Hangover-related nausea usually resolves within 24 hours. But many factors — such as your biology and the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed — might affect how long your hangover lasts.
Some treatments — including over-the-counter (OTC) nausea medication, staying hydrated, and resting — might help you feel better, but currently, no scientific research shows cures for hangover-related nausea exist.
If you’re vomiting frequently, it’s important to be mindful of dehydration symptoms, like dark-colored urine, decreased urination, and fatigue. Get medical help if you think you’re dehydrated.
Hangover-related nausea may fade with time, usually within a day. But in the meantime, you can soothe nausea in a few ways to help ease your discomfort:
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea, which can replenish fluids.
- Try natural remedies for nausea, like ginger or peppermint tea.
- Eat bland food, even if you don’t feel like it, which can prevent additional discomfort.
- Take OTC or prescription anti-nausea medication.
- Get plenty of rest to avoid overexerting yourself.
Various so-called “hangover remedies” exist on the market, but little scientific evidence shows they work.
As a 2021 study pointed out, many of these alleged treatments contain potentially harmful amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers may also mislabel them.
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Yes, you can take medications that treat nausea in general. This may help with hangover symptoms. Medications that reduce nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics.
OTC options
Common OTC antiemetics include:
- bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
- H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac)
- phosphoric acid (Emetrol)
If you’re not sure which OTC nausea treatment to choose, consider speaking with a pharmacist.
Prescription options
Hangover-related nausea usually passes within a day or so, and as such, prescription medication isn’t always necessary or practical to take. However, in some cases, prescription antiemetics might be helpful.
Examples of prescription antiemetics include:
- promethazine (Phenergan), an antihistamine
- ondansetron (Zofran)
- metoclopramide (Reglan)
A healthcare professional must prescribe these medications.
Is it typical to be nauseous all day when hungover?
People may react differently to drinking alcohol. Some people might feel nauseous for a day or longer. While the nausea is uncomfortable, it isn’t necessarily cause for concern.
However, if you can’t keep water down or if you’re unable to stop throwing up after 24 hours, it’s a good idea to get medical attention. It’s also important to get medical help if you have dehydration symptoms.
Why does a hangover cause nausea?
Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, causing acid release and inflammation. This can cause nausea and stomach discomfort.
If you’re hungover, you might also take OTC pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. While these medications can be helpful for headaches and muscle pains, they may also irritate your stomach lining, causing nausea.
What helps stop throwing up after drinking?
Although antiemetic medication like Pepto-Bismol might help reduce nausea and vomiting, it might not stop it entirely.
Over time, however, you may stop vomiting. While you wait for your hangover to end, try to rest and drink plenty of hydrating fluids.
How long does it take to stop feeling sick from a hangover?
Hangovers usually last about 24 hours. It may last longer or shorter, depending on your unique biology and how much you’ve had to drink.
Hangover-related nausea usually lasts around a day. Certain medications and home remedies might help you feel better.
Although it’s natural to feel nauseous while hungover, it’s a good idea to be aware of dehydration symptoms. Get medical help if you can’t stop vomiting or if you suspect you’re dehydrated.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
