Symptoms of dehydration: What they are and what to do if you experience them

Unfortunately, for some people, even a small amount of wine—red in particular—can cause a headache. No matter what you call it—a headache journal, migraine diary, headache tracker—keeping track of your symptoms can be a versatile tool to help better manage your health. It can help you identify patterns over time and help your doctor identify if you are experiencing migraine.

alcohol causing headaches

Sugary mixers and tropical drinks can also cause you to drink too much. Sweeteners mask their flavors, so it’s can alcohol cause migraines easier to keep drinking them. This alcohol and sugar combo will make you feel worse the following day.

Symptoms of dehydration: What they are and what to do if you experience them

When enjoying a night out on the town, there are several triggers you may expose yourself to including bright flashing lights, loud music, food and alcohol. A slice of cheesecake or pizza can do far more damage for some people than others. If you notice consistent patterns, then chances are it’s the alcohol that’s causing your migraine headache. Research shows people who have a supportive social network are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal. Those with a wider circle of support have a better chance of staying sober. However, try not to have too many firm expectations, as symptoms can continue for multiple weeks in some people.

This can differ for each person and whilst one may find that spirits cause a headache, another may find that lager doesn’t agree with them. An alcohol-induced headache may fall into many categories and whilst they are painful and unpleasant, there are things that can be done to relieve the symptoms. Alcohol-induced headaches are not only subject to those who have a history of misuse or abuse of alcohol. These types of headaches can strike anyone, of any age and background. Although genetic factors influence the risk of having migraine, environmental triggers can cause episodes or increase their frequency.

excessive fussiness or sleepiness

Sulfites—compounds that are found in a vast number of foods and drinks—were also thought to be the culprit. “The general problem with that [theory] is that white wine usually has more sulfites than red,” Waterhouse said. Flushing occurs in some people who metabolize alcohol less efficiently than others so that when they drink, their face becomes discolored, often red. When you’ve had too much fun the night before and overindulgence has caught up with you, there are treatments and home remedies for a hangover headache.

If they’re more likely to develop a headache after drinking wines high in quercetin, that could be a sign that quercetin is to blame. Historically, it has been believed that red wine also contains higher levels of histamines and tannins compared to white wine, which some people can be sensitive to, Stolte said. Individuals predisposed to headaches may find even small amounts of wine triggering due to quercetin.

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When you take a drug such as Tylenol while drinking, there is a potential for severe side effects, including liver damage. Individuals who are already prone to have migraine headaches should be especially aware of alcohol-induced migraines. Roughly 3 in 10 migraine sufferers report that alcohol is a trigger at least some of the time. Ethanol is the primary toxin responsible for why alcohol makes you drunk. Like histamine, ethanol is a vasodilator, which directly dilates blood vessels and can often trigger migraines and other headaches.

alcohol causing headaches