With Christmas party season just around the corner, many of us will soon be celebrating with friends, family, and colleagues – and likely waking up with a sore head the next morning.
It’s no surprise that in the last 30 days, searches in the UK for “how to cure a hangover headache”, “hangover sickness cure”, and “best hangover cure food” have all surged by more than +5,000% as people gear up for the festive nights.
Before you reach for a fry-up, a strong coffee or hair of the dog, Ian Budd, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, has revealed the truth behind common hangover ‘cures’, how to ease the dreaded hangxiety, and which medications can become risky when mixed with alcohol.
A fry-up won’t ‘soak up’ alcohol: “Eating after drinking doesn’t remove alcohol from your system; your liver still needs time to break it down, usually about one unit of alcohol per hour. A fry-up might make you feel better because of the salt and carbs, but it won’t speed up your recovery. If anything, greasy food can irritate your stomach and make nausea worse. The best move is to eat a balanced meal before drinking. Having food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption and can reduce the risk of a bad hangover.”
Coffee won’t sober you up: “Caffeine can make you feel more alert, but it doesn’t help your body process alcohol faster, you’ll still be drunk, just wide awake! Coffee is also diuretic, so it can make dehydration worse, which is one of the main reasons you might feel unwell the next day. Stick to water or an electrolyte drink instead.
Time your painkillers right: “Taking paracetamol before bed after drinking can be risky because both alcohol and paracetamol are processed by your liver, which can increase the risk of liver damage. If you need to take painkillers, ibuprofen the next morning (with plenty of food and water) is a better option. We always advise for you to check with your pharmacist to see which painkillers are suitable for you.”
Hydration is the only real ‘cure’: “The most effective way to recover is to rehydrate and rest. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose fluids and electrolytes. Water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration salts can all help. If you know you’re drinking, alternate alcohol drinks with water and have a glass before bed.”
Cold showers don’t ‘shock you sober’: “While a cold shower might help you feel more awake, it doesn’t reduce your blood alcohol level or make you sober. Your body still needs time to process alcohol naturally.”
Managing hangxiety: “The mix of dehydration, poor sleep, and fluctuating blood sugar can all contribute to hangover anxiety – or ‘hangxiety’. Alcohol also disrupts brain chemicals like serotonin, which regulate mood, so you may feel unusually anxious or low the next day. To manage hangxiety, rehydrate, eat something nourishing, get some fresh air, and rest properly. Avoid caffeine if you’re already feeling jittery and remember the feelings will pass once your body and brain chemistry rebalance.”
Medication interactions: “Alcohol can interact with a wide range of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, in ways that can make them less effective or more dangerous. For example, mixing alcohol with sedatives, antidepressants, or strong painkillers can make drowsiness and coordination problems worse, while drinking while on antibiotics can cause nausea, flushing and vomiting. Even everyday medications like antihistamines and cold remedies can intensify alcohol’s sedative effects. If you’re taking statins, it’s best to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether; both alcohol and statins are processed by your liver, so heavy drinking can increase the risk of liver damage and muscle-related side effects. Always check the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist before drinking while taking medication, as even small amounts of alcohol can have different effects depending on the medicine.”
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