Intravenous Administration of NAD+: What Are the Dosages and NAD+ Protocols According To Research?

NAD+, a Vitamin B3 derivative, has been used in intravenous treatments to help people with addiction for many years. Dr. Close discovered that the combination of this NAD+ with his Modified-Myers® also greatly helped people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other neurological diseases especially those suffering from TBI; its efficacy led him to experimentally explore how various NAD+ protocols might improve brain function generally.

After some time spent experimenting with different combinations and using IV therapy mainly at clinics across Indonesia, he finally developed one program that he believed would yield the best results—the Cognitive Enhance™ Protocol. The majority of people making use of the Cognitive Enhance™ program are busy executives, celebrities, politicians, and everyday individuals seeking an energetic boost with longer-lasting results. Most people describe the effect as “calm clarity”, “heightened senses”, or “improved overall well-being”.

DripDok offers several modalities alongside NAD+ to enhance overall well-being and specific conditions that are tailored to you as an individual.

Some of these are Cerebrolysin, Peptides (such as BPC157, TB500, GHK-CU, and many more), Glutathione (GSH), Stem Cells, and Exosome Therapies.

The Benefits of Intravenous NAD+

It is common for people to have sluggish memory as they age and to struggle to think clearly. NAD+ Therapy may help you overcome these problems. The loss of memory and thinking is one of the more troubling aspects of aging, which impedes function and makes life less enjoyable. There is some good news, though! By treating symptoms of aging that affect memory and thinking, NAD+ Therapy can be used to prevent or reverse memory decline. NAD+ Therapy has been proven to be highly effective in treating symptoms of aging that affect memory and thinking.

In mice, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT 1) is associated with increased memory through the loss of structure and function of neurons. It protects against amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders through its affinity for NAD+.

Harvard discovered that NAD+ levels fall as we grow older. 

Sirtuins regulate inflammation and DNA protection and contribute to the rate at which we age. Enzymes called Sirtuins depend on NAD+ to start and stop pathways that fight age-related illnesses. Enzymes can be turned on or off like a light switch, on or off like a light switch. Increasing levels of the coenzyme NAD+ promotes cellular regeneration and brain restoration, making this an essential nutrient to reverse the process of aging and protect brain cells. 

HEART DISEASE

NAD+ reduces atherosclerosis (blood vessel damage in the heart) because it promotes the reparation of blood vessels.

MENTAL HEALTH

NAD+ treatments can help lessen the symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and PTSD in those suffering from aging. Oxidative stress increases as you age and leads to degenerative processes that cause physical and emotional pain. At the cellular level, correcting an energy deficit results in the boosting of vital functions, particularly the brain.

ANXIETY & PTSD

This chronic stress manifests itself in other chronic physical diseases like hypertension, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many more, along with a generalized sense of anxiety. Consequently, a significant number of people suffer from untreated anxiety, some self-medicate with drugs and alcohol or turn to risky prescriptions with a range of side effects that can include addiction and injury to health.

This may be because NAD+ and other nutrients could be playing a role in resetting the brain to regulate moods in an appropriate manner; NAD+ is a key component of maintaining proper levels of neurotransmitters, which communicate between neurons in the brain. A healthy body relies on neurotransmitters and amino acids to form a healthy nervous system. In addition to helping to calm the mind and body, nutrient-based IV therapy can also reduce anxiety.

Patients that have chemical dependency, and have also PTSD have been shown to have their PTSD symptoms reduced after receiving NAD treatment. This phenomenon was originally discovered by a doctor that was researching the effectiveness of NAD for addictions and those patients claimed to feel calm.

ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

While not a cure for addiction, NAD+ is a great detox aid. It’s natural. Doesn’t harm your systems. It’s restorative. NAD+ helps cells heal and help cellular biogenesis. Recovery. 

It is neuroprotective.

It reduces cravings associated with alcohol and opiate withdrawal. It’s a more natural solution compared to cyboxin, naltrexone, and methadone because no negative side effects with NAD+. IV NAD+ has been long used for detoxing, since the 1960s. 

ANTI-AGING

Restoring cellular levels of NAD+ gives your cells a better chance of living longer and healthier lives. Research shows that as we age, levels of NAD+ decrease significantly either due to a lack of attention to our lifestyle, diet, or stress or through exposure to toxins. A deficiency of NAD+ means neuro and muscular degeneration, poor cardiometabolic health, and poor ability for cellular repair and resiliency. That is to say, NAD+ deficiency slows our cells down and will accelerate the aging process, making us more susceptible to disease.

WEIGHT LOSS / BOOST METABOLISM:

Looking to increase your energy? Want to stop relying on caffeine to get you through the day?

IV NAD therapy can help you. 

NAD and its twin form, NADH, are crucial in redox reactions that produce energy inside your cells. This process includes breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars like fructose. And when the body is flooded with too many sugars? So in addition to elevated blood sugar levels, cells start metabolizing the carbohydrates leading to excess amounts of NADH. 

