Getting rid of headaches after alcohol: medicines and folk remedies

A cozy atmosphere among close friends, high spirits and a lot of drinks is a familiar situation to everyone. A headache the morning after such a party is no less common. The reason for poor health is severe intoxication of the body caused by the breakdown products of ethanol . And to get rid of headaches after alcohol, one magic vitamin will not be enough. But how then can you improve your well-being during a hangover and what pills to take for your headache? We'll talk about this next.

Prevention of hangover syndrome

Is it possible to make drinking at the holiday table comfortable without expecting severe headaches in the morning?
Can! Today, there are a variety of preventive measures, if strictly followed, you can avoid not only headaches, but also other signs of a hangover. To prevent headaches in the morning after drinking alcohol, it is not recommended to mix different alcoholic drinks, or take them one at a time. Be sure to have a good snack at the table. It will be better if the snack you choose is floury or fatty food, which will prevent alcohol from penetrating into the blood and will also increase the level of glucose in the body. In order not to worry about a headache in the morning, it is better to refrain from dark alcohol and give preference to light drinks. The fact is that dark products contain a large amount of dyes and flavonoids, which are much worse absorbed by the body

Therefore, it is better to drink a glass of light beer rather than wine or cognac

When drinking alcohol, it is important to take your time and not get drunk so that your body has time to “get used” to alcohol. Otherwise, a morning hangover with a severe headache will be inevitable

In addition to beer or other alcoholic products, it is also important to drink other drinks, which include water, compotes and juices

They will help restore glucose deficiency in the body. You can also give preference to a cup of coffee or green tea, because they help avoid spasms of blood vessels. But it is better to avoid carbonated drinks, since dyes and preservatives are harmful to the stomach, so you should not mix them with alcoholic beverages. It is undesirable to smoke at the same time as drinking alcohol, as this deprives the brain of oxygen. If you do not have specific contraindications to taking a particular medication, before drinking alcohol, you can take some medications that suppress the effect of alcohol on the human body. These include Aspirin or Ibuprofen. “Smecta” or “Activated Carbon” will also help a lot, as they will prevent you from getting drunk quickly.

When deciding which pill to take for an alcohol hangover, you should think about whether it will cause harm to your health. Many people advise that before taking a certain type of medicine, consult a doctor who will help you quickly get rid of the signs of a hangover.

Features of the body

It is known that some people get drunk quickly, while others remain sober even after drinking a large number of strong drinks. Some people take a long time to recover after a party, while others calmly go to work in the morning, without experiencing any physical discomfort and without tormenting themselves with questions about why they have a headache after drinking alcohol and what to do about it.

It's all about the features of the human digestive system, or more precisely, the production of enzymes that neutralize ethyl alcohol. This feature is not only individual in nature, but also ethnic: for example, residents of the North practically lack these enzymes, so even a small dose of alcohol leads to rapid intoxication and severe withdrawal symptoms. This answers the question why after drinking alcohol you immediately get a headache, nausea and a feeling of lightheadedness - the body is not able to process alcohol and poisoning occurs instantly.

It is impossible to influence the production of these enzymes. Therefore, there is only one way out of this situation: knowing about this peculiarity of your body, it is better to stop drinking alcohol altogether.

Medicines and medications to relieve headaches after alcohol

Often, taking one drug to overcome alcohol intoxication will not be enough

To get rid of negative symptoms, it is important to take care of replenishing your home and pharmacy supplies ahead of time. “If you have a headache from a hangover, what pill should you take?” - they must be different

Pharmacological agents:

• What can you do to avoid headaches from a hangover? Drink vitamin C - two tablets per 250 ml of clean water.
• Acetylsalicylic acid. This is any pharmacological agent that includes vitamin C. Please note that in case of ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, these drugs are strictly prohibited.
• You can drink Aquacitramon no earlier than half a day after your last drink.
• Sorbex will help get rid of painful sensations. There is no need to follow the usual dose for everyone: tablets per 10 kg of weight. It is enough to take two capsules.
• The ideal pain reliever for migraines is no-spa. This antispasmodic drug, which will quickly relieve vasospasm, will eliminate the cause of the headache.
• Magnesia restores the functionality of the central nervous system. After meals, it is recommended to take up to two capsules for a month.
• Ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate is an anesthetic that normalizes blood flow and central nervous system function. Take three times a day for a week.
• If you have a headache after drinking, you should not neglect or abuse painkillers to eliminate the hangover. After taking the maximum dose of alcohol, your liver works intensively to neutralize the poisons.

