Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. While some people find needles to be relatively painless, others will find it a bit painful. For these patients, we have ways of making the process more comfortable. However, this procedure is in no way excruciating. We use a smaller needle than what is used in children’s hospitals.

If you retain fluids, have kidney problems, or suffer from certain health conditions like heart failure, you should not engage in nutrient IV therapy. We always recommend that you check with your primary care physician if you’re unsure. 

Certain components of nutritional therapy may not be advised if you have a sulfa allergy or if you are sensitive to or allergic to benzyl alcohol (a preservative found in some GSH products).

Negative reactions are very rare. Either way, everyone is monitored closely and if some discomfort begins, we will simply monitor you over time and stop if necessary. Most people respond favorably to the therapy, feeling energized and alert from the beginning.

Phlebitis, infection, air embolism, blood clots, vein inflammation, and bruising are very  rare, but possible. 

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Both aspirin and NSAIDs can lower the amount of Vitamin C in the body and raise the levels of the NSAIDS so we recommend not taking these 24-48 hours prior to your treatment, if possible.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) -- High doses of Vitamin C may lower the amount of acetaminophen passed in urine, which could cause the levels of this drug in your blood to rise. If you take Tylenol daily, let us know. 

Aluminum-containing antacids -- Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum your body absorbs, which could cause the side effects of these medications to be worse. Aluminum-containing antacids include Maalox and Gaviscon. Please avoid these medications 24-48 hours prior to therapy.

Barbiturates -- Barbiturates may decrease the effects of Vitamin C. These drugs include phenobarbital (Luminal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and seconobarbital (Seconal).

Chemotherapy drugs -- As an antioxidant, Vitamin C may interfere with the effects of some drugs taken for chemotherapy.  If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not use IV vitamin therapy without talking to your oncologist first.

Nitrate medications for heart disease -- The combination of Vitamin C with nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), or isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo) reduces the body's tendency to build up a tolerance to these medications so that they no longer work. If you take nitrate medications, talk to your doctor about whether you should take Vitamin C.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) -- Vitamin C can cause a rise in estrogen levels when taken with these drugs, particularly if you are deficient in Vitamin C to begin with and start taking supplements. Oral estrogens can also decrease the effects of vitamin C in the body.

Protease inhibitors -- Vitamin C appears to slightly lower levels of indinavir (Crixivan), a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS.

Tetracycline -- Some evidence suggests that taking Vitamin C with the antibiotic tetracycline may increase the levels of this medication; it may also decrease the effects of Vitamin C in the body. Other antibiotics in the same family include minocycline (Minocin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin). Speak with your prescribing physician prior to taking IV vitamin C. 

Warfarin (Coumadin) -- Vitamin C may interfere with the effectiveness of this blood thinning medication. If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking IV vitamin C.

Only you can determine that. IV therapy is a premium service that improves your body’s performance enormously. Users agree that preventive medicine such as nutrient IV therapy strengthens their immune system and improves their overall health. 

If it's your fist time with us, there will be some history taking and paperwork, which takes about 15-30 minutes. The IV administration process lasts anywhere from 10 minutes (IV glutithione) to two (2) hours (Plaquex®). On average, prepare to be with us one (1) hour. 

Effects can be felt immediately, but not always. In general, getting IV hydration quickly hydrates your entire body and gives you immediate feelings of wellness. Depending on how deficient in certain vitamins and minerals you are, effects can be immediate or delayed. In general, we recommend routine use over the course of 3-6 months in order to feel/see a different. Certain treatments, like glutathione are recommended weekly/monthly over the course of 6-12 months. 

Sometimes a local reaction at the IV site can occur, like bleeding, bruising, or clot formation, but this is very rare. Occasionally people can get a headache or nausea with the treatment or a vitamin/mineral taste in their mouth. We always recommend you come to the Hydration Bar with a satisfied stomach as to limit the possibility of this happening. 

Nutrient IVs are similar to IVs you would find at your local hospital. They all consist of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are found in the body naturally. We add higher amounts of Vitamin C and sometimes gluathione to the vitamin bag to help the vitamins work better, and also to rejuvenate your cells and organs. See our menu and pricing page for more details on ingredients.  

None of our IVs contain toxins that are found in medicine or pharmaceuticals, so no one experiences an overdose of any kind. If you are healthy, theoretically it is safe for daily use. Realistically, most people do not put such high demands on their bodies where that would warrant daily use. If you're not sure which therapy to choose, contact us to schedule a free 20 minute consult. 

You can choose to pay a la carte for your session whenever you want, or you can choose from one of our packages which incorporates a sizable discount for consistent use.