From the Guidelines
NAD+ injections cause pain primarily due to their high acidity, which irritates nerve endings and surrounding tissues, triggering pain receptors. The acidity of NAD+ injections, with a pH of around 3.5, is the main culprit behind the discomfort experienced by patients. This is because the acidic solution causes a burning sensation when injected into tissues, leading to pain. Additionally, the concentrated solution can cause osmotic pressure changes in the injection area, further contributing to discomfort. The injection volume and rate also play a role in pain levels, with larger volumes and faster injection rates typically causing more pain.
Some studies, such as 1, have shown that buffering local anesthetics with sodium bicarbonate can decrease patient pain during drug delivery via subcutaneous or intradermal infiltration. However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of buffering may vary depending on the specific solution and concentration used. For instance, the addition of sodium bicarbonate to lidocaine has been shown to decrease injection pain in some studies, but the optimal concentration of sodium bicarbonate is still unclear.
In the context of NAD+ injections, mixing the solution with lidocaine or buffer solutions, such as sodium bicarbonate, may help reduce pain, as suggested by studies like 1. Administering the solution very slowly through IV infusion rather than direct injection may also help minimize discomfort. It is crucial to weigh the potential benefits of buffering against the potential risks, such as precipitation of the anesthetic, which may lead to decreased efficacy.
Key factors that contribute to pain during NAD+ injections include:
- High acidity of the solution
- Concentrated solution causing osmotic pressure changes
- Injection volume and rate
- Potential benefits of buffering with sodium bicarbonate or mixing with lidocaine
- Importance of proper injection technique, as outlined in studies like 1, to minimize pain and ensure effective delivery of the solution.
Overall, the use of buffering solutions or lidocaine, combined with proper injection technique and slow administration, may help reduce the pain associated with NAD+ injections, as supported by studies like 1.
From the Research
NAD Injections and Pain
- NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) injections can cause pain due to various factors, including the formulation of the product and the injection process itself 2.
- Patient-related factors, such as low body weight, gender, and age, can also contribute to the experience of pain after NAD injections 2.
- The most common side effects associated with NAD use are muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches 3.
Minimizing Pain from NAD Injections
- Helping patients develop a confident and competent injection technique through robust and effective training can minimize pain 2.
- Careful management of patient expectations and open discussion about the potential risk of pain can also help minimize treatment-related anxieties 2.
- Other interventions, such as psychological interventions, allowing biologics to reach room temperature prior to injection, and using the most suitable injection device, can also help minimize pain 2.
NAD Metabolism and Pain
- NAD+ metabolism plays a crucial role in energy and redox homeostasis, as well as in DNA repair and protein deacetylation reactions 4.
- Declines in NAD+ pools have been linked to various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and NAD+ replenishment has been shown to have positive effects on metabolic health and age-associated diseases 4.
- However, the relationship between NAD metabolism and pain is not fully understood and requires further research 3, 4.