Medicines for Hangover

What it is

A hangover is the collection of unpleasant symptoms that can develop after drinking too much alcohol, usually appearing the morning after and easing over the course of the day. It is very common. Symptoms typically include a headache, tiredness, feeling thirsty (as alcohol causes dehydration), nausea or an upset stomach, dizziness, a sense of feeling generally unwell or low, poor concentration, and sensitivity to light and sound. Hangovers are caused by several effects of alcohol, including dehydration, irritation of the stomach, disturbed sleep, the effects of alcohol breakdown products, and low blood sugar. How badly a person is affected varies. Although a hangover is unpleasant, it is not usually dangerous and settles by itself, generally within around 24 hours, as the body recovers. Simple self-care measures ease the symptoms. However, it is important to be aware that very heavy drinking can lead to more serious problems, and that certain symptoms — such as repeated vomiting, severe confusion, being unable to wake someone, slow or irregular breathing, seizures, or signs of alcohol poisoning — are emergencies needing urgent help. Frequent hangovers are also a sign of drinking more than is healthy, and the surest way to avoid a hangover, and to protect health, is to drink less alcohol (or none) and to stay within recommended limits.

How it is treated

A hangover cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be eased while the body recovers, and it settles by itself, usually within about a day. Helpful measures include: drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids to rehydrate; resting; eating something bland and easy to digest when able to (which can help settle the stomach and blood sugar); and simple pain relief for a headache if needed (a pharmacist can advise on suitable options; some pain relievers can irritate the stomach or, in the case of paracetamol, should be used carefully with alcohol, so it is worth checking). Sugary or bland foods and rehydration help, and time is the main healer. It is best to avoid “hair of the dog” (drinking more alcohol), which does not help and delays recovery. The most effective approach is prevention: drinking within recommended limits or not at all, not drinking on an empty stomach, alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, and pacing drinking, all reduce the chance and severity of a hangover. Frequent hangovers suggest drinking too much, and cutting down protects long-term health; support is available for anyone who wants help to reduce their drinking. It is important to seek urgent help for signs of alcohol poisoning (such as confusion, being unable to wake someone, vomiting repeatedly, slow or irregular breathing, seizures, or cold, clammy or bluish skin), which are emergencies. The reassuring message is that an ordinary hangover, though unpleasant, is not usually dangerous and settles within about a day with rest and fluids, while drinking less is the best way to avoid it and to protect health.