Why do I get headaches and feel sick when I stop drinking for a few days straight?
Why do I get headaches and feel sick when I stop drinking for a few days straight? | Healthbiztips
Headache after intake of alcohol can be a symptom of hangover. Hangover usually only lasts for 1 to 2 days.
Hangover is caused by excessive drinking of alcohol.
Symptoms of hangover includes headache, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, fatigue, muscle pain, tremors, sweating, poor concentration, and impaired judgment.
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| Why do I get headaches and feel sick when I stop drinking for a few days straight? | Healthbiztips photo credit: Đoàn Ngọc Thành @thanhserious_93 @unsplash |
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
Another possible cause of your headache and other ill symptoms after you stopped drinking alcohol is alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Headache is one of the symptom that appears approximately 6 to 12 hours after your last intake of alcohol and can persist for up to 1 week.
When you suddenly stop or reduce your intake of alcohol, then you can suffer from alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
In alcohol withdrawal syndrome you experience anxiety, shakiness, sweating, irritability, headache, tachycardia, vomiting, fever, and insomnia. You typically experience theses symptoms as early as 2 hours after your last intake of alcohol, and can persist for up to 7 days.
Individuals who have alcohol dependence can develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is not a simple problem. You should seek medical attention. Prescription medications are available to help you manage the symptoms it causes.
There are several cases in which symptom become worse. It can lead to seizures, hallucination, delirium, and death.
Alcohol elicits a relaxation response from the body by suppressing the neurotransmitter GABA, but when you suddenly stop or decrease your intake of alcohol, your brain may not be able to cope with this change right away so you experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
In conclusion, the symptoms of hangover and alcohol withdrawal syndrome are almost the same. If your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Disclaimer: Do note that this is just an opinion, not a valid medical diagnosis, so you still have to consult with an accredited physician.
