Research article summary (published 4 Jun 2000):

The alcohol hangover.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE: To review the cause, pathophysiologic characteristics, cost, and treatment of alcohol-induced hangover. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search of English-language reports (1966 to 1999) and a manual search of bibliographies of relevant papers. STUDY SELECTION: Related experimental, clinical, and basic research studies. DATA EXTRACTION: Data in relevant articles were reviewed, and relevant clinical information was extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: The alcohol hangover is characterized by headache, tremulousness, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue combined with decreased occupational, cognitive, or visual-spatial skill performance. In the United States, related absenteeism and poor job performance cost $148 billion annually (average annual cost per working adult, $2000). Although hangover is associated with alcoholism, most of its cost is incurred by the light-to-moderate drinker. Patients with hangover may pose substantial risk to themselves and others despite having a normal blood alcohol level. Hangover may also be an independent risk factor for cardiac death. Symptoms of hangover seem to be caused by dehydration, hormonal alterations, dysregulated cytokine pathways, and toxic effects of alcohol. Physiologic characteristics include increased cardiac work with normal peripheral resistance, diffuse slowing on electroencephalography, and increased levels of antidiuretic hormone. Effective interventions include rehydration, prostaglandin inhibitors, and vitamin B6. Screening for hangover severity and frequency may help early detection of alcohol dependency and substantially improve quality of life. Recommended interventions include discussion of potential therapies and reminders of the possibility for cognitive and visual-spatial impairment. No evidence suggests that alleviation of hangover symptoms leads to further alcohol consumption, and the discomfort caused by such symptoms may do so. Therefore, treatment seems warranted. CONCLUSIONS: Hangover, a common disorder, has substantial morbidity and societal cost. Appropriate management may relieve symptoms in many patients.

Author information

Author/s: Wiese, J G (JG); Shlipak, M G (MG); Browner, W S (WS);

Affiliation: Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco 94121, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Annals of internal medicine (Ann Intern Med), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2000-Jun; vol 132 (issue 11) : pp 897-902

Dates: Created 2000/06/01; Completed 2000/06/01; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 10836917, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Ann Intern Med. 2001 Mar 20;134(6):533-4. (PMID: 11255538)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Absenteeism Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium - economics; epidemiology; etiology; therapy Alcohol-Induced Disorders - economics; epidemiology; etiology; therapy Alcoholic Intoxication - economics; epidemiology; physiopathology; therapy Female

Female Hormones - blood Humans Male Prevalence

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Hormones (0)

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