Hangover Basics

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Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol. Whether or not you get a hangover is determined by the amount that you drink and what you drink. You also increase your risk of having a hangover if you drink several alcoholic drinks over a short period of time. Symptoms of a hangover include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, fatigue, and nausea.

Excess consumption of alcohol can affect you in many ways.

• Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes dehydration. The dry mouth, fatigue, and weakness that you feel after drinking too much are all a result of dehydration.
• Drinking too much alcohol can cause the blood vessels in the brain to dilate (expand), causing headaches.
• Although you may feel good while you drink, alcohol is a depressant. This causes the fatigue and weakness that you feel with a hangover.

There is no cure for hangover—only time. Hangover symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours. You may help alleviate the symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications, drinking plenty of water, and getting a lot of rest. For a complete list of ways to treat a hangover, see Home Remedies.