Liver detoxification

To relieve the load on the liver, it is recommended to drink hepatoprotectors Essentiale, Heptral, Karsil, Hepatosan. Choleretic agents and diuretics are used for auxiliary purposes. Taking medications is allowed only after the symptoms of intoxication have been relieved. During an acute hangover, taking such medications is not recommended.

Recovery from alcohol use is a complex process. To relieve headaches, it is recommended to take painkillers or special hangover medications. Reception is carried out in strict accordance with the instructions, in the absence of contraindications.

List of pills for headaches after alcohol

Choosing a hangover cure can be difficult. To avoid difficulties when choosing a medicine, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the most effective remedies.

Zorex

It is considered best for treating headaches after alcoholic drinks. It is available in capsule form, which makes it much easier to take. It is enough to take the capsule with 1-2 sips of water.

The active components of the tablets - unithiol and calcium pantothenate - have detoxifying properties and eliminate hangover symptoms. The medicine neutralizes toxins and accelerates their elimination from the body.

Alka seltzer

Effervescent tablets to relieve the effects of drinking alcohol. The drug is intended to eliminate cephalgia and normalize body temperature. The main active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid. Auxiliary components are citric acid and soda.

To relieve the syndrome, you need to place 1-2 tablets in a glass of water. The resulting drink is taken in small sips to prevent stomach irritation and vomiting.

Alka prim.

Tablets based on acetylsalicylic acid. Contains aminoacetic, citric acids, bicarbonate. Has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The medicine begins to work 30 minutes after administration. The effect lasts up to 6 hours. It is forbidden to take medication for the head at the same time as alcohol.

Piel alco

The presented drug includes vitamin components. The action is not directly aimed at relieving cephalalgia. The tablets have a tonic and general strengthening effect. Piel alco helps normalize the patient's condition, reduces the toxic load on the body, and improves the general condition.

Antipohmelin

Available in the form of chewable tablets. Designed for the prevention and treatment of hangover syndrome. Effective only after small doses of alcohol.

The tablets contain organic acids that slow down the breakdown of ethanol. Toxic components break down, turn into carbon dioxide, and then are excreted through the excretory organs.

Buffalo

A preparation based on succinic acid. The effectiveness of succinic acid in alcoholism is explained by the fact that it accelerates the digestion of alcohol. At the same time, the product stabilizes the acid-base balance. The medicine can be taken before drinking alcohol for preventive purposes.

good morning

It is a cucumber pickle in dry form. The drug must be diluted with water and taken orally. The product helps restore water-salt balance, improves well-being, and relieves pain. The auxiliary components of the medication are ascorbic and succinic acid.

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid has a pronounced analgesic effect. If you have a hangover, it is enough to take 1-2 tablets with water. After this, the patient is recommended to lie down for a while and, if possible, sleep. Taking the medicine with alcohol is strictly prohibited due to side effects.

Herbal preparations

Herbal products are not recommended for use during the syndrome. This is explained by the fact that plant components in combination with ethanol breakdown products poison the body. This does not help relieve a hangover, but only makes it worse.

Sorbents

Medicines are intended to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of ethanol residues. The active ingredients neutralize toxins and remove them from the intestines naturally.

Drugs used:

• Activated carbon
• Enterosgel
• Smecta
• Polysorb
• White coal

Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid helps restore the body after drinking. However, vitamin C is not intended as an emergency treatment for headaches. The drug begins to act after a long period of time, which is why taking it for headaches is not advisable.

Treatment

When discomfort in the head appears suddenly or immediately after drinking alcohol, you need to find out the recommendations of a specialist.

