Hangover - Veisalgia

Very low urgency
Common-
A group of symptoms that develop following excessive alcohol consumption is called a hangover or veisalgia. It must be taken into account that less distilled and darker-colored alcoholic drinks cause a hangover more often because compounds that contribute to the symptoms are released when the alcohol is broken down. The most common symptoms are: headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness which worsens with changes of position, abdominal pain, amnesia of the alcohol consumption episode, sensitivity to light and sound, rapid heartbeat, depression, anxiety and irritability. The diagnosis is based on taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Treatment is mainly based on symptom control, ensuring rest, adequate water intake and maintaining a fat-free diet. Taking analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories is recommended for headaches and abdominal pain.
Bibliographic references
  1. Richard Saitz. Brief intervention for unhealthy alcohol and other drug use. UpToDate. Aug 06, 2015.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA 2013.
  3. Kaner EF, Dickinson HO, Beyer F, et al. The effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions in primary care settings: a systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 28:301.
  4. Finnell JT. Alcohol-related disease. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 185.
  5. O'Connor PG. Alcohol use disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 33.
  6. Samuel Gómez-Caro Marín, Carmen Yera Bergua, Natividad Laín Terés. Intoxicación etílica, síndrome de abstinencia, delirium tremens. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. 981:987.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Headache


    Dizziness


    Stuffy and/or heavy head


    Dizziness with quick posture changes


    Thirst

Symptoms to watch out for

Mental confusion
Vomiting
If it is accompanied by seizures
Slow and irregular breathing at less than 8 breaths per minute
Inability to awaken the person

Self-care

Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Eat soft foods, such as toast or crackers.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Rest and sleep for 6 to 8 hours a day.