher-dose session when you can set aside the time |
| Comfort | Brief soreness at the site | Rate is adjusted to limit flushing and cramping |
Infusion time is the biggest practical point. In a 2026 real-world study of IV therapy, NAD+ infusions averaged 97 minutes, longer than nicotinamide riboside infusions, because slower rates were needed to keep patients comfortable. Other clinicians describe infusions running anywhere from two to six hours at higher doses. Plan your day around it, eat beforehand and bring something to read.
A shot asks for far less time, which is why it suits people who want a regular, simple touchpoint rather than a long appointment. Many clients start with an IM shot to see how they feel, then move to an IV when they want a higher dose.
How NAD+ works once it is in your body
Here is the nuance a careful clinician explains up front. A recent narrative review of intravenous NAD+ reports that NAD+ given intravenously may be broken down outside cells, by enzymes such as CD38, into pieces like nicotinamide before cells take it up. How much intact NAD+ enters cells compared with those metabolites is not settled.
That does not make the approach pointless. Those breakdown products are themselves raw material your cells use to rebuild NAD+. It does mean the honest way to describe an injection is as a way to supply NAD+ and its building blocks, not as a guaranteed refill of your cellular stores. Individual response varies, and this is why we pair every session with a conversation about your goals and health history.
What the research shows on benefits
The benefits you will see claimed online are more energy, sharper focus, better recovery and healthier aging. Here is how the evidence currently looks.
- Oral precursors (NR and NMN): A 2026 systematic review found that these supplements show biochemical target engagement, meaning they raise NAD+-related markers in humans. Functional outcomes such as metabolic and vascular measures were mixed, and the overall verdict on anti-aging and wellness effects was inconclusive.
- IV and IM NAD+ itself: The same review found no eligible outcomes trials of intravenous or intramuscular NAD+ for anti-aging or wellness. One IV pharmacokinetic pilot was treated as context only.
- Call for more trials: The 2026 Frontiers review authors ask for larger randomized controlled trials on safety, dosing and efficacy before routine clinical use.
What does that mean for you? NAD+ therapy is an area where controlled human data is still being built, and many people report how they feel rather than a measurable lab change. If you decide to try it, treat it as a wellness therapy with personal results, set a clear goal (for example, afternoon energy or recovery after training), and judge it after a few sessions. We would rather you have realistic expectations and a good experience than a bold promise.
Side effects and how to manage them
Safe use starts with knowing what to expect. In the 2026 study of IV infusions, NAD+ participants reported abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and chest pressure. Follow-up in that study lasted 30 days, and the authors note that longer studies are needed. A 2024 safety review of NAD use across different settings also found that side effects such as muscle pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance were common across studies.
Most of these effects are linked to how fast NAD+ enters the bloodstream, which is why a slower rate is the main safeguard. Practical steps:
- Tell your nurse everything. Share your medications, medical conditions, pregnancy or nursing status and any history of heart rhythm problems or reactions to infusions. If you have a heart, kidney or liver condition, talk to your own physician before booking.
- Eat and drink beforehand. An empty stomach makes nausea more likely.
- Speak up during the session. Flushing, a tight chest, cramping or nausea are signals to slow the drip. Say so immediately.
- Start at a lower dose. A 125mg infusion or a 25mg shot is a sensible starting point before you consider 250mg or 500mg.
- Seek urgent care for severe symptoms. Trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or a racing heart after a session need emergency attention.
For broader background on what to watch for with any infusion, our guide on IV hydration side effects walks through the reports and alerts in detail.
What the FDA says about injectable NAD+
Sterile products carry a standard that supplements do not. In October 2024 the FDA said it had received adverse event reports after use of compounded NAD+ injectable drugs, including severe chills, shaking, vomiting and fatigue, consistent with exposure to excessive endotoxin levels. The agency warned that food-grade NAD+ ingredients are not suitable for sterile compounding without appropriate processing because of contamination risk from microbes and endotoxins.
NAD also sits in Category 1 of the FDA's list of bulk drug substances under evaluation for compounding under section 503A, which means it is still being reviewed rather than finalized.
The takeaway for you is practical. Ask any provider where the NAD+ comes from, whether it is made by a licensed pharmacy that follows sterile compounding rules, and who administers it. Nurse-led care, medical oversight and proper sterile handling are the right questions to ask, and we encourage them. For a deeper look, see our article on NAD trials and FDA warnings.
NAD vs NMN vs NR: which one fits you
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors, meaning your body converts them into NAD+. They are usually taken as capsules or powders. NR, NR with pterostilbene and NMN are among the most common NAD+-boosting compounds studied in humans, and the same review says evidence that raising NAD+ improves physiological function is still unclear. Short-term oral NMN trials have shown good safety and tolerability in healthy people, though effects on function are inconsistent.