The doctor will prescribe effective medications that prevent the formation of migraines and other adverse consequences for a person.

When deciding whether it is acceptable to drink for a headache, it is necessary to focus on modern medications that belong to the subgroup of non-steroidal analgesic drugs.

When you take such a medicine, you can achieve a quick effect even in a hangover situation.

The following medications are allowed to be used by virtually all patients:

• Aspirin;
• Ketorol;
• Ibuprofen.

In addition, it is permissible to take effervescent soluble drugs that help prevent painful sensations in the head and other symptoms of a hangover.

The following drugs have proven themselves to be effective:

• The most common adsorbent is activated carbon, which should be consumed at the rate of 1 tablet. per 10 kg of patient's body weight. This product helps speed up the elimination of alcohol.
• No-shpa and Baralgin. Tablets that can eliminate spasms. Experts say that often painful sensations after alcohol appear due to vasospasm in the brain. This condition is provoked by 2 circumstances: lack of fluid (urination is activated when a significant amount of alcoholic beverages is taken) and the influence of ethanol.
• Zorex. It can be used for headaches and to quickly eliminate poisoning. This drug accelerates the elimination of toxic substances and ethanol. Despite its proven effectiveness, it can provoke an allergic reaction, so it is not suitable for everyone. When to take 1 tablet. before going to bed after drinking a large amount of alcohol, then in the morning the signs of pathology will become much less.
• Alka-Seltzer. The main active ingredient in this medication is Aspirin, which is why it is effective during painful sensations in the head. You need to take 1 tablet. 6 times a day.
• Alka-Prim. It is also permissible to take it for discomfort, since such a drug belongs to the subgroup of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs. The medicine includes glycine to improve metabolism and normalize the central nervous system, aspirin for pain. The medication is allowed to be taken in 1-2 tablets. three times a day.
• Mexidol. Helps strengthen the body's resistance to alcoholic beverages and other unfavorable circumstances. Since it normalizes blood circulation in the brain, painful sensations in the head quickly disappear. In addition, the medication increases the secretion of dopamine, which helps improve mood.
• Vega Plus. It makes it possible to sober up the patient in the shortest possible time due to the fact that all harmful toxins and alcohol breakdown products will be quickly removed from the body.
• Piel-Alko. Particularly effective during severe hangover symptoms. The medication quickly eliminates discomfort and also relieves nausea, body aches, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms.
• Antipohmelin. It is a fast-acting drug with unique characteristics. Prevents ethanol from forming toxic compounds and quickly removes toxic substances from the body. If you take anti-hangover before bed, it will become an effective preventive measure for hangover syndrome in the morning.
• Buffalo. A medication based on soda and succinic acid. Stimulates the functioning of the liver and has a beneficial effect on the rapid elimination of toxic ethanol substances from the body.

In addition, there are commonly used medications that are often taken to relieve various discomforts.

However, these drugs should not be used after drinking alcohol.

These include:

• Eferalgan;
• Paracetamol;
• Citramon;
• Cefekon.

It is best to avoid products containing Paracetamol due to the fact that this component negatively affects the liver.

In its natural state, this in no way poses a danger to the patient, but when the liver is weakened by the influence of ethanol, then the use of Paracetamol can slow down the elimination of toxic substances and aggravate the situation.

Ibuprofen and contraindications

There are quite a few medications based on a substance called ibuprofen, for example, Nurofen, along with Solpaflex, Ibufen, Dolgit, and the like. This is a fairly strong analgesic medicine with a wide spectrum of effects, and at the same time an effective antipyretic that can be given even to children. This is the most popular pain reliever due to its great effectiveness.

However, it is worth remembering that drinking alcohol while using this medication is strictly prohibited. Of course, if a person takes one tablet, then nothing dangerous will most likely happen. But if taken regularly, the negative effects of such a cocktail will be felt by both the stomach and liver.

It is important to note that when this medication is used together with alcohol, the patient will experience toxic liver damage.

