Alcoholism/Drug AbuseOmega-3 Fatty AcidsPrickly PearRed Yeast Rice

Is there a reliable way to prevent or treat alcohol hangover?

Yes, but you might be disappointed.

Many drugs and supplements have been studied.

  • Propranolol (Inderal)
  • Tropisetron (Navoban)
  • Tolfenamic acid (Clotam)
  • Fructose or glucose
  • Borago officinalis (borage)
  • Cynara scolymus (artichoke)
  • Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear)
  • A yeast-based preparation

In each study, the person getting treatment and the one giving the treatment did not know if they were getting/giving the test drug or placebo (blinded).

There’s some support for tolfenamic acid, gamma linolenic acid from B. officinalis, and a yeast based preparation. However, the authors of this review concluded, “there is no compelling evidence that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover.”

Here’s why many people will be disappointed.

  • The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol induced hangover is to practice abstinence or moderation.

Party responsibly.

12/21/06 22:38 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.