IV Hydration Drip

Myers Cocktail – A Boost for Mood, Energy and Immunity

Looking for a way out of a fatigue filled funk, depressed state or recurrent infections? Consider an intravenous vitamin/mineral therapy called a Myers’ cocktail. John Myers, MD, was a physician from Baltimore, Maryland who pioneered the use of intravenous (IV) vitamins and minerals as part of treatment protocols for various medical conditions.

Q: Why use intravenous (IV) nutrients?

A: IV administration of nutrients can achieve serum concentrations that cannot be obtained using oral dosing. Vitamin C is a good example of this; with increased oral dosing the serum concentration approaches an upper limit (meaning with increased oral doses the amount in the bloodstream does not increase proportionately). In addition, side effects of high oral doses such as loose stool associated with high oral Vitamin C and Magnesium are avoided. This allows higher serum concentrations of Vitamin C and Magnesium to be achieved. IV administration is also appropriate where digestive health is compromised and absorption of orally administered nutrients may be poor.

Q: Who can benefit from a Myers’ cocktail?

A: Almost anyone can benefit from this therapy. This includes those who feel healthy overall but may want an additional boost in mood or energy. It may be useful in those with a higher need for specific nutrients including athletes, students or professionals under high levels of acute or chronic stress, as well as those with lowered immune function. Improvement has also been documented after administration of Myers’ cocktail in situations where people suffer the following conditions:

• Asthma
• Migraine and tension headaches
• Fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome and adrenal fatigue)
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
• Acute muscle spasm
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Chronic sinusitis
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis
• Depression, anxiety and the effects of acute and chronic stress
• Hormonal imbalances

Q: How often is a Myers’ cocktail given?

A: The frequency of treatment depends of the individual patient as well as the condition being treated. For more acute conditions, like sinusitis, acute muscle spasm or an upper respiratory infection, only one or two treatments may be required. In preparation for an athletic event such as a marathon or sport competition, or in anticipation of high stress (weddings, travel, exams), a Myers’ cocktail me be used weekly over three to five weeks or more. Frequency is typically tapered down as symptom improvement is noted. A Myers’ cocktail can also be given monthly for more chronic conditions like migraines, allergies, and general health maintenance and to help support immune function. Ongoing conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and depression would be assessed on an individual basis.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: The Myer’s cocktail often produces a sensation of heat, particularly with large doses or rapid administration. This effect is largely due to the magnesium which acts as a vasodilator. It is this vasodilation which can also produce a hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effect that can lead to light-headedness and syncope (fainting). During the administration of your treatment Nurse Claire will monitor how you are feeling, watch for signs of excessive heat, and any signs this hypotensive effect may be occurring. This is easily avoided with slower administration of the therapy. Specific precautions will also be taken in patients on medication that lowers potassium levels in the body.

If you have any of the above listed conditions and are looking for nutritional support, consider IV vitamin therapy as a tool to help you feel better and achieve true health.