The combined consumption of Ibuprofen with alcohol reduces the antipyretic effectiveness of the drug, since alcohol can contribute to an increase in temperature by having a vasoconstrictor effect on the body. “Ibuprofen” promotes the reverse vasodilator property, which is why the effectiveness of the drug decreases when taking alcohol.

This substance is usually used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for muscle pain, gout, arthritis, and various rheumatic diseases. Usually the medicine is produced in the form of ointments, for example, Dolex along with Voltaren, Diklak, Orotofen, Dicloberyl and so on, but there are also tablets. When taking the tablet form of the medication in question, it is worth considering that all of the above pathologies can be aggravated by the consumption of alcoholic liquids. The combined consumption of drugs based on diclofenac and alcohol is strictly contraindicated due to the toxic effect on the human body.

Given their high toxicity, it is forbidden to take more than one tablet per day. And even such a small dosage in combination with alcohol can cause severe intoxication in the body. Due to prolonged co-consumption, liver failure with coma may develop. Concomitant use with alcohol is contraindicated due to severe adverse reactions, which often occur with simultaneous use. Among these are the following reactions in the body:

• The appearance of bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
• Development of ulcer perforation.
• The occurrence of severe liver damage.
• The appearance of bleeding in the digestive system.
• Development of visual impairment along with increased blood pressure.

You can check with your doctor about which pill to take for your headache after drinking alcohol.

Headache from a hangover: what to do and what not to do

Often, after a great evening, you have a severe headache in the morning. A person feels general fatigue, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. You can get yourself in order and relieve alcohol intoxication quickly by following the recommendations of narcologists.

Useful tips on what to drink

When you have a headache from a hangover, you don’t want to think about anything. There is a desire to stay in bed and lie there until the end of the day. But what to do when you need to rush to work and it is not at all necessary for your boss to notice your alcohol indisposition. To do this, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Unload the gastrointestinal tract. The pancreas and liver are greatly affected by alcohol. In the morning, these organs are exhausted because they spent the whole night trying to remove toxins from the body. After waking up, on an empty stomach, you need to drink a glass of warm mineral water without carbon or a mug of green tea without sugar. This will help start the digestive system. You can drink water or tea as a snack with slightly stale bread or a loaf without anything (you cannot spread the bread with butter, mayonnaise, etc.). After this, an hour later, you need to eat a small bowl of light soup with vegetable broth. To quickly remove toxins and relieve the symptoms of alcohol intoxication (severe headache, muscle weakness, trembling, etc.), you can also drink activated charcoal (if your stomach is functioning normally).

To drink a lot of water. The liquid helps remove toxins from the body. You should drink water in small sips throughout the day. The daily dose is 3-3.5 liters. The water must be clean, mineral, still.

A cup of coffee. The drink can be drunk if there are no problems with the digestive system (vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, etc.). Caffeine neutralizes the effects of alcohol.

Take a contrast shower. This is the best remedy that will help you get out of a hangover in a minimum amount of time. A contrast shower invigorates, speeds up metabolism, and makes blood circulate faster.

Medications. Pharmacies now have a wide range of medications to quickly relieve symptoms of alcohol intoxication. Such medications should always be present in your home medicine cabinet, so that in the morning, after a good party, you don’t have to think about which pill to take. If your headache is severe, you can take paracetamol (according to the instructions). For those who do not like medications, you can use folk remedies - drink a decoction of chamomile and mint. Lemon will also help cope with a hangover.

You can relieve the discomfort of a hangover with a morning walk in the fresh air. If you have a severe headache, you can go to work on foot through a park or forest.

When drinking alcohol, you must control yourself and not drink more than normal. This will help maintain health and also avoid alcohol intoxication. Alcohol is better absorbed on an empty stomach, so alcoholic drinks need to be eaten well.

