Does Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief Really Work? Here’s What the Experts Say

Are these fizzy tabs the key to thriving after a night on the town?

Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Alcohol can be the life of the party—and the bane of the morning after. After all, too much alcohol can often leave you with a head-throbbing reminder of the night before, like a guest that overstays their welcome.

A hangover is a result of drinking too much alcohol. Dehydration, disrupted sleep, gut irritation, inflammation and certain byproducts (such as acetaldehyde) that are created when the body metabolizes alcohol all contribute to hangover symptoms, like headaches and fatigue, which can last 24 hours or more, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Related: How Much Alcohol Should You Be Drinking?

Because people want to drink alcohol without experiencing a hangover, you can find a variety of hangover remedies. And among the sea of pills, potions and home remedies, one that is becoming more popular is Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief. But does this product really cure a hangover?

What Is Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief?

You may already be familiar with those “plop plop, fizz fizz” effervescent tablets that are widely known for their fast relief of heartburn and sour stomach.  But you may not be aware that this brand has another product specifically formulated to offer hangover relief.

This similarly bubbly product is designed to help people “bounce back” from a hangover, specifically by combating headache, body aches and mental fatigue after a night of drinking. When you have a hangover, you prepare these tabs the same way you prepare the OG Alka-Seltzer: Pour yourself a glass of water, add two tabs ("plop plop"), allow them to “fizz fizz” and drink.

Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief

500 milligrams aspirin

Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications work by reducing the body's production of certain substances that cause inflammation and, by extension, pain and fever.

This over-the-counter medication is sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms of a hangover. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin can help to reduce the headaches and body aches often associated with hangovers, according to Harvard Medical School.

65 mg caffeine

Much like aspirin, caffeine is another substance often utilized to combat the effects of a hangover. Commonly found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel more alert and energized, potentially counteracting the fatigue and sluggishness associated with hangovers.

It is important to note that caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to increased urination and potentially exacerbate dehydration, one of the major contributors to hangover symptoms. As a result, while caffeine might temporarily mask some hangover symptoms, it could also potentially worsen others if you don’t also take in sufficient liquids.

Potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate is another substance that has potential benefits when dealing with a hangover. Hangovers can cause a temporary electrolyte imbalance in the body due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, which encourages fluid loss through urination.

Drinking alcohol can cause your body to lose potassium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. By introducing potassium bicarbonate into the system during a hangover, you're replenishing the electrolyte, which can help support hydration. This may help alleviate some hangover symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness and nausea.

Water

The tabs themselves don’t contain water, but you need to consume water when taking them. And so, the hangover remedy can also help provide your body with some much-needed hydration.

Other ingredients

You’ll also find aspartame or sucralose (to add a sweet flavor) and FD&C red No. 40 and yellow No. 6 (for coloring). These ingredients do not have an effect on hangover symptoms.

How to Get Hangover Relief

Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief seems to be a viable hangover remedy for many people, with over 2,000 people leaving positive Amazon reviews for this product.

But it’s not for everyone. Sure, the ingredients in the tabs may help combat symptoms of a hangover. However, some of the ingredients used may not be safe for certain folks, according to the National Library of Medicine, including those with Reye’s syndrome, an allergy to aspirin or stomach ulcers, those who take blood-thinning medication or other NSAID medication and those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Thankfully, there are other remedies that may help people in need of relief. (Like fruit and sports drinks!)

The only surefire way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol in the first place. But if you find yourself with a hangover, here are additional remedies to consider:

Drink Water

Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet effective way to alleviate hangover symptoms. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it prompts the body to expel water, often leading to dehydration. This dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue, all common symptoms of a hangover. Rehydrating by drinking water can help restore the body's fluid balance and ease these discomforts. It's a good practice to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water when consuming alcohol to lessen the risk of dehydration in the first place.

Consume Electrolyte-Rich Foods

The body's electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, are often depleted due to alcohol's diuretic effect. Eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as bananas, avocados or coconut water, can help replenish these vital elements, rehydrate your body and may reduce hangover symptoms.

Include Ginger

Ginger has long been recognized in traditional medicine for its potent anti-nausea effects, making it a potential ally in the battle against hangovers. Ginger also soothes the stomach, which can be helpful given alcohol is a gut-irritant. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as fresh, powdered or as a tea. A homemade ginger tea, with a touch of honey for sweetness, can be a soothing and beneficial remedy after a night out. Try our Ginger Tea for a simple drink to sip.

Take a NAC Supplement

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine. Among the roles NAC plays in the body, one is that it may impact the body’s natural detoxification process. In the context of hangovers, NAC could help the body more efficiently process and eliminate alcohol, potentially alleviating some hangover symptoms. According to 2021 data published in Scientific Reports, taking NAC supplements after drinking alcohol may help reduce hangover symptoms for women, specifically nausea and weakness.

It is important to note that research in this area is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of NAC as a hangover remedy. Just like the aforementioned remedies, NAC does not eliminate the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Try to Go No. 2

Preliminary data suggests that people feel some hangover relief after they have a bowel movement. Data published in Archives of Medical Sciences in 2023 showed that, among people who experienced a hangover, symptoms were significantly reduced after participants had a bowel movement. (The body continues to absorb alcohol through your intestines, but having a BM eliminates some alcohol, reducing intoxication and lessening the likelihood of having a hangover.)

Encourage healthy BMs by staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods like prunes, chia seeds and avocado instead of taking laxatives, which can lead to dehydration.

Bottom Line

Nursing a hangover is not fun, and it can instantly disrupt a person’s productivity. The first line of defense against a hangover is to avoid overdrinking in the first place. But if the drinks keep flowing and you had a night, there are some remedies that may help you feel better (but no guarantees). Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief is made with ingredients that may help combat a headache, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances and other hangover symptoms, making it one option after a night on the town.

It is important to talk to your health care provider before you include this product in your routine, as the ingredients found in Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief may not be appropriate for everybody’s needs. And if they give you the green light to try these fizzy tabs, having them in your arsenal may be a positive addition to help you function if you wake up feeling less than stellar.

Read the original article on Eating Well.