Methylene blue IV therapy is a treatment that delivers methylene blue – a synthetic compound with medical uses – directly into the bloodstream to provide a growing number of proven health benefits. It’s known for improving cellular energy, supporting brain function, and offering antioxidant protection.

Originally developed in 1876, methylene blue has long been FDA-approved in the USA for treating methemoglobinaemia but is now being explored for a variety of other conditions and health benefits..

Key Benefits:

  • Boosts Energy: Enhances mitochondrial function, increasing oxygen consumption by 35–70%.
  • Improves Brain Health: Crosses the blood–brain barrier to support memory, cognition, and mood.
  • Protects Cells: Acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and supporting neuronal health.

Safety and Risks:

  • Common Side Effects: Blue-tinted urine, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
  • Medication Interactions: Avoid if taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs due to serious risks.
  • Medical Supervision Required: Treatment must be administered by qualified professionals.

Who It’s For:

  • Individuals with chronic fatigue, cognitive challenges, or anti-ageing goals.
  • Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with certain medication interactions.

Treatment Process:

  1. Consultation: Review medical history and medications.
  2. IV Administration: 30–60 minutes under supervision.
  3. Follow-Up: Regular monitoring and personalised schedules.

Prices in the UK start at £150 for an initial consultation and £240 for a session, including monitoring and follow-up care.

Aspect Details
Duration 30–60 minutes per session
Cost £240 (consultation included)
Safety Measures Vital signs monitoring
Who Should Avoid Pregnant women, SSRI users

Methylene blue IV therapy offers promising health benefits but must always be approached cautiously under expert care.

Methylene Blue Infusion Benefits: How It Helps Brain And Other Health Effects

MB’s molecular actions play a key role in its wide-ranging therapeutic effects.

Cell Energy Production

MB improves how mitochondria produce energy by redirecting electrons from NADH to cytochrome c, which boosts mitochondrial efficiency and reduces oxidative stress. Donovan Tucker explains:

"MB can reroute electrons in the mitochondrial electron transfer chain directly from NADH to cytochrome c, increasing the activity of complex IV and effectively promoting mitochondrial activity while mitigating oxidative stress." – Donovan Tucker [4]

Brain Function Support

MB helps brain cells function better and enhances neural communication. According to research in the National Library of Medicine, even small doses of methylene blue have been shown to improve memory and attention in healthy older adults [1]. These improvements highlight MB’s role in supporting overall cellular health.

Cell Protection Properties

MB safeguards cells by counteracting free radicals, improving mitochondrial function, and maintaining neuronal health. These combined actions help protect cells on multiple levels:

Protection Mechanism Benefit
Antioxidant Action Neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
Mitochondrial Support Boosts energy production and strengthens cellular resilience
Neuroprotection Maintains brain cell health and prevents neuronal damage

Safety Information

Safety Profile

Methylene blue (MB) is FDA-approved for treating methemoglobinaemia, but its use for other conditions is still considered experimental [5]. Ensuring safety requires thorough patient evaluation and medical supervision. Healthcare providers must carefully review a patient’s medical history, current medications, and overall health before initiating treatment.

Side Effects and Risks

Methylene blue therapy can lead to various side effects, including:

  • Blue-tinted urine and skin
  • Dizziness, nausea, and headaches
  • Methemoglobinemia at high doses and rare allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis
  • Temporary vision changes

One critical concern is its interaction with certain medications. In 2017, the FDA highlighted serious risks when MB is used alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) [5]

Medical Supervision

"Because of methylene blue’s potential side effects, people should only use methylene blue after consultation with a medical professional who has familiarity with the drug." [5]

Methylene blue must be administered intravenously by qualified healthcare professionals in a controlled setting. During treatment, patients are closely monitored through vital signs and blood tests [5][6]. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs, or anyone with a known allergy to MB [6].