If in the morning, after drinking, you feel very bad, which is accompanied by the following symptoms - vomiting, nausea, joint pain, fatigue, trembling hands, severe headache, etc., it is better to stay at home for the whole day. During the day you need to follow a fasting diet. These symptoms are characteristic of inflammation of the pancreas. If they are not removed immediately, they can cause the development of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

What you absolutely cannot do

You can make your well-being even worse during a hangover by:

Bad habits. Tobacco smoking and drug use negatively affect the cardiovascular system. This can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Hot bath. High temperature also negatively affects the heart. A person with a hangover may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. If you have a hangover, it is better to take a regular or contrast shower than to risk your health by taking a bath.

It is not recommended to relieve hangover symptoms with alcohol. This can further aggravate the situation and cause the development of alcohol addiction.

If you drink alcohol in moderation in the evening, you won’t have a headache in the morning.

It is also important not to mix alcoholic drinks. You can also avoid unpleasant sensations in the morning if you get a good night's sleep. Sleep helps the body recover wasted energy

Sleep helps the body recover wasted energy.

In what cases is medical assistance needed?

Alcohol consumption can provoke an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases:

• hypertension;
• diabetes (drinking in the vast majority of cases is accompanied by violations of a strict diet for diabetics);
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• pathologies of the urinary system;
• diseases of the liver and other organs of the digestive tract;
• hyperthyroidism, etc.

That is why it is important to differentiate headaches with a hangover from other types of cephalalgia, when standard measures for alcohol intoxication will not bring the desired result. So, you should pay attention to the following symptoms:

• dizziness, “flickering spots” before the eyes, aggravated by a sudden change in body position or walking;
• sensation of pulsation in the temples, chest, forehead, chest;
• pain in the heart area;
• swelling;
• increased sensitivity to bright light, sounds, strong odors;
• nausea and vomiting that is not relieved by any drinks or dietary meals;
• dyspnea;
• increased body temperature, chills;
• sweating;
• decreased visual acuity;
• impaired sensitivity in certain areas of the skin, partial paralysis of facial muscles, etc.

Of course, some of the listed signs are quite typical for intoxication due to alcohol abuse. However, unless, of course, we are talking about binge drinking or severe intoxication, when in addition to headaches there is obvious depression of neurological reflexes, fainting, disorientation in space, the person’s well-being gradually improves. The lack of positive dynamics, and even more so, an increase in headaches from a hangover, is a clear reason to call the clinic.

What to do if you feel unwell

1. Measure blood pressure.
   Mechanical tonometers are quite accurate; when using an electronic one, you must strictly follow the instructions and take several measurements at intervals of 5–7 minutes.
2. Determine your heart rate.
   You can use electronic devices: blood pressure monitors, fitness watches (but such devices do not always show accurate data), pulse oximeter. If you don’t have any of the above at hand, a regular stopwatch or a watch with a second hand is enough (normal heart rate is up to 85–90 beats/min for men and 70–85 beats/min for women).

In case of serious deviations from the norm, and even more so, in the presence of at least one of the above symptoms, you must immediately call a doctor. Over the phone, the clinic consultant will give recommendations on how to help the patient before the doctor arrives.

Strict indications for calling a narcologist

• headache due to binge drinking lasting 3 days or longer;
• severe symptoms of withdrawal (from the usual malaise of a hangover, this syndrome differs in a more severe course and an irresistible desire to drink);
• violation of the ban on drinking after coding;
• taking medications incompatible with alcohol (hypnotics, sedatives, antibiotics, potent antifungal and antiviral agents, narcotic analgesics, immunosuppressants, etc.);
• severe acute and/or chronic concomitant diseases;
• sleep disturbances that persist for more than a day.

What to take when you have a headache

Let's consider which remedy for headaches after alcohol is best to take to eliminate pathological symptoms.

Zorex

If you have a headache due to a hangover, you will need to take two capsules of the drug. Take one tablet in the morning, another in the afternoon. Zorex binds and removes toxic substances out, and also helps restore hepatocytes and restore vigor. The medicine can be used as a prophylactic to prevent headaches after drinking alcohol. For prevention, the capsule should be taken immediately during the party.

Alka Seltzer

The basis of the drug is Acetylsalicylic acid. Therefore, it helps to treat headaches not only with hangover syndrome, but also with the following painful manifestations:

• tooth pain;
• muscle and joint pain;
• menstrual pain;
• elevated body temperature.

