Why so many patients ask for dripsand what doctors wish they knew

Medical info changes, and your body is not a group project. This article is for general education, not personal medical advice. If you’re sick, pregnant, immunocompromised, have kidney/heart disease, or take prescription meds, talk to your clinician before getting any IV infusion.

Somewhere along the way, “getting an IV” graduated from “hospital thing you get when you’re truly wiped out” to “wellness errand between Pilates and picking up oat milk.”
Need energy? Drip. Fighting a cold? Drip. Hungover? Drip. Jet lag? Drip. Existential dread? Okay, that one’s not in the menuyet.

It’s easy to see why “drips” (IV infusions) have become a modern comfort object. They look like serious medicine, feel like instant care, and come with a vibe that says:
I am proactively optimizing my life. But doctors tend to see the other side: the hype, the unnecessary risk, and the fact that for many people, the benefits are… mostly expensive hydration and a very convincing placebo.

What “drips” usually are

In plain terms, a “drip” is an IV infusion: fluids (usually saline), sometimes electrolytes, sometimes vitamins or minerals, and occasionally medications.
Hangover IVs may include fluids plus “extras” like B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, anti-nausea meds, or pain relievers depending on the provider and local rules.^[6]

In hospitals, IV fluids and IV medications are a big deal for a reason: they can be lifesaving when you can’t keep fluids down, when you’re severely dehydrated,
when you need rapid medication delivery, or when your gut can’t absorb what you need. But the hospital use-case and the “I’m tired and it’s Tuesday” use-case are not the same category of problem.

Why people ask for IV drips

1) “I want the fastest option” (and IVs look like a shortcut)

The appeal is simple: IV delivery feels instant. No waiting. No digestion. No “take with food.” You watch it enter your vein like a tiny hydration documentary.
And yesan IV can deliver fluids quickly. But “fast” doesn’t automatically mean “necessary.”

2) The “I’m dehydrated” panic is real (and sometimes reasonable)

People are told constantly to hydrate. Add illness, travel, alcohol, intense workouts, or anxiety, and dehydration becomes the villain in every story.
But here’s the practical truth: if you can drink and keep fluids down, your mouth is often the best starting point for rehydration.^[3]
For many common scenarios (mild stomach bug, hangover, post-workout fatigue), oral rehydration worksand it’s safer, cheaper, and less invasive.^[1]

3) Wellness marketing makes “more nutrients” sound like a moral achievement

Many IV menus are basically a smoothie bar with needles: “Immunity Boost,” “Glow,” “Detox,” “Brain Fuel,” “Athlete Recovery,” and other titles that sound like
Marvel origin stories. The sales pitch is often: “You’re probably deficient,” “Your gut can’t absorb enough,” or “This is the only way to get 100% bioavailability.”

Some of those claims take a small true thing (IV delivery bypasses digestion) and stretch it into a big conclusion (therefore everyone needs IV vitamins).
For people with normal nutrition and no specific deficiency, evidence of meaningful benefit is limited, and medical experts are often skeptical of broad wellness claims.^[4]

4) “It feels like real care”because it is a medical procedure

An IV is hands-on. Someone checks you in, asks questions, starts a line, and monitors you. That attention can feel deeply validating, especially if you’ve been tired,
stressed, or dismissed elsewhere. The emotional payoff is real, even when the physiological payoff is modest.

5) Social proof: celebrities, influencers, and the “I did it and felt amazing” effect

When people report, “I felt incredible after an IV,” they may be describing a mix of factors: hydration after being underhydrated, resting for an hour,
relief that help is happening, or placebo (which is not fakejust brain-powered). Media coverage and consumer health outlets have noted the popularity surge,
especially in luxury wellness settings, while also pointing out limited evidence for many claims and non-trivial safety concerns.^[12]

What the science says (without the marketing glitter)

Mild-to-moderate dehydration: oral rehydration is often first-line

For dehydration from common gastrointestinal illnesses, public health and clinical guidance emphasize oral rehydration solutions (ORS) when someone can drink.^[1]
Evidence reviews comparing oral rehydration to IV therapy (especially in gastroenteritis) have found oral approaches can work well in many cases, while IV therapy adds its own risks like phlebitis (vein inflammation).^[2]

Translation: if you can sip and keep it down, an IV is often not the first toolit’s the “Plan B” when the “drink it” plan fails.