A small 2022 exploratory study of intravenous NMN in 10 healthy adults reported no significant adverse effects on heart, liver or kidney function, which shows how early the IV precursor work still is.
How to think about the choice:
- Daily, low-effort routine: an oral precursor fits if you like a steady habit and do not want needles.
- Periodic, supervised boost: an NAD+ shot or IV suits you if you prefer a clinic visit and a defined dose.
- Curious about the science: our breakdown of NAD+ vs NMN covers how they differ, and this overview of MOTS-c and NAD+ research roles shows how another compound sits alongside NAD+ in the research conversation.
These options are not mutually exclusive, but tell your nurse about any supplements you take so your plan stays coordinated.
What NAD+ treatments cost at Vitaluxe
Cost is one of the most common questions, so here are our published prices, read from our services page.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| NAD+ IM 25mg | $65 |
| NAD+ IV 125mg | $199 |
| NAD+ IV 250mg | $334 |
| NAD+ IV 500mg | $624 |
| Red Light Therapy | $35 |
| B12 shot | $25 |
| Glutathione | $220 |
If you plan to come regularly, our monthly memberships are Essential at $205 per month and Elite at $415 per month. Details of what each includes are on the membership page. Prices can change, so check the services page before you book.
For comparison shopping, ask what the quoted price includes: the dose in milligrams, who administers it, the source of the NAD+ and how long the session runs. A low headline price for an unspecified dose is not the same product.
Who tends to choose an NAD+ shot or drip
The people we see most often fall into a few groups.
- Busy professionals wanting a convenient mid-week energy option. A shot fits a lunch break.
- College students during exams or recovery weeks, who can use our student discount.
- First responders after long shifts, who can use our first responder discount.
- Active adults looking for recovery support after hard training.
- People interested in healthy aging who want a personalized plan with a nurse and not a one-size-fits-all package.
Some clients pair NAD+ with other services. A B12 injection is a low-cost add-on some people choose for energy, and a glutathione injection is another option clients ask about. Red Light Therapy at $35 is an easy way to round out a recovery visit.
Our perspective
We see NAD+ as a thoughtful addition to a wellness plan, not a magic fix. Our clients come to us tired, stretched thin or training hard, and they want a safe, supportive place to recharge.
That is why we build every NAD+ session around the person in the chair. Our nurse-led team reviews your history, recommends a dose that fits your goals and runs the infusion at a pace you can tolerate. We would rather start you at 125mg or with a 25mg shot and adjust than push a high dose on your first visit.
The science of NAD+ is moving quickly, and we follow it closely. We tell clients what is well established, what is still being studied and what we are designed to offer: personalized, medically guided care in a calm boutique setting. For many people, that combination of attentive care and a clear plan is what makes the difference.
Debbie
Book your NAD+ session
Whether you want a quick $65 shot or a full infusion, our nurse-led team will walk you through the right dose and what to expect. We serve clients across Seaford, Massapequa, Wantagh, Merrick, Bellmore, Babylon, Lindenhurst and neighboring Long Island towns.
See every option on our services page, compare packages or get in touch to book.
FAQ
Is an NAD injection the same as an NAD IV?
They use the same molecule but differ in delivery. An injection is a small intramuscular or subcutaneous dose given in minutes, while an IV is a slower infusion at a higher dose. At Vitaluxe the IM shot is 25mg and the IV comes in 125mg, 250mg and 500mg.
Is NAD a vitamin?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme your cells make, partly from vitamin B3 forms such as niacin. Precursors like NR and NMN are used by the body to produce it.
What side effects can an NAD shot or drip cause?
Reported effects include nausea, flushing, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, increased heart rate and chest pressure, especially when an infusion runs too fast. Your nurse can slow the rate if you feel any of these. Report severe or lasting symptoms to a medical professional right away.
How long does an NAD+ infusion take?
It varies with dose and tolerance. In one 2026 real-world study, infusions averaged 97 minutes, and higher doses can take longer. A shot takes only a few minutes.
How much does an NAD injection cost?
At Vitaluxe, NAD+ IM 25mg is $65. NAD+ IV is $199 for 125mg, $334 for 250mg and $624 for 500mg. Check our services page for current pricing.
Sources
- Narrative review of intravenous NAD+ and NAD+ precursors, Frontiers in Aging
- NAD+ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness, systematic review, PubMed
- Intravenous infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, PubMed Central
- FDA reminds compounders to use ingredients suitable for sterile compounding
- FDA bulk drug substances nominated for use in compounding under section 503A
- Dietary supplementation with NAD+-boosting compounds, PubMed Central
- Intravenous NMN in healthy individuals, Cureus
- Clinical evidence for targeting NAD therapeutically, PubMed Central