Hangovers and IVs
Updated: October 6, 2026 · Reviewed by Taylor J. Graber, MD
Headache. Nausea. Dry mouth. A day that feels twice as long as it should. If you drink alcohol, you have probably met a hangover, and you have probably heard a dozen cures for one. Here is what actually helps, when to worry, and where an IV fits.
What a hangover is
A hangover is the set of symptoms that shows up as the alcohol leaves your system, usually the morning after. Common ones are headache, thirst, nausea, tiredness, light sensitivity and feeling shaky or unfocused. Alcohol makes you lose fluid, irritates the stomach and disrupts sleep, and all three play a part.
Most hangovers ease over the course of the day and are gone within about 24 hours.
What helps at home
Fluids. Water or an electrolyte drink, sipped steadily.
Food. Something plain, like toast, eggs or a banana, once your stomach allows it.
Rest. A nap does more than most remedies.
Time. Nothing speeds up how fast your body clears alcohol.
What does not help: more alcohol. "Hair of the dog" only postpones the hangover.
When it is not just a hangover
Some symptoms need urgent care rather than rest. Call 911 if someone who has been drinking:
is confused, or cannot be woken or kept awake
is vomiting repeatedly or while drowsy
has slow or irregular breathing
has a seizure
has pale, bluish or cold, clammy skin
These can be signs of alcohol poisoning, which is a medical emergency. An IV service is not the right call for any of them.
Where an IV fits
When you are nauseated, drinking enough to catch up is hard. An IV delivers fluid directly, and our hangover drips also include medication for nausea and aches.
We offer two:
Hangover IV: IV fluids for hydration, the anti-nausea medication Zofran, and the anti-inflammatory medication Toradol for aches.
ASAP Recovery IV: everything in the Hangover IV, plus magnesium and vitamin B-12.
Many clients say they feel better soon after their IV, although individual results vary.
What to expect
A registered nurse comes to your home or hotel, or you can visit one of our clinics. Every appointment starts with a health screening that our physicians review, and the medications in your drip depend on that review. A standard drip takes about 20 to 45 minutes.
Mobile visits are by appointment, and same-day times may be available.
Quick questions
Will an IV cure my hangover? No treatment cures a hangover. An IV may help with dehydration, nausea and aches while your body does the rest.
Can I get one for a group? Yes. One person books, the other guests complete a short online form, and groups of four or more receive a group discount.
Want the detail on what is in the drip? Read our hangover guide.
Ready to feel better? Schedule online, or call or text your regional team.