The short answer: a hangover headache is driven mostly by dehydration, congeners, and changes in blood-vessel width. The fixes: rehydrate with electrolytes, eat something, rest, and be careful with painkillers.
Why your head pounds
Alcohol dehydrates you and shifts how your blood vessels dilate; congeners in darker drinks add to it. That combination is what leaves your head throbbing the next morning. The full cause breakdown.
What actually helps
- Water with electrolytes to rehydrate
- Light food to steady blood sugar
- Rest, and a cool, dark room
- A little caffeine in moderation
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen with food, if appropriate for you
What to avoid
Never take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with alcohol in your system — the combination is hard on your liver. And skip hair of the dog; it only delays the headache.
Prevent the next one
Hydrate before bed, and pre-load with a Gush before you drink. The prevention guide.
Always drink responsibly. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If a headache is severe or unusual, seek medical care.