Several conditions have been linked to excess levels of NADH, such as a complication of diabetes is that your body won’t have enough of the enzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD, or too much of it, NADH. 

If it has a shortage of NAD+, your body won’t be able to activate the body’s superhero enzymes called sirtuins. Research suggests that, as a result of NAD+, sirtuin mice were less likely to develop diabetes and were more protected against fatty liver disease. IV NAD+ does not have the same impact on blood glucose as caloric restriction.

In other words, NAD+ therapy might reduce your waistline and make you thinner.

PREVENTING MUSCLE ATROPHY

Restoring cellular levels of NAD+ will keep cells youthful, thereby resulting in improved energy levels, quicker recovery after strenuous physical activity, and less fatigue in general. NAD+ can be found in every cell in your body and is critical for the regulation of cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis. NAD+ therapy can be beneficial to athletes who are seeking better performance.

INFLAMMATION

Damaging inflammation leaves a person vulnerable to DNA breakage which leads to a gradual deterioration in one’s cell count. Inflammation caused by foods that one eats, by pollutants in the air, and by exposure to toxic chemicals could put one at risk. 

NAD+ activates enzymes to protect against and fix DNA damage. Sirtuins, a type of super enzyme, give cells more staying power, allowing them to live longer and stay healthier. NAD+-dependent sirtuins can be stimulated by an increase in NAD+, thus increasing the production of Sirtuins, and thereby improving the health of all cells.

In combination with Glutathione at specific dosages and intervals, major improvements in inflammation can occur leading to long-lasting, positive outcomes.

The Different Dosages of Intravenous NAD+ Protocols

According to a research study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, NAD+ can be administered intravenously at dosages ranging from 0.1 mg/kg – 1.0 mg/kg per day for periods lasting up to two weeks with no reported serious adverse events. A conservative dose would be 250 mg given twice daily for three consecutive days (200 mg total). The recommended initial dose is 250-500 mg given once daily for three consecutive days (300-450mg total).

However, in some circumstances, depending on the patient’s age, condition, and medical history – higher doses are recommended to load or in other circumstances work up too.

 When NAD+ is given at higher dosages, it’s recommended to start by giving 5 mg/kg for three consecutive days before moving on to 15 mg/kg daily for up to a total of four consecutive days. Be sure you are closely monitoring your patient’s vital signs during these dosing intervals. Most importantly – ensure your patient is tolerating NAD+. Monitoring their status closely with frequent laboratory evaluations.

For detox protocols, it’s typical to run high doses for multiple days.  Sometimes up to 10-14 days however, there are protocols and clinics that run for even longer.

For a list of clinics and their pricing per dose and protocols please click here.

The Various Protocols for Infusing NAD+

NAD+ is a coenzyme that is necessary for cellular energy production. Research on NAD+ has revealed a range of therapeutic benefits, including improved cognitive performance and safety. There are various protocols for infusing NAD+, so it’s important to understand these before you decide which one might be best for you or your loved one. The most common regimen involves intravenous infusion over 90-180 minutes, with dosages ranging from 10mg/kg to 100mg/kg.

If you’re interested in infusing NAD+, there are several ways to go about it. One approach involves administering intravenously over 90-180 minutes, as described in a 2015 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine review. Researchers found that effective dosages ranged from 10mg/kg to 100mg/kg. However, some research suggests that oral administration—involving a single or multiple doses—might also be effective for treating symptoms like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression.

In some cases a drip is performed while in other cases an IV push is performed.  Each again depends on the patient and outcomes desired.

Every patient is unique and must be treated as such.  This is why at DripDok a consultation medical call is required to begin NAD+ Infusion Therapy. This is to ensure that you may benefit from this therapy and that you are a good candidate for NAD+. Book now for a NO commitment consultation to learn if NAD+ is right for you. You do not need to commit to therapy at any time.

Click here to schedule your call.

Research Around Various Protocols 

One hundred twenty-four people who were addicted to drugs or alcohol were given NAD as an experimental treatment, administered intravenously in doses from 300 mg up to 1000 mg over four consecutive days. If withdrawal symptoms persisted, the person received additional treatments for a month until they were completely rehabilitated; two treatments per week for one month and then two treatments per month.

Twelve patients received NADH as an experimental treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome administered orally in doses ranging from 5 to 10 mg per day. 

The duration of treatment was 24 months. One patient received NAD as an experimental treatment for Parkinson’s disease, administered intravenously in doses ranging from 500 to 1500 mg per day. 

The treatment schedule was 8 treatments over 10 days, then 1 treatment every 4 to 6 weeks. This patient also received NAD intranasally at a dose of 30 mg in each nostril twice a day for a total dose of 120 mg per day. Five patients received NAD+ as an experimental treatment for Parkinson’s disease, administered intravenously and intramuscularly at a dose of 25 mg. The treatment schedule was IV administration daily for 4 days, then intramuscular administration 2 and 4 weeks after the last IV infusion.

