Medical Mythbuster: Can You Cure a Hangover?

By Karen Flemming, NP
Internal Medicine

For centuries people have tried to alleviate the headache, dry mouth, and other unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. Unfortunately, no one has discovered an effective cure. In fact, a large scientific trial looked at a number of remedies, ranging from different foods to prescribed medications and nothing was shown to work definitively. (Even raw eggs in orange juice didn’t seem to help much.) However, drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and taking pain-relieving medication will help a little bit. Of course, if you really want to avoid the symptoms of a hangover, the best thing you can do is not overindulge in the first place!

Medical Mythbuster: Can You Cure a Hangover?

About Karen Fleming, NP

A graduate of Framingham State College and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Karen Fleming has been involved in medicine for over 24 years and has been a Nurse Practitioner since 1995. Practicing in the department of Internal Medicine in Auburn, she works with a team of doctors and nurses helping patients with their urgent and chronic healthcare needs. She has enjoyed working in this role for over 12 years. One of the things Karen...

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2 Responses

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  1. Posted by Tom Raymond

    I heard the same thing from a couple of paramedics I knew.

    May 8, 2019 10:57 am Reply
  2. Posted by Gene Corridori

    Does breathing oxygen cure a hangover? When I was in the USAF (1960-1964) some of my fellow airmen, who had access to it, swore that it did. I never tried it myself but was always curious if it was a myth.

    September 27, 2017 4:44 pm Reply

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