This structured approach ensures methylene blue therapy is managed safely, setting the stage for further exploration of its treatment protocols in the next sections.

sbb-itb-a7208f6

Common Questions

This section addresses frequently asked questions about methylene blue IV therapy, focusing on who might benefit and what the treatment involves.

Who Should Consider Treatment

Methylene blue IV therapy may be an option for individuals dealing with chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, or those with anti-ageing goals. It can also be an alternative for people unable to undergo NAD+ therapy.

Research shows that low doses of methylene blue can enhance memory and attention [1], with studies also reporting notable improvements in severe depression within three weeks [2].

Who should avoid this treatment:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Those taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs

Treatment Process

The therapy follows a carefully designed protocol to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Each session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes [7], during which healthcare professionals monitor your vital signs and overall response.

Here’s what the process looks like:

  • Initial Consultation: A review of your medical history and creation of a personalised treatment plan.
  • Pre-Treatment Assessment: Checking vital signs and reviewing current medications.
  • IV Administration: A controlled infusion of methylene blue.
  • Post-Treatment Monitoring: A short observation period to ensure everything is on track.
  • Follow-up Planning: Scheduling future sessions based on your progress.

Treatment frequency is adjusted to suit individual needs and goals.

Treatment Schedule

The number of sessions and their timing depend on your specific health goals, medical conditions, and how you respond to the therapy. Providers will develop a personalised schedule and make adjustments as needed to align with your progress and overall wellness.

Finding Treatment

IV Boost UK Services

At IV Boost UK, methylene blue IV therapy is provided under the care of GMC-registered doctors and specially qualified nurses, ensuring top-tier medical oversight. Dr Joshua Berkowitz, the Medical Director, brings a wealth of experience in both Western and natural medicine.

Treatment package details:

  • Initial consultation: £150
  • Personalised methylene blue IV therapy: £240 (consultation included)
  • Continuous monitoring throughout the session
  • Follow-up care after treatment

"The IV Boost UK team is extremely knowledgeable and all treatments are medically led, so you know you are getting the best advice and treatment to optimise your health." – Davinia Taylor, Actress [8][9]

Before booking, make sure to review the pre-treatment checklist to ensure all safety and preparation measures align with your needs.

Pre-Treatment Checklist

Consider the following steps before starting methylene blue IV therapy to ensure it’s both safe and effective:

Medical Assessment

  • A thorough review of your medical history
  • Evaluation of current medications
  • Discussion of lifestyle factors, including alcohol and smoking habits
  • Disclosure of any dietary supplements you’re taking

Safety Protocols

  • Confirm the presence of qualified medical professionals
  • Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures
  • Understand how your vital signs will be monitored during the session

Treatment Planning

  • Discuss any possible interactions with your current medications
  • Set clear expectations for the therapy’s outcomes and timeline
  • Learn about post-treatment care
  • Arrange follow-up appointments as needed
Key Considerations Requirements
Medical Team GMC-registered doctors
Initial Assessment Face-to-face consultation
Treatment Duration 30–60 minutes per session
Safety Measures Continuous vital sign monitoring
Post-Treatment Professional observation period

Methylene blue therapy must always be conducted under strict medical supervision [5].

"The IV Boost team are extremely professional and knowledgeable. Their high-level medical training shows in the way they understand what I need." – Cathy Brown, Personal Trainer / Ex Pro Boxer [8][9]

Summary

Methylene blue IV therapy can significantly boost cellular energy, with research indicating a 35–70% increase in oxygen consumption [3]. It also plays a role in improving mitochondrial performance.

Here are some of its key effects:

  • Cognitive Support: Improves memory, attention, and brain cell activity by crossing the blood–brain barrier [1].
  • Protection: Acts as an antioxidant, provides neuroprotection, and helps reduce inflammation.
  • Medical Applications: Assists in managing neurodegenerative conditions, offers antimicrobial properties, supports mood balance, and promotes energy levels.

Administered by qualified professionals and tailored to individual requirements, this therapy provides a science-supported method for improving cellular health and overall well-being.

Related posts