Man in his bed, grumpy and tired
Alternative Treatments, Concierge Medicine, Hangover, Instant Delivery, IV Hydration

Medicines for Treating Hangovers: Comparing Traditional Remedies and IV Therapy

07/23/2022 | by

Key Takeaways

  • Traditional hangover remedies include hydration, rest, and over-the-counter painkillers.
  • IV therapy delivers fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins directly into the bloodstream for faster relief.
  • Oral medications can ease symptoms but carry risks, especially for those with liver or kidney issues.
  • Medical supervision is essential for IV therapy and any hangover treatment.
  • Hangover treatments provide supportive relief, not a cure—time remains the only definitive solution.

Introduction

After a night of heavy drinking, hangovers can leave you with headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Remedies range from coffee and greasy food to painkillers and hydration. Increasingly, IV therapy is being used as a medical approach to rehydrate and replenish nutrients quickly. Understanding the pros and cons of each option helps you choose the safest and most effective path to recovery.

Why Hangover Treatments Are Used

Hangover remedies target three main issues:

  • Symptom relief (headaches, nausea, fatigue)
  • Rehydration (restoring fluids lost through alcohol’s diuretic effect)
  • Nutrient replenishment (replacing electrolytes and vitamins depleted by alcohol metabolism)

According to the Mayo Clinic, time is the only true cure, but supportive treatments can ease discomfort and shorten recovery.

Common Hangover Medications vs IV Therapy

Then acetaldehyde becomes acetic acid and is broken down into water and carbon dioxide. This can happen over several hours as you drink more and more alcohol, leading to severe dehydration—the primary cause of hangovers.

Dehydration can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. 

dizzy side effect efect

Oral Painkillers

  • Ibuprofen or aspirin may reduce headache and muscle aches.
  • Risks: Can irritate the stomach lining and worsen nausea; acetaminophen (Tylenol) is risky because alcohol already stresses the liver.

Hydration

  • Drinking water or electrolyte-rich fluids helps restore balance.
  • Slower absorption compared to IV therapy, especially if nausea prevents drinking.

IV Therapy

  • Provides saline, electrolytes, B vitamins, and sometimes anti-nausea medication directly into the bloodstream.
  • Faster absorption and more comprehensive relief compared to oral remedies.
A man and a woman sitting on a white couch receiving IV therapy

Effectiveness and Safety Comparison

Remedy

Pros

Cons
Oral meds Easy access, reduces pain Risk of stomach irritation, liver strain
Hydration Safe, restores fluids Slower, limited if nausea prevents intake
IV therapy Rapid relief, nutrient replenishment Requires medical supervision, not for all
Rest Natural recovery, no risks Slow, symptoms may persist for 24 hours

Safety & Professional Guidance

IV therapy should only be administered by licensed medical professionals. Drip Hydration provides mobile IV services supervised by registered nurses.

Contraindications include:

  • Heart or kidney disease (risk of fluid overload)
  • Liver disease (risk with acetaminophen or alcohol interactions)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (consult physician)

Disclaimer: Hangover treatments are supportive, not cures. Severe symptoms may indicate alcohol poisoning and require emergency care.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Safest Medicines or Treatments for a Hangover?
Hydration and rest are safest. Painkillers can help but must be used cautiously.
Can IV Therapy be Safer Than Over-the-counter Hangover Pills?
Yes. IV therapy avoids liver strain and stomach irritation, but requires medical supervision.
Are Hangover IVs Suitable for Everyone?
No. People with chronic health conditions should consult a doctor first.
What are the Risks of Using Painkillers When Hungover?
Stomach irritation, liver damage (especially with acetaminophen), and worsened nausea.
How long does it take for IV hangover treatment to work?
Most patients feel relief within 30–60 minutes.

Summary

Hangover medicines and treatments provide supportive relief but do not cure the condition. Oral painkillers, hydration, and rest can ease symptoms, but medically supervised IV therapy offers faster rehydration and nutrient replenishment. While effective, IV therapy is not suitable for everyone and should always be administered by professionals.

Ready to recover quickly? Book your personalized Hangover IV Treatment today and experience professional, in-home care designed to help you feel better fast.

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