People with migraine who treat their attacks with certain drugs should avoid drinking alcohol because it may interact poorly or dangerously with their medications. When mixed with alcohol, the common migraine medication Topamax (topiramate) can cause dizziness, problems with memory, sleepiness, and even depression. Variable alcohol intake had 10.6% missing values on day‐1 and 11.6% on day‐2; migraine on day‐2 was missing in 7.4%. Same‐day alcohol intake (Yes/No), and quantity of each type of alcoholic drink had 4.7% missing values. Alcohol-related headaches can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who live with migraine.
- A 2016 study showed that alcohol consistently induced migraine in 10% of people.
- A 2014 survey of 692 students, 95 of whom had migraine, found that those with migraine were more likely to experience migraine-like symptoms during a hangover.
- This compound might inhibit the body’s ability to break down alcohol, leading to the buildup of a substance called acetaldehyde, which could result in headaches.
- Some people find that their episodes are triggered by low blood sugar and/or skipped meals, not enough sleep, and consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
- Understanding certain food components of some alcoholic beverages will help you understand your choices when it comes to selecting the best alcohol to avoid migraine.
Poor Food Choices
However, the study author also cautions that no single factor causes all hangover headaches. People who experienced migraine with alcohol were more likely to have migraine with aura and to experience more migraine days and more frequent attacks. “Some of the new diabetes medications have a diuretic effect, and that could cause dehydration” in people with diabetes, Vaishnava says.
Understanding Stress “Let Down” Migraine Attacks and How to Manage Them
Things like stress, lack of sleep (too much sleep as well), hormones and weather can play a huge part of triggering an attack. We tend to focus on the last things consumed as the most likely trigger. When we really keep track, sometimes we find that the food or drink was not to blame at all.
- To understand more about the symptoms experienced with migraine attacks, read our articles on vestibular migraine or different types of headaches.
- Avoiding personally known triggers can be a useful way to reduce the number of potential attacks.
Meds haven’t worked for me in the past. Do I just have to deal with my migraine attacks?
A delayed alcohol-induced headache is what we commonly call a hangover. However, alcohol is traditionally considered a migraine trigger, with some research suggesting that it prompts episodes in about one-third of people. Rosen said some people he treats report being triggered by simply smelling alcohol. Migraine Again follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. The review also suggests that having migraine leads people to avoid alcohol, rather than alcohol having any protective role against migraine.
The Liver: Your Body’s Filtering Machine
The zingy carrot-ginger dressing brings a refreshing kick, while miso and tahini add a boost of magnesium — a key player in keeping headaches at bay. There are also specific anti-inflammatory foods that may act as natural migraine remedies, reducing symptom frequency and severity. A 2024 study explored whether following a diet rich in whole plant foods could influence the chances of having migraines. And a 2022 meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials found that yoga significantly reduced how often migraine sufferers got headaches. Some researchers consider migraines a maladaptive brain response to perceived threats. That means that stress isn’t solely a feature of the environment but includes your perception and interpretation of what’s happening around you.
Why You Should Not Treat Anxiety With Alcohol
- And they all come with a range of potential side effects, including (ironically) more frequent headaches due to medication overuse.
- Research suggests that 74.5 percent of people 60 and older have high blood pressure, compared with 54.5 percent of adults ages 40 to 59.
- People who rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage migraine pain should also be careful with alcohol.
- Alcohol allergy and intolerance can result in similar symptoms but are caused by different underlying factors.
- People who have frequent migraine attacks may wish to consider migraine prevention medications such as topiramate (Topamax), divalproex (Depakote), propranolol (Inderal), or CGRP inhibitors.
- Avoiding drinking is the best way to prevent an alcohol-related headache.
- While the symptoms listed above are the most usual ones, they aren’t the only ones.
Most importantly, monitor how you feel when you drink alcohol and be willing to have open and honest conversations about drinking with your doctor and other important people in your life. In this article, we’ll consider research on the potential effects of alcohol on your can alcohol cause migraines migraine symptoms and treatment. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume alcoholic drinks is up to you.
- Those who were included in this study had episodic migraine and self-identified as low dose alcohol consumers.
- On the other hand, the probability of migraine attack when there was no intake on day‐2 was similar regardless of whether there was alcohol intake on day‐1 (Figure 1A,B).
- In this study we focused on the role of alcohol as a potential trigger of migraine attacks within 24–48 h after consumption.
- Among people who find alcohol can trigger a migraine, most find that any alcoholic drink can trigger one, but others may find that particular drinks are more of a problem.
- Pinot Grigio, chardonnay or sauvignon blanc would be a good place to start and are generally easy to find.
For many, indulging in a drink or two is a staple of social gatherings and relaxation. Yet, it’s all too easy to overlook the profound effects alcohol can have—both in the immediate moment and over the long haul. From the tipsy exhilaration of a night out to the throbbing headache the next day, the influence of alcohol on our bodies is multifaceted and complex. Creamy, slow-simmered rice helps keep energy steady, ginger eases pain and nausea, and garlic supports circulation. Magnesium-rich bok choy helps relax blood vessels, reducing migraine triggers. And the toppings — green onions, sesame seeds, or lime — let you add a touch of flavor and texture.
Treatment
This hangover anxiety, or “hangxiety,” can arise for many reasons, including mild withdrawal from alcohol, interrupted sleep, poor dietary choices, and shame or regret. Crunchy kale, beets, and radishes support healthy blood flow, and creamy avocado helps keep blood sugar stable, reducing potential migraine triggers. Topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and optional miso chickpeas, this salad is a delicious, feel-good way to nourish your body and your brain.