Medically reviewed by Dr. Susan Fard, DO, on May 14, 2026. Last updated May 14, 2026.
In short: Irvine patients drive about 15 minutes south on the 5 freeway to reach our Mission Viejo clinic for NAD+ therapy. We offer two delivery formats — intramuscular (IM) injections at $40-$75 per shot for routine recovery and cognitive support, and IV drip sessions at $400-$900 per drip for high-dose protocols targeting cognitive performance, jet lag, or post-illness recovery. Evening slots after 5 PM accommodate tech-professional schedules. Evidence is most established for cellular metabolism support; performance and longevity claims are emerging but unsettled.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell. It powers mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair pathways, and sirtuin signaling. NAD+ levels decline measurably with age, which is why supplementation has moved from theory into clinical practice. For the broader peptide and biological-aging context, our peptide therapy guide covers the related compounds.
This page covers the two delivery formats we offer (IM and IV), how the protocols differ, who they fit best, what NAD+ does and what it does not, and the logistics of getting here from Irvine.
The Irvine-to-Mission Viejo logistics
Mission Viejo sits about 15 minutes south of Irvine on the 5 freeway, two exits past the Irvine Spectrum. The 73 is an alternative from the western side of Irvine. Surface streets are not faster.
The 5 freeway is heaviest between 4:30 and 6:30 PM southbound. Our evening slots run after 5:30 PM, which means most Irvine patients are arriving as traffic eases. Mornings before 8:00 AM are also quick.
OC Weight Loss and Medspa24002 Via Fabricante #201, Mission Viejo, CA 92691+1 949-416-0950Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm · Sat 9 am–1 pm · Sun closed
What NAD+ does (and what it doesn’t)
NAD+ runs three primary cellular jobs:
- Energy metabolism. Mitochondrial electron transport relies on NAD+/NADH cycling to convert glucose and fat into ATP.
- DNA repair. NAD+ is a substrate for PARP enzymes that respond to DNA damage.
- Sirtuin signaling. Sirtuins are a family of enzymes implicated in cellular stress response and gene regulation; they require NAD+ to function.
Established clinical use in routine practice centers on cellular metabolism support, recovery from physical exertion, and adjunctive use in protocols for jet lag, neurocognitive support, and post-illness fatigue. The evidence base is strongest for biochemical effects (NAD+ levels rise, mitochondrial markers shift). It is weaker for longevity outcomes — those studies are still emerging and we will not oversell them.
What NAD+ does not do: it is not a treatment for any specific disease, it does not “reverse aging,” and the more enthusiastic longevity claims circulating on social media are ahead of the published evidence. We tell patients the honest version up front.
IM injection vs IV drip — choosing the format
Our IV drip lounge has reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and quiet space. Most patients arrive after work, read or work on a laptop during the drip, and leave by 7:30-8:00 PM.
IM is the right entry point for most patients. The dose is smaller, the session is short, and you can build a regular rhythm. IV is the right choice when the goal is rapid loading (4-10 sessions over 2-3 weeks) before tapering to monthly maintenance, or for occasional high-dose use around travel or recovery.
Why Irvine tech professionals use NAD+
The Irvine corridor — the Spectrum, Discovery Business Center, the Quail Hill area — concentrates a specific patient profile. Knowledge workers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s with high cognitive demand, frequent travel for business, and limited tolerance for being functionally off-baseline. The use cases that come up most often:
- Cognitive performance. Mental clarity, focus, and sustained attention during long work weeks. Most reported as subjective improvement; consistent enough that patients return for it.
- Jet lag. Pre-flight and post-flight protocols around international travel. Patients who fly between California and Asia or Europe report shorter recovery windows.
- Recovery from physical exertion. Triathletes, cyclists, and patients training hard at the gym often add NAD+ around peak training blocks.
- Post-illness fatigue. Patients recovering from viral infections (including long-COVID-style fatigue) sometimes use a short course while rebuilding stamina.
- Hangover / overconsumption recovery. Off-label use, well-known among biohacker patients. We provide it but the conversation includes a moderation discussion.
For patients curious about the broader benefits and dosing logic, our NAD+ injections benefits page covers the science in more depth.
Side effects to expect
- IM: brief sting at the injection site, occasional mild flushing for 5-15 minutes.
- IV: the classic “NAD+ feeling” — pressure in the chest, mild nausea, abdominal cramping if the drip runs too fast. Slowing the infusion rate resolves it within minutes. Most patients learn their tolerable rate within the first two sessions.
- General: mild fatigue or sleep changes in the first few days are reported by some patients as the body adjusts.
Patients with active malignancy should discuss NAD+ with their oncology team before starting — the pathways NAD+ influences can in theory support healthy cell repair and unhealthy cell proliferation alike. We screen for this at intake.
Evening hours and IV drip lounge
We hold weekday evening slots (Tuesday through Thursday after 5:30 PM) for working professionals. The IV drip lounge accommodates 3-4 patients at once in reclining chairs with privacy partitions. Bring a laptop if you want to work; many patients use the time for a focused task and find the environment unexpectedly productive.
IM injections can be booked into 10-minute slots throughout the day. No reclining required, no extended commitment.
Irvine-specific FAQ
Can I park easily and get in/out for an IM injection over a lunch break?
Yes. Free surface parking adjacent to the building. An IM session, including check-in and the injection itself, runs 10-15 minutes door-to-door. Build in 20-25 minutes of drive each way and you can do the whole loop in an hour from the Irvine Spectrum.
Are evening drip slots actually available, or theoretically available?
Actually available. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after 5:30 PM, with a typical 1-2 week booking lead time. Higher demand in Q1 and after long holiday weekends. Call to confirm the current schedule.
What’s the fastest route home if I’m doing a 90-minute drip ending at 7 PM?
5 North is moving cleanly by 7 PM most weekdays. The 73 is consistently the fastest if you are headed to western Irvine, Newport, or Costa Mesa.
FAQ
How many sessions to feel a difference?
IM: most patients report a subjective effect by week 2-3 of weekly injections. IV: many patients report noticeable energy and clarity changes after session 2-3 of a loading protocol. Some feel nothing on either format — biological responsiveness varies.
Is NAD+ FDA-approved?
NAD+ is not an FDA-approved drug for a specific indication. It is administered through compounding pharmacies under physician prescription. The use cases described here are off-label by design, which is true of most NAD+ protocols in clinical practice.
Can I take oral NMN or NR instead?
Oral NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) raise blood NAD+ levels in published studies. Some patients prefer them for convenience. The bioavailability differs from direct IV/IM delivery, and the optimal dose is still being debated. Reasonable to use them between in-clinic sessions; not equivalent to direct administration on a session-by-session basis.
How does this fit with peptide therapy?
NAD+ stacks well with most peptide protocols. We design combinations in the consult based on what you are targeting — recovery, cognitive support, body composition. Our peptide therapy Mission Viejo page covers the broader menu.
Is there a money-back guarantee if I do not feel it?
No, and we are skeptical of clinics that offer one for any aesthetic or wellness treatment. We are happy to discuss what to expect honestly during the consult before any payment.
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
The intake covers your goals, medication list, existing conditions, and prior NAD+ experience. Patients on certain medications, with active cancer history, or with significant cardiovascular disease need a more detailed conversation. Most adults in routine health are candidates.
Talk to a clinician at OC Weight Loss and Medspa
The right starting point is a 30-minute consult to identify which format and dose fit your goals. Learn more about our NAD+ therapy service.
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