Mobile IV infusions... for hangovers

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

Have you ever heard about in-home IV infusion to get rid of hangovers? This is an idea I started thinking about when I read about it being offered in New York, and because in personal experience it works well, but someone has beat me to it locally.

The basic idea is extremely simple. You call, talk to a prescriber (currently an MD, but they're looking for NPs) who asks you about your health history and symptoms, then a nurse shows up and starts an IV. They don't take insurance obviously; no one will cover this. It seems a little sketchy, like back alley medicine... but it's also pretty low risk if your screening is thorough.

Now, the NYC operation I first heard about is pretty slick but seems more questionable. For instance they have different packages you get to pick from, the highest of which apparently includes IV magnesium (it says "liquid magnesium"). Not sure how I feel about that.

Anyway, what do you think? If you were going to do this, how would you do it so that it was ethical? I have no intention of starting a competing business... but it seems like a brilliant way to make money.

Specializes in Critical Care.

Thought this was pretty funny. Everyone calls them banana bags... you know the IV solutions that contain thiamine, multivitamins, folate, and magnesium

Specializes in ICU.

One thing I did learn was drinking fluids in the middle of the night helped me immensely. Years ago, I was not used to wine at all. If I ever drank it I would end up with a major headache every morning after. I never reall got drunk, just buzzed enough.

I simply started drinking done water when I would wake up at various times of the night. Still do if I drink a little extra wine. Haven had a headache or felt bad the next day in years.

But, just to add, this goes for the easy stuff only!! I haven't had a lick of hard alcohol in years and have no idea how it would affect me today or if I would even wake up from it!! í ½í¸‰í ½í¸‰ I still abide by the rule, nothing with a deer on the label. That stuff messed me up at 21. Can't imagine what it would do to me at 40.

Specializes in Psych, HIV/AIDS.

This is a common occurrence in the paramedic field. One is always designated as the IV administrator and supplier. No hangovers when they're on duty...it's been taken care of the night before.

I'll have to tell my source to make a business out of it...a few extra bucks never hurt.

I've always had good luck with 2 Tylenol and a glass of water before going to bed.

People, mixing alcohol and Tylenol is NOT recommended.

Specializes in as above.

Make it Canadian Beer and the whole family will join you! Happy New Year, nurses!! male and female.

Two comments..

HH patients have been seen by an MD for their condition at least and have had labs etc prior to IV infusions at home.

I just had NYE in San Francisco and our once a year $$$$ dinner was ruined by kids with too much money. Kids laughing about whose parent's credit card will pay, cussing loudly far beyond anything cool, and a kid passed out in a restaurant we can only afford on rare occasion, and our combined incomes are nothing to sneeze at. There is no price that can buy me to help those ***** recover from a hangover. I don't even know how the servers can stand it.

Specializes in Management.

Sounds like a business opportunity!

I had to chuckle when I read this. As a medic in the army we often gave saline bags for our guys on monday before our brigade runs. Banana bags were also in big demand. Ahhh the good old days... lol

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
HoneybadgerFTW said:
I had to chuckle when I read this. As a medic in the army we often gave saline bags for our guys on monday before our brigade runs. Banana bags were also in big demand. Ahhh the good old days... LOL

When I was deployed, we hydrated all of our SF dudes before they went out on extended missions talk about glorious veins, LOL.

All I can think is that I would probably have to pee in the middle of a long run if I had fluids first, that would be uncomfortable!! LOL

HA! I won't even mention how many of the guys learned to pee and run.... ahhh Ft Drum... special breed of soldiers... I definitely took for granted those amazing veins while I was in!!

I think the idea of mobile IV units to those who are able to afford that type of in home treatment would be very beneficial. I myself don't drink much, but the times I have gone over board I would have loved to get medical fluids running through my veins! As a pre nursing student, I also think it would be a great part time job for students to assist with etc! Maybe someone in Orlando will start a business sometime soon! :sarcastic:

I work for one of these companies. It is so well organized---if healthcare was run as well as this company is, it would be completely different. The patients are low-risk, no medical problems and usually younger than 55-60. We don't give "hard" electrolytes----some B vitamins, some C vitamins, Toradol, Zofran. We infuse 1 or 2 liters of LR or NS for hydration. It is practically zero risk. The patients are well off, the houses are very nice, easy IV's to start. The money is great. The doctor that owns it is a GREAT GUY---really nice. You take the calls you want to take, you're not obligated to do anything. It's a true "on call" thing. You can get a call for one patient at one location, or for 10 people at one location. For 10 people, they would try to send a second nurse. You get paid per patient, and considering one patient only takes about 45 minutes-1 hour, it's great.

As a former ER nurse, I know from experience that when the ER staff had a late night with some cocktails and were feeling a bit hungover the next day, we'd start IV's on each other in the bathroom & run in a quick couple of liters of fluid, and we were better in 10 minutes!! Why not? A hangover is just sever dehydration due to the alcohol----replenish the fluids and you're good to go!

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