How to get rid of a hangover headache

Most of us have been there, but it’s still no fun to wake up with our heads throbbing after a big night out. Hangovers, one symptom of which is headaches, are caused and exacerbated by a handful of factors associated with excessive alcohol consumption. A 2015 study published in the Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology journal found that hangovers affect 75% of the general population after moderate alcohol consumption. There’s no magic hangover headache cure backed by science, but hydration, a cup of coffee, a balanced meal, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help decrease a headache after drinking alcohol.

How to cure hangover headaches

A quick Google search will turn up a host of possible hangover headache products and suggestions, though the only scientifically proven way to avoid hangovers is via alcohol abstinence. That being said, people swear by all kinds of hangover remedies like raw eggs, vitamin C, bananas, Korean pear juice, ginseng, red ginseng, sodium bicarbonate, and others. 

Is “hair of the dog” good for hangover headaches?

One of the most common myths about treating a headache after drinking alcohol is that it can be treated by drinking more alcohol. This is often called taking the “hair of the dog that bit you.” But it’s a bad idea, says Saya Nagori, MD, who is Chief Medical Officer at EyeFacts. “This inhibits your body’s natural healing process and sucks you into a harmful cycle of non-recovery: you will have to face symptoms sooner or later.” It’s one of the worst things a hangover sufferer can do and often leads to an even worse hangover or may contribute to alcohol addiction.

Does exercise help hangover headaches?

Exercise may have positive effects on hangover headaches, but it’s not for every case. ”Exercise can help release endorphins, which can ease headaches,” Dr. Nagori says. ”But some may feel extremely nauseated.” Exercise may exacerbate their symptoms.

Does drinking coffee help hangover headaches?

It’s important to avoid caffeine withdrawal, says Sean Ormond, MD, of Atlas Pain Specialists in Glendale, AZ.”If you regularly consume caffeine and miss your usual dose because of drinking, you might be experiencing a caffeine withdrawal headache.” Dr. Ormond says that in these cases, having one’s regular cup of coffee or tea might help a hangover headache. However, it’s important to be cautious, as caffeine can also exacerbate dehydration.

Dr. Nagori said she recommends taking B vitamins and drinking black coffee for nutrients and caffeine. “Both help ease the pain of a hangover and make your body recover quicker.”

Are there specific foods or drinks known to alleviate hangover headaches? 

High-carb food and drinking a glass of water or sports drinks are other recommendations from Dr. Nagori. Sports drinks such as Gatorade contain electrolytes, which can help restore the salt and potassium that’s lost from drinking alcohol. 

Bouillon soup can also help correct the electrolyte imbalance. 

“Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and whole grains, can help alleviate some hangover symptoms,” Dr. Ormond says.

In 2020, researchers found that an herbal blend of Barbados cherry, prickly pear, ginkgo biloba, willow, and ginger root extracts seemed to lessen certain hangover symptoms.

Is there a recommended amount of rest needed to effectively get rid of a hangover headache?

When someone has a hangover, their body needs to recover their normal energy levels, says Dr. Ormond. “If possible, take it easy and get some extra sleep.”

The type of rest can matter as well. He recommends staying in “a dark, quiet room until the headache subsides.” Dr. Ormond says staying upright can help since lying flat can make headache symptoms worse. “Applying a cold compress to your forehead can help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating the headache,” he says.

What can I take for a headache after drinking alcohol?

Not every doctor agrees on any universal hangover headache cure, but they have some suggestions. 

Dr. Nagori says alcohol hangover headache sufferers may want to take ibuprofen (Advil) and avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol). “Ibuprofen will treat inflammation without wreaking havoc on your liver.” If you have a history of severe gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or a previous gastrointestinal bleed, then consider only taking acetaminophen. If you have a history of liver dysfunction, consider only taking ibuprofen. 

Aspirin is also one of a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that may help.

These pain relievers can also reduce the inflammation that contributes to hangover headaches, Dr. Ormond says. “Remember, everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.” The fact is there is no one best way to treat a hangover headache.

RELATED: Is it safe to take over-the-counter painkillers with alcohol?

Preventing hangover headaches

The only way to prevent a headache after drinking alcohol is to avoid drinking altogether. Other than that, there are no proven hangover remedies. 

If someone wants to consume alcohol without getting a headache, it’s a good idea not to drink too much alcohol. Consider drinking on a full stomach, drinking plenty of water between alcoholic beverages to reduce dehydration, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and drinking one alcoholic drink or less per hour.

Smaller people and people who do not routinely drink alcohol should also keep in mind that alcohol generally affects them more strongly than it does bigger people.

The National Headache Foundation also recommends the following:

• Drink mixed drinks with fruit or vegetable juices. The fructose in these juices helps restore the body’s chemical balance.
• Take two tablespoons of honey before drinking. Honey is rich in fructose and vitamin B6, which can help reduce hangover symptoms.
• Eat greasy foods before drinking alcohol to speed up alcohol absorption.

RELATED: What happens when you stop drinking alcohol

Why do you get a headache after drinking alcohol?

Hangover-related headaches are caused by a variety of factors associated with alcohol consumption. 

Dehydration

As a natural diuretic, alcohol increases urination by suppressing the release of vasopressin, a hormone produced by the brain that signals the kidneys to retain fluid. As a result, alcohol consumption can lead to mild dehydration, which can contribute to headaches. 

Acetaldehyde

Alcohol metabolism, primarily by the liver, creates the compound acetaldehyde, a toxic short-lived byproduct that contributes to inflammation in vital organs, including the brain. 

Vasodilation

Alcohol also contains a chemical called ethanol, which is a vasodilator that enlarges blood vessels. “This vasodilation can cause headaches in many people, especially those who are already migraine patients,” says Praveen Guntipalli, MD, the owner and medical director of Sanjiva Medical Spa in Dallas.

Wine headaches

Dr. Guntipalli noted that red wine also contains histamines, which can cause vascular headaches, and this might make a hangover headache worse. Tannins, which are found in red wine, may also exacerbate a headache after drinking alcohol. 

Clear alcohol vs. dark liquor

It’s commonly believed that darker alcoholic drinks cause worse hangovers than clear liquors or that consuming drinks in a different order or different types of alcohol can make hangover headaches worse. The scientific evidence suggests that the amount of alcohol consumed is the key factor in how bad a hangover headache is and not the color or the order of alcoholic drinks ingested. 

However, there are also substances called congeners, which are produced during fermentation, that could make hangover headaches worse. Congeners contribute to the taste and smell of alcoholic beverages. Darker beverages such as whiskey may have more cogeners than vodka or gin and potentially result in worse hangovers.

What to do if your headache won’t go away

Hangovers aren’t just unpleasant, they can be dangerous. They can impair one’s attention, coordination, and decision-making ability. 

People with diabetes need to remember that alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Alternatively, if the alcohol is mixed with sugary liquids (sour mix or fruit juices), the drink may cause increased blood sugar. 

Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause problems for people with high blood pressure. 

More severe symptoms such as vomiting or irregular breathing could be a sign of alcohol poisoning and require help from a healthcare provider.

Frequent hangovers may also be a sign of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence which is the cause of numerous health problems from liver disease to car accidents. If hangover headaches are a recurring problem, it might be worth reconsidering one’s alcohol consumption habits,” Dr. Ormond says. “If you have concerns about your health or the effects of alcohol, always consult with a healthcare professional.”