Alcohol-Induced Headache

Supportive Management

  • Rehydrate the body. Replenish lost fluids by drinking water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks (e.g. Gatorade), or by having bland soups.

Prevention

  • Drink in moderation or do not drink at all. Don’t drink more than what your body can handle. With a standard drink that contains 14 grams or 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol (i.e. 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, or 5 ounces of wine), moderate drinking is:
    • For men: not more than 2 drinks per day
    • For women: not more than 1 drink per day
  • Eat a carbohydrate-rich meal (e.g. pasta or rice) before drinking alcohol. Do not drink with an empty stomach. Food helps slow down the absorption of alcohol.
  • When drinking alcohol:
    • Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.
    • Avoid taking dark-colored alcoholic drinks (e.g. tequila, bourbon, and scotch) as they make hangovers worse. Stick with clear ones (e.g. vodka or gin).
    • Drink with food.
    • Drink slowly.
    • Don’t drink the day after.

Download PDF

Supportive Management requires Adobe Reader plugin to view the PDF file. Click here to download Adobe Reader.

Herbal Medicine

  • Black brewed coffee
    • Take no more than 2 cups of brewed coffee a day.

Feedback