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Hangover

Also called: Hangover, veisalgia

Headache, nausea, tiredness, and thirst the morning after drinking too much alcohol. It gets better on its own in about a day.

TypeAfter-effects of alcohol
LastsUp to 24 hours
Danger signConfusion or vomiting while very drunk

Overview

Alcohol dehydrates you, irritates the stomach, disrupts sleep, and causes inflammation.

Only time cures a hangover.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Hangover after drinking
  • Headache
  • Nausea

Less common

  • Thirst
  • Shakiness
  • Light sensitivity

When to get medical care

Call 911Confusion, vomiting while passed out, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, or blue skin: signs of alcohol poisoning.
Get care todayVomiting blood or severe belly pain.
See a doctor soonNeeding a drink to feel normal in the morning.

Causes

Drinking more alcohol than the body can handle.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Drinking on an empty stomach
  • Dark liquors

Possible complications

Diagnosis

No tests are needed.

Questions you may be asked

  • How much you drank

Treatment

Rest and fluids help.

Self-care

  • Drink water or sports drinks
  • Eat bland foods like toast and crackers
  • Sleep

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
HeadacheAvoid acetaminophen after heavy drinking; it can harm the liver.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Don't drink more alcohol to feel better.

Prevention

To prevent a hangover:

  • Drink less
  • Alternate with water
  • Eat first

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Hangovers pass within a day.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Is my drinking healthy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hangover

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.