The results of some animal studies suggest that NAC may decrease ethanol-induced hypertension and acetaldehyde levels in rats. It has been studied as a protective agent, rather than a quick-fix hangover cure. NAC is thought to boost the production of the antioxidant glutathione and support more efficient alcohol metabolism while reducing oxidative damage to the body. The amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can be found in certain protein-rich foods or in capsule form at many health food stores and pharmacies. Currently, there isn’t any strong evidence that vitamin supplements improve acute hangover symptoms. It’s unlikely that vitamin supplementation will have any real effect on hangover symptoms following acute alcohol consumption. In chronic alcoholics, some vitamins like thiamine and folic acid are often depleted. 3 NSAIDS do have some evidence of efficacy and are commonly used for hangover symptoms, but they could potentially exacerbate gastritis, abdominal pain, and nausea in some individuals.Īlcohol-induced diuresis can deplete some water-soluble vitamins from the body.
Some claim that NSAIDS can also help counteract some of the pro-inflammatory effects of ethanol and its metabolites.Īn NSAID was shown to be more effective than placebo at lowering hangover symptom scores in volunteers who consumed alcohol. These medications are often taken to combat hangover-related pains. This article will focus on 7 select products that are commonly used to self-treat hangovers and detail any evidence that exists to support (or refute) their use.Īspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are generally effective at relieving headaches and muscle aches. There are numerous OTC remedies that many patients use to prevent or reduce a hangover. Decreased blood sugar and secondary general inflammation from ethanol consumption may also play a role in hangover symptoms. 1 Ethanol is metabolized into the toxic metabolite acetaldehyde, which can cause nausea and malaise.
This can lead to the characteristic dry mouth, headache, and irritated eyes commonly associated with a hangover.Ĭongeners are impure fusel alcohols that are often present in “darker” spirits or red wine and can contribute to hangover symptoms following consumption. The unpleasant feelings from a hangover are generally attributed to a combination of dehydration, toxic impurities found in some alcoholic beverages (congeners), and toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism.Įthanol is a diuretic that can suppress the release of antidiuretic hormone from the pituitary gland and result in excess diuresis.
They’re often characterized by malaise, head and muscle aches, nausea, and lethargy, though the duration of these symptoms can vary. Hangovers are generally the result of the unpleasant after-effects of consuming ethanol, the main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Patients looking for a quick hangover cure may be disappointed to learn that many OTC products have little evidence to support their efficacy in treating hangover symptoms.
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