Home»Concepts»Substance Abuse + Depe...»Alcohol»Alcohol...»What are the symptoms ...

What are the symptoms of an alcohol hangover and its possible causes and treatment?

(10 of 11)

  • The alcohol hangover is characterized by a constellation of unpleasant symptoms that occur after heavy alcohol use. Physical symptoms include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, tremor, sweating, increased pulse and blood pressure, dizziness, increased sensitivity to light and sound, thirst, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Cognitive symptoms include decreased concentration, depression anxiety and irritability. Hangover symptoms occur after the blood-alcohol concentration is zero and may continue for 24 hours.

  • Causes are the direct effects of alcohol secondary to excessive use. They include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, low blood sugar, gastrointestinal disturbances and disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythms. Some symptoms may be secondary to acetaldehyde toxicity and depending on the type of alcohol ingested possibly methanol.

  • Since alcohol inhibits anti-diuretic hormone it produces increased urine flow. The recommended treatment involves oral fluid and electrolyte replacement with fruit or fruit juices and bland foods containing complex carbohydrates. Adequate sleep is helpful and symptomatic treatments such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can reduce headache and muscle aches. Acetaminophen should be avoided because alcohol metabolism enhances its toxicity to the liver. The ingestion of caffeine beverages has found to be helpful.

  • There is evidence that an aspect of the hangover syndrome is related to congeners included in the type of alcoholic drink since brandy, whiskey, and red wine produced an increase incidence of Hanover while drinks containing pure alcohol such as vodka or gin have a lower incidence. The repeated ingestion of alcohol although reducing symptoms is not recommended because this only in augments the toxicity and can lead to excess alcohol use and addiction.