Hangovers: an IV can help some symptoms, but it’s not a magic reset button

Hangover IVs typically include fluids and electrolytes, and sometimes vitamins or medications; they may help you feel better if you’re dehydrated or nauseated.^[6]
But major health systems note a key limitation: hangovers are not only dehydration. Alcohol’s effects on sleep, inflammation, stomach irritation, and the liver’s metabolism don’t speed up just because saline showed up to the party.^[7]

In practice, IV fluids are generally not recommended unless you can’t keep fluids down or you’re significantly unwellbecause the “need” is usually the exception, not the default.^[6]

“Vitamin drips” for energy, immunity, or beauty: evidence is limited for healthy people

IV vitamins have legitimate medical uses (for diagnosed deficiencies, malabsorption, certain treatments). But for the average person with normal intake,
Mayo Clinic experts have highlighted the lack of proven benefit for this as a general wellness trend and emphasize potential risks.^[4]
Consumer health sources similarly note that research support is thin for many marketing promises, and that risks aren’t zero even when the vibe is spa-like.^[12]

“Water-soluble vitamins are harmless” is… not always true

Water-soluble vitamins (like many B vitamins and vitamin C) don’t usually accumulate the way fat-soluble vitamins can. But “usually” is not “never.”
High-dose vitamin C supplementation has been associated with increased kidney stone risk in some populations (notably in men in certain large cohort data).^[13]
And with IV infusions, doses can be high and delivery is immediateso your kidneys don’t get a “slow-release” courtesy.

When an IV truly makes sense (and doctors are fully on board)

This is the part where the internet expects a dramatic twist: “Actually, doctors LOVE drips!” Not exactly. But doctors absolutely love the right tool for the right job.
IV therapy is often appropriate when:

• You can’t keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting, severe nausea, or significant GI illness.^[1]
• Severe dehydration or dehydration with concerning symptoms (confusion, fainting, very low urine output, rapid heartbeat, severe weakness).^[1]
• Medical-grade medication is needed quickly (for example, certain ER treatments).
• Documented deficiencies requiring IV replacement (e.g., some iron infusions; B12 in select cases; nutrition support in malabsorptionalways clinician-directed).
• IV fluids as part of supervised care in hospitals, infusion centers, or appropriately regulated clinical settings.

If you’re not sure which category you’re in, a quick reality check helps:
If you’d be uncomfortable doing it at home with a clean needle and a YouTube tutorial, it deserves a real medical evaluation.

What doctors wish you knew before booking an IV drip

1) An IV is not “just hydration”it’s a medical procedure with real risks

Common risks include bruising, vein irritation, infiltration (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue), infection, andif too much fluid is given too fastfluid overload symptoms like headache, high blood pressure, and breathing trouble.^[5]
Even when complications are uncommon, “low risk” is not “no risk,” especially for people with heart or kidney issues.

2) What’s in the bag matters more than the brand name on the wall

Two clinics can both offer an “Immunity Drip,” but one might be saline plus a standard vitamin mix, while another adds prescription meds.
Medications (anti-nausea drugs, pain relievers) can interact with your health conditions, allergies, or other prescriptions.
If a clinic can’t clearly tell you exactly what’s being infused, that’s a red flag, not a fun mystery.

3) Sterility and compounding are not “behind-the-scenes boring”they’re the whole game

Many IV mixes are compounded products (custom-prepared sterile injectables). The FDA has repeatedly warned that insanitary compounding conditions can seriously harm patients when sterility or quality can’t be assured.^[8]
The agency has also highlighted real-world adverse event reports tied to contaminated compounded sterile injectables, including serious outcomes.^[9]

Translation: the most important part of your “Glow Drip” is not the glow. It’s the infection control.