The author’s concluding statements strongly recommended the use of NAD+ for the management of patients with drug or alcohol addiction. The authors’ conclusion on the study claimed that NAD could be useful to some patients with Parkinson’s disease. 

In another study, the authors did not recommend using NADH to treat people with Parkinson’s and found NADH to be less effective.  Oral NAD+ has been repeatedly shown to be ineffective.

In 2019, Grant et al published a pilot study investigating the effect of an IV infusion of NAD on the plasma and urine NAD metabolome in healthy human volunteers.

 Eleven men were randomized to receive an IV infusion of either NAD 750 mg (8 participants) or normal saline (3 participants) over 6 hours. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for NAD and its metabolites before and 30, 60, 120, 360, and 480 minutes after the start of the infusion. 

At the end of infusion (6 hours) of the plasma samples, we found that the concentration of NAD was significantly higher (398% higher than baseline); levels were elevated (8 hours higher than baseline) than that of the control group. There was no noticeable change in plasma NAD levels in the control group. However, there was a large (538% relative to the baseline at 30 minutes) rise in NAD levels found in urine samples after 6 hours. There was no significant change in urine levels of NAD in the control group. 

No adverse events were reported during the infusion, and plasma NAD levels did not rise until two hours after the start of the infusion, indicating rapid, and at least for the first two hours complete, tissue uptake and/or metabolism of NAD and its metabolites. 

In the NAD group, liver function enzymes decreased, and bilirubin increased from baseline to 8 hours.

At DripDok we have seen critical liver enzymes drop significantly after 3-5 infusions.

Read More Here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999321011096

Interventions

Participants received 5 consecutive days of IV NAD+ (750 mg/day) or saline infusions

Main Outcome Measures

Cognitive abilities on three levels were measured with the MicroCog Assessment, which measured attentiveness, reaction time, memory, reasoning, and spatial processing. (Level 2) Ability to process information; and (Level 3) General mental clarity and problem-solving. The participants performed the baseline assessment (DAY 0) and the same task again after the completion of the IV infusion protocol (DAY 6).

Conclusions

Comparing baseline performance scores with the findings showed greater magnitudes of change than “practice effects”. As a result of these results and case reports in Parkinson’s disease patients, it appears that standardized cognitive assessments are a practical and effective method for evaluating IV NAD+ treatment results in clinical conditions with cognitive impairments.

According to a recent review, NAD levels in the body can influence anxiety, exploratory and

depressive behavior, and the brain reward system linked to addiction.

Cleary anecdotally reported that NAD+ IV infusions helped reduce cravings in patients with drug or alcohol addiction.

DripDok Has Pioneered Specific Protocols Proven By Research

The transporter of NAD+ into the cell has remained in great debate.  

Over the last 4 years, DripDok has done extensive research alongside other pioneers in the field of NAD and regenerative medicine. 

In 2021, we identified a compound with a very high safety profile that acted as a strong transporter of NAD+ into the cell with long-lasting benefits.  

In addition, we collect large amounts of big data surrounding patients where possible using wearables such as the Oura Ring, FitBit, and Apple Watch.  Compounding this data with blood work (typically required before treatment) and outcome data collected at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month 6 months, and 12-month intervals we found a significant improvement at 3 and 6-month marks using our adapted formula.

Besides, identifying a viable way to increase intracellular uptake, DripDok also pioneered the use of combining NMDA antagonists back in 2019 – well before it was scientifically documented to increase dendrit formation. improved cognition reduced anxiety and depression.

Our formula is only available at DripDok. The formula is designed to meet a person’s daily needs for NAD+ depending on their dosage schedule.  There is no other clinic using the same exact protocol as of this writing in 2022.

How to Choose the Right NAD+ Dosage and Protocol

The safety of NAD+ is what makes it a promising treatment for pro-longevity, addiction, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, and more. To take advantage of its benefits, one should administer either NAD+ intravenously or consider using NMN orally (250-1000 mg in the AM, two weeks minimum).

This is why any patient starting with DripDok must undergo an initial consultation – to determine the safety and if it’s a right fit and if so how it must be delivered.

The main purpose is to fuel metabolic forward reactions. Like gasoline for your car.

This derivative of Vitamin B3 restores brain chemistry and neurotransmitter function naturally. Enhance mood and clarity of mind. Reduce cravings and withdrawals from addictive substances and prescription medications.

Improve symptoms associated with:

Addiction

Brain Injury

Anxiety

Post-Traumatic Stress

Chronic Fatigue

Depression

Memory Loss

Diabetes

Fatty liver

Aging

Weight gain and obesity

Patients who have these conditions may not be able to generate enough NAD+ in order to function properly.

Overview of the potential benefits of NAD+ Infusions

Boost metabolism

Reduce pain

Promising addiction therapy

Beats fatigue

Maximizing brain power and function

Reduce cravings

Improve depression

Reduces anxiety and PTSD

Clearer thinking

Better appearance

Improve fitness

DripDok uses highly conservative approaches compared to many clinics around the globe.

References & Research

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