4 ms·

You're probably talking about pain in general, however for hangovers specifically I find aspirin is much more effective than ibuprofen. After a trip to Osaka se

You're probably talking about pain in general, however for hangovers specifically I find aspirin is much more effective than ibuprofen. After a trip to Osaka several years ago I was told by my GP that I can't touch NSAIDs any more - I'd stripped my stomach lining from taking them too regularly. Well, in conjunction with Japanese whisky. Anyway, I discovered a very unusual treatment for hangovers in my desperation: Melatonin. Not just any Melatonin - slow-release low doses. My sinuses would relax, intraocular pressure would go down and headache would cease. It had an anti-inflammatory action. Having read that Melatonin reduces intraocular pressure was what made me try it in the first place. It works best when combined with caffeine, chiefly because you'll fall asleep otherwise but also because caffeine tends to help with hangovers as well. If you're ever deathly hungover take a stack consisting of slow-release Melatonin, 1000mg aspirin and a few cups of coffee or some caffeine pills. Avoid regular Melatonin - it's too strong and is not safe to use when operating a vehicle. EDIT: I should clarify that it's not effective for prophylaxis - you take it when you wake up. Also note that taking a sleeping-aid on the night of drinking might be a death-wish. Wait until morning.

graeme 11y ago
Is slow release melatonin available in pharmacies OTC? I haven't heard of it. (I'm in Canada)
- icanhackit 11y ago
  The 5mg slow-release tablets are available through pharmacies, whether they're OTC depends on the country/state you're in. Best bet: buy online. It was the only way I could experiment with oxytocin (the hormone released after orgasm/pair-bonding etc, not to be confused with oxycontin).
  - corysama 11y ago
    During a hangover, oxytocin levels are low -contributing to the bad mood. As a topper to finish off the hangover routine I listed above, having a oxytocin hit (by whatever means you have handy) can help wrap up a hangover recovery.
- corysama 11y ago
  It is in the US. In my brief research I haven't found much in the way of negative effects. So, I would expect it to be pretty common. My only notes are that for sleeping, the dissolve under the tounge tablets work better than regular swallow pills. And, you don't need more than 1-2mg. I see 5mg doses sometimes. Don't know who needs those. Never thought it would be good for hangovers though. I hangover easily, so I've had lots of opportunities to research treatments. My current routine is pepto&antacid for nausea (because not much point in taking other stuff if it won't stay down). Then water, NSAIDs (hangovers have lots of cold-like effects) and salt for the bulk effects (bonus points for potassium). Then get up and get moving and breathing to help your liver oxidize. Then sugar (lost with the salts during urination), b-vitamins (will also be low) and grease (unclog your gall bladder). I have melatonin lying around. I'll have to test adding it to the routine next time I have too much fun and forget to stay hydrated.
  - icanhackit 11y ago
    I have melatonin lying around. I'll have to test adding it to the routine next time I've tried regular Melatonin while hungover and though it helped with the head-pain it did what Melatonin is meant to do - it put me to sleep. The slow-release stuff is better if you need to go to work or have plans that day. It also has a lasting effect as a result of being slow-release. I found that taking it on the night of the drinking before bed didn't help - it's not an effective prophylactic.
robzyb 11y ago
> I'd stripped my stomach lining from taking them too regularly. How regularly were you taking them? This thread has me terrified over the possibility that one day I won't be able to take ibuprofen. (For reference, on average I take around 2 a month, but the value I get from them is huge.) As an aside, I also like whisky, and I've recently moved to Japan. Are you me?
- icanhackit 11y ago
  Are you me? Yes. I am byzbor, your competing unit for this dimension. How regularly were you taking them? At the time on a daily basis. Taking two a month will be more than fine. I can take them now - thankfully stomach lining regenerates and gastro-intestinal issues, unless quite serious, will sort themselves out. But I avoid them where possible. Aspirin, which is an NSAID but has a different mechanism of action to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, is my go-to pain killer these days. I also like whisky, and I've recently moved to Japan. 1. You're in the right place for great yet reasonably priced whisky. 2. I hope you're enjoying Japan. I've been quite a few times, chiefly Tokyo, and found while it's a great place to visit, the social expectations and work expectations are soul-crushing. Time is valuable, and sitting in an office all day feels like a poor way to spend it. As an aside, if you like beer try Tokyo Black. It's a porter that tastes like liquorish and coffee. Sounds terrible but it's delicious.
  - robzyb 11y ago
    > At the time on a daily basis. Taking two a month will be more than fine. Phew! > 1. You're in the right place for great yet reasonably priced whisky. I visited Hakushu distillery on the weekend, it was fantastic! > 2. I hope you're enjoying Japan. I am! If you are around sometime soon, random person, lets grab a beer/whisky. > The social expectations and work expectations