The Myers’ cocktail is a vitamin-mineral formula in which B-group vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and calcium are given together through a vein. It is named after the Baltimore physician John Myers; the version used today was modified and published by a physician who took over Myers’ patients 1. It is also commonly called a “vitamin drip”. The intravenous route lets these substances bypass the digestive step and enter the circulation directly; this is a difference in speed, not a guarantee of benefit.
Administering drugs and fluids through a vein is the foundation of anaesthesiology training; I practise these treatments within that framework. I do not turn the Myers’ cocktail into a regular need; I plan it for particular periods and particular complaints. The general framework of IV therapy, its difference from tablets and questions of frequency are on the IV therapy page.
What is in it?
The formula’s components: B-group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), vitamin C, magnesium (as chloride or sulphate) and calcium 1. The vitamins are water-soluble; any excess is excreted by the kidneys. Kidney function matters for magnesium and calcium, so the decision is based on blood tests. In my clinic the formula is adapted to the person’s blood tests and complaint; dosing and session details are not the subject of this page.
How does it work?
Vitamins and minerals given intravenously bypass the digestive step and enter the circulation directly; blood levels rise temporarily and return to balance within a short time 1. This is relevant for someone whose oral intake is insufficient or who wants support in a demanding period. The intravenous route is a difference in speed; replacing a diagnosed deficiency is a separate treatment carried out under the follow-up of the relevant specialty.
When do I consider it?
The situations I assess in my practice: periods of heavy workload and burnout; recovery after illness or surgery; support during periods of frequent upper respiratory infections; and support in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue alongside oral supplementation and lifestyle adjustment. What I consistently observe in these pictures in clinical practice is a reduction in the burden of fatigue; I write this as experience, not as a promise.
In migraine my main method is the occipital nerve block; I consider the Myers’ cocktail as support between attacks. In fibromyalgia I do not expect a single treatment to solve the problem; that picture is addressed within the pain treatment plan, together with sleep and the stress response.
On weight: the Myers’ cocktail neither causes weight loss nor weight gain; in weight management I plan intravenous vitamins only together with dietitian follow-up, to support fatigue.
Being honest about the level of evidence
The publication that describes the Myers’ cocktail and compiles its reported uses is a review based on the author’s clinical observations; it is not a controlled trial 1. Review 1 was published in a journal issued by a dietary supplement manufacturer. In a placebo-controlled pilot trial in fibromyalgia, improvement was seen in both the Myers’ and the placebo group, and no significant difference was found between them 2. I do not hide this: in that trial, a difference from placebo could not be shown. Alongside observations reporting improvement there are studies reporting limited benefit; I do not give unsourced percentages.
The procedure and pain management
Topical anaesthetic cream is standard. Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure.
I plan venous access and the infusion as part of this; what you feel is a brief sting as the line is placed.
Aftercare
Same day
- You can return to daily life; you can drive
- Drink plenty of water
Expected findings A small bruise at the venous access site may last 1–2 days. If redness, warmth or swelling develops at the access site, contact the clinic.
Additional advice
- A temporary feeling of warmth may occur during the infusion
- Because of the B vitamins, urine may be dark yellow for a while
Safety and anatomy
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
Product status: The products I use are licensed or authorised medical products. Approval belongs to a product and to a specific indication, not to a technique or to a physician.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
I do not perform these treatments during active cancer treatment. For a person with a history of cancer, I make the decision together with the treating specialist.
In intravenous treatments, with heart or kidney failure the decision is made at consultation, with fluid load in mind.
Treatment is also not performed with a known sensitivity to vitamin B12 (cobalt) or thiamine, or with a high calcium level.
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People without a deficiency on blood tests who want regular vitamin infusions
- People expecting a lasting result from a single session
- People who want to stop their current treatment — follow-up with the relevant specialty continues
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the Myers’ cocktail?
B-group vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium (chloride or sulphate) and calcium. The vitamins are water-soluble and any excess is excreted by the kidneys. The formula is adapted to the person’s blood tests.
Does the Myers’ cocktail cause weight gain?
No; nor does it cause weight loss. In weight management I plan intravenous vitamins only together with dietitian follow-up, to support fatigue.
Is one session of the Myers’ cocktail enough?
It depends on need; a single treatment can be planned in a demanding period, or several during recovery. I do not recommend regular, open-ended use; frequency is decided at consultation.
Does the Myers’ cocktail help with migraine?
In migraine my main method is the occipital nerve block; I consider the Myers’ cocktail as support between attacks.
Is a blood test needed before the Myers’ cocktail?
Yes. Blood tests are requested at the first consultation; the formula and the decision on intravenous treatment are based on the tests and the complaint.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For the Myers’ cocktail I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Because this treatment may be planned as more than one session, it may require more than one visit. The first session takes place in Istanbul, and we plan the schedule of any following sessions together according to your travel arrangements, with remote follow-up in between. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
Consultations are conducted in English. Follow-up after you return home is arranged remotely, and I remain reachable for any questions during the period in which the result develops.
You can read how I offer this treatment at my clinic, IV Point, on the Myers’ cocktail page.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the “Myers’ cocktail”. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(5):389–403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/ — The journal’s publisher is a dietary supplement manufacturer; the review is based on the author’s clinical experience.
- Ali A, Njike VY, Northrup V, et al. Intravenous micronutrient therapy (Myers’ Cocktail) for fibromyalgia: a placebo-controlled pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(3):247–257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19250003/