Anti-nausea treatment for a hangover

Some products cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can add to alcohol's effects. More alcohol does not cure the problem and can prolong intoxication, worsen stomach irritation and increase dehydration.

Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, disturb sleep, increase urine production and affect blood sugar regulation. Its breakdown products also contribute to headache, weakness and an unsettled stomach.

Symptoms described as a hangover can overlap with alcohol poisoning, gastritis, low blood sugar or an unrelated illness. Severe confusion, abnormal breathing or inability to wake is not an ordinary hangover and should never be watched at home.

Stop drinking alcohol. Take small sips of water or oral rehydration solution, increasing slowly if the stomach settles. Try bland food when you can tolerate it, rest in a safe place and avoid driving even if you feel more alert.

Before taking any medicine, check the label and ask a pharmacist about alcohol interactions. Avoid sedating antihistamines while alcohol may still be affecting you. Pain relievers also need caution: some irritate the stomach, while others can harm the liver when combined with heavy alcohol use. Do not take someone else's prescription anti-nausea tablets.

Call emergency services if someone is difficult to wake, confused, having a seizure, breathing slowly or irregularly, turning pale or blue, or repeatedly vomiting while barely responsive. Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side, stay with them and do not give food, drink, coffee or a cold shower.

Seek prompt care for vomiting that prevents fluid intake, blood or dark grainy material in vomit, black stool, severe upper abdominal pain, chest pain, fainting, very little urine or symptoms that worsen instead of easing. A head injury sustained while drinking also warrants a low threshold for assessment.

Ask whether your regular medicines interact with alcohol, which nausea treatment is safe once alcohol has cleared, and whether recurrent hangovers indicate a risky drinking pattern. Be open about what and when you drank so the advice fits the actual exposure.