The medicine should not be taken by children under fifteen years of age, as well as by women carrying a child and breastfeeding.

Alca Prim

The composition of the drug includes glycine. Thanks to the action of the active component, you can use it not only to get rid of headaches. The therapeutic effect is complemented by the following results:

• activation of mental activity;
• memory improvement;
• increased concentration;
• appearance of vigor.

Piel Alco

The drug saturates muscle cells with the necessary glucose and activates regenerative processes in the liver. Piel Alko is also effective when you feel sick after drinking alcohol and vomiting occurs. To avoid headaches, take the medicine in the amount of two tablets either before or after drinking alcohol.

Antipohmelin

In order to achieve a positive result from Antipohmelin, drink it directly during the party. Thus, the drug will begin to remove toxic substances much earlier. This will help protect your head from painful manifestations.

Buffalo

The medicine is available in powder form. To avoid headaches after drinking alcohol, you can drink the diluted mixture before drinking alcohol or before going to bed, at the end of the feast.

Good morning

The product can cure headaches and at the same time bring real pleasure. The fact is that it is an instant drink that tastes like brine. In this manner. If you feel unwell after drinking, treatment with such a drink will be very pleasant.

Aspirin

In addition to the fact that aspirin quite effectively relieves headaches, it reduces blood viscosity, thereby activating metabolic processes. It is allowed to take regular aspirin for the head, or to be treated with special drugs that include it in their composition. For example, Upsarin Upsa.

Herbal preparations

The safest for relieving headaches after alcohol are tablets based on herbal ingredients. For example, Korda, Zenalk. They have few side effects. However, the rate of elimination of pathological symptoms is low. Contraindicated for people suffering from allergic reactions.

Adsorbents

In case of alcohol intoxication, adsorbents will help to quickly relieve headaches. The most widely used are Activated carbon and Enterosgel. The action of adsorbent substances is based on the fact that they easily bind toxic compounds and remove them from the body.

Ascorbic acid

Vitamin C is included in most of the listed medications. The substance tones the body, helps activate the protective functions of hepatocytes, and allows you to start metabolism. If you don't have a tablet or powder form on hand, you can eat an orange.

Restoring electrolyte balance

If you have a severe headache, stabilizing the balance of salt and water ions inside the body will help. Diuretic herbal products will help do this. For example, cucumbers, coffee, watermelons, natural juices.

Restoration of the nervous system

It is a known fact that nerve cells are destroyed after drinking alcohol. Meat broth or jellied meat eaten in the morning will help restore neurons. These products stabilize the functioning of the nervous system and relieve headaches.

Folk remedies

Since ancient times, people have known what to do if they have a headache from a hangover. Folk remedies that help combat unpleasant symptoms have survived to this day.

The following recommendations are effective:

1. Tea with mint and lemon balm is an excellent remedy for hangovers. Curdled milk has the same effect. Green and chamomile teas provide similar relief. Honey will have an auxiliary effect on the body.
2. To restore the body, you can drink a tonic cocktail. To prepare it you will need tomato juice - 1 glass. Beat a fresh egg with a small amount of ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture into tomato juice and stir.
3. It is recommended to drink cold soup in the morning: gazpacho, okroshka, kholodnik.
4. Popular folk remedies for getting rid of hangover syndrome are fermented foods: pickled apples, cucumber pickle, sauerkraut juice, kvass.
5. Food rich in minerals is healthy: canned fish, pickles.
6. It is recommended to chew and eat ¼ tsp. cumin seeds.
7. Ammonia diluted in water is a good remedy for intoxication. For one glass of cold liquid, 3-5 drops are needed.
8. A decoction of oats will significantly facilitate the functioning of the liver. The glass of cereal must be rinsed and filled with hot water (1.5 liters). The broth should be boiled for 1 hour. After straining the liquid, add 1 tsp. salt. During the first hours of the unpleasant condition, the resulting decoction should be drunk in small portions.
9. The following drink will have a beneficial effect during intoxication. Add one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water.