4) Big promises deserve big evidenceand regulators care about unsupported claims

If you see claims like “prevents,” “treats,” or “cures” serious illnesses (including viral infections), your skepticism is not pessimismit’s good consumer hygiene.
The FTC has warned marketers about unsubstantiated health claims, including during COVID-19, emphasizing that efficacy claims must be supported by scientific evidence.^[10]

5) Your body already has a delivery system for nutrients: eating

The unglamorous truth doctors wish people embraced: for most healthy individuals, a decent diet, adequate sleep, and managing stress outperform many “quick fix” add-ons.
It’s not as Instagrammable as an IV pole. But it’s remarkably effective, and your digestive tract doesn’t charge a “membership fee.”

6) If you feel better after a drip, it doesn’t prove you were deficient

Feeling better can come from simple hydration, rest, reassurance, and a pause from life’s chaos. That improvement is realbut it doesn’t automatically mean you needed vitamins through a vein.
Many reputable health outlets and medical experts emphasize that for healthy people, IV vitamin therapy often lacks strong evidence for the sweeping benefits it’s marketed to deliver.^[4][12]

Smarter alternatives that often work better (and don’t involve needles)

Oral rehydration: the MVP for many “I feel awful” days

If you’re dealing with mild dehydration, travel fatigue, stomach upset, or a hangover, try an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or an electrolyte drink and sip steadily.
Public health guidance emphasizes ORS for rehydration when someone can drink, including structured amounts in dehydration scenarios.^[1]

For hangovers: target what’s actually happening

• Fluids + electrolytes (sip, don’t chug)
• Food if you can tolerate it (carbs + a little salt)
• Sleep (your brain is negotiating with chemistry)
• Avoid doubling down with more alcohol “to take the edge off”

Medical systems note that IV hydration won’t make your liver metabolize alcohol faster and won’t address every hangover mechanism, which is why “cure” claims are suspect.^[7]

For chronic fatigue or “low energy”: ask better questions than “Which drip?”

If fatigue is frequent, the most productive path is often a real workup: sleep, stress, nutrition, thyroid issues, anemia/iron deficiency,
medication side effects, mood disorders, or other medical conditions. A drip can feel like action, but it can also be a detour away from the real cause.

For “immunity”: focus on boring things that work

Vaccination when appropriate, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, exercise, hand hygiene, and managing chronic conditions are still the heavy hitters.
If you’re tempted by immunity claims, remember that regulators have explicitly pushed back on unsupported health claims in the marketplace.^[10]

The bottom line

People ask for drips because they want to feel better quicklyand because modern wellness culture sells IV therapy as a shortcut to vitality.
Doctors wish patients knew three things:

1. If you can drink, oral hydration is often the right first stepand it’s backed by public health guidance and evidence reviews.^[1][2]
2. IV vitamin therapy is not automatically beneficial for healthy people, and claims often outpace solid research.^[4][12]
3. IVs carry real risks, and safety depends heavily on sterile technique, appropriate prescribing, and transparent ingredients.^[5][8]

If you still want a drip, the smartest move isn’t “Which one is best?” It’s: “Do I actually need an IVand is this clinic operating like a medical setting, not a mocktail bar?”

Experiences: what patients sayand what clinicians often see (about )

The stories below are composite scenarios based on commonly reported experiences in clinics and health systems, not accounts of any one person.

Scenario 1: The Hangover Negotiation.
A patient books a “hangover drip” after a wedding weekend. They’re not vomiting, they’re just foggy, headachy, and irritated at sunlight (the sun is being rude again).
They walk into the clinic already convinced they’re “severely dehydrated,” because that’s the only explanation that feels fixable. The drip helpsmostly because they finally sit still,
get fluids, and stop pretending coffee is a food group. Later they say, “It worked instantly!” What they often mean is: “I stopped spiraling, I hydrated, and time passed.”
The doctor perspective isn’t “you imagined it.” It’s “you might have gotten the same relief with ORS, rest, and a quiet roomwithout a needle.”^[6][7]

Scenario 2: The ‘I’m Always Tired’ Loop.
Another patient asks for monthly IV vitamin therapy because they feel drained all the time. They’ve tried supplements but want “something stronger.”
A clinician hears a different question hidden underneath: “Can someone take my exhaustion seriously?” When the patient feels better after a drip,
it reinforces the patternso they keep going, even if the root cause (sleep apnea, iron deficiency, depression, overwork, medication side effects) remains untouched.
Doctors wish patients understood that fatigue is a symptom with many causes, and a drip can be a comforting ritualbut it can also delay real diagnosis and targeted treatment.
That’s why reputable experts urge skepticism toward broad wellness promises for otherwise healthy people and recommend medical evaluation when symptoms persist.^[4][12]

Scenario 3: The “Detox” Misunderstanding.
A patient requests a “detox drip” after a stretch of bad eating. They’re hoping to erase a month of stress-snacking in 45 minutes.
The clinician wish-list item here is simple: the liver and kidneys already handle detoxification, and they do it continuously.
If someone wants better energy and fewer cravings, the high-yield plan is boring but effective: hydration, fiber, protein, sleep, movement, and a realistic approach to stress.
The drip may provide hydration, but it doesn’t rewrite habits. It can, however, rewrite your budget.

Scenario 4: The Safety Blind Spot.
Many patients assume that if something is offered in a sleek clinic with plush chairs, it must be tightly regulated.
But IV mixes may involve compounded sterile products, and safety hinges on sterile technique, sourcing, and clinical oversight.
That’s why FDA communications about insanitary compounding conditions matter: contamination and endotoxin issues are not theoretical “what-ifs.”^[8][9]
In real life, the “experience” people don’t post about is the one involving an infection, a blown vein, or a trip to urgent care.
Even mainstream medical resources emphasize that IV fluids can cause problems like hematoma, infiltration, andif not properly managedfluid overload.^[5]

Scenario 5: The Best-Case Drip.
Sometimes a drip is exactly right: a person with relentless vomiting, unable to keep down water, comes in weak and dizzy.
In that case, IV fluids can be a bridge back to stability. The experience feels dramatic because it is: it’s appropriate medical care for a real physiologic need.
The clinician takeaway isn’t “never get a drip.” It’s “match the intensity of the intervention to the intensity of the problem.”^[1]

SEO tags (JSON)

Reference key

1. [1] CDC guidance on oral rehydration and dehydration management.
2. [2] Evidence reviews/meta-analyses comparing oral rehydration vs IV therapy and noting tradeoffs/risks (e.g., phlebitis with IV).
3. [3] Harvard Health discussion of “drip bars” and why many people can drink fluids instead.
4. [4] Mayo Clinic expert discussion on limited proven benefit and risks of IV vitamin therapy for healthy people.
5. [5] Cleveland Clinic overview of IV fluids and potential complications like hematoma and fluid overload.
6. [6] University of Rochester Medical Center explanation of hangover IV contents and why IVs aren’t always needed.
7. [7] Hackensack Meridian Health explainer on why IV hydration doesn’t “cure” hangovers.
8. [8] FDA statement highlighting patient harm risk from insanitary compounding conditions for sterile products.
9. [9] FDA safety communication involving adverse events with compounded sterile injectables (glutathione case).
10. [10] FTC warnings/press releases about unsubstantiated health claims (including COVID-19 era).
11. [11] AARP overview of IV vitamin therapy popularity, promises, and cautions.
12. [12] Consumer health reporting summarizing limited evidence and safety risks of IV vitamin therapy.
13. [13] Research linking high-dose vitamin C supplementation with kidney stone risk in some populations.