
This type of headache is less common, but many people may notice the symptoms developing within 3 hours of drinking. However, the headache is known to clear after 72 hours of abstinence. Around 30% of people who experience recurrent migraines report alcohol as a trigger, and 10% of patients cite it as a frequent or consistent trigger. Histamine is a compound produced by the body’s immune system in response to allergens or injury.
Avoid Alcohol Triggers
The most severe migraine attacks may last up to 3 days or longer and make it impossible to do anything. Brandy, red wine, and rum have the highest levels of congeners, while gin and vodka contain fewer of these chemicals. However, more recent research indicates no relationship between tension type headaches and alcohol consumption. A 2015 study suggests that the inactivity of alcohol dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme that helps break down alcohol, might contribute to hangover headaches.
What Factors Affect the Risk of an Alcohol-Induced Headache?

Andrew Charles, MD, director of the Goldberg Migraine Program at the University of California, Los Angeles, says the focus on migraine triggers is a double-edged sword for some patients. But many patients, if they have an attack, it turns into some sort of blame. They’re basically blaming themselves for something that they have done to bring the attack on,” he says. These possible triggers are also found in other reported trigger foods, such as cheeses, dried fruits, processed meats, and fermented marijuana addiction foods and drinks. Alcohol intolerance, on the other hand, is the inability to properly digest alcohol due to the lack of specific enzymes needed to break it down.
Why Does Alcohol Give Me A Headache?
Substances such as histamine, sulfites, and tyramines are higher in alcohol and therefore contribute to headaches. While for some people alcohol makes sit easy to fall asleep, for other people it can disturb the rest and result in headache the next morning. Additionally, factors such as hormones, Acetaldehyde, dehydration, insomnia, and more can influence your chances of getting a headache from drinking. With 30 years of paying close attention to consumption and the boundaries, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ I have evolved to limiting high alcohol, highly tannic, and heavily processed wines.
If you do find yourself with hangover symptoms turned migraine hangover, check out some of our no-nonsense remedies. If you’re susceptible to attacks after consuming these types of foods and drinks, you have an increased likelihood of experiencing alcohol-induced headaches. This can vary depending on the brand of alcohol; some migraine warriors find that certain brands trigger attacks more than others. To combat this, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Aim to have a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages to maintain your body’s hydration levels. Additionally, consider having a glass of water before going to bed to help replenish lost fluids.

- If you’re sensitive to bright lights or loud noises, reducing your exposure to these can help.
- The presence of all such chemicals in alcohol results in headaches especially in people who experience episodes of alcohol.
- With the huge focus on organic foods and what we all eat, there should be as much attention put on what we drink.
- But if you’re prone to migraine headaches, drinking even a small amount of alcohol can bring on an attack.
While alcohol can help you feel sleepy and induce sleep, it tends to interfere with sleep in the later stages of the evening. To provide the best possible chiropractic care to local families in Murfreesboro, Dr. Oscar Noriega DC tailors treatment plans for people of all ages in the Murfreesboro area! We are inclusive and open-minded treatment providers who keep our clients at the forefront of our treatments and methods.

- Downing more alcohol (the “hair of the dog” theory) won’t help either.
- These include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.
If you aren’t sure that alcohol is to blame for your headaches, try keeping a diary. Each time you drink, write down the type why does rum give me a headache of alcohol you have, the amount, and if and when you had a migraine. Include how you felt the prior 48 hours as well as any stress or anxiety you were under at the time.
- Monument is an online alcohol treatment platform that can help provide support every step of the way.
- No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Similarly, dark liquors such as bourbon and whiskey have higher congeners content, which can contribute to headaches. Opting for lighter-colored liquors like vodka or gin may be a better choice for those prone to alcohol headaches. This form of headache shares similar symptoms to the immediate headache. However, in most cases, the pain is duller and gives a throbbing sensation. Anybody can experience this delayed headache, but people with migraines are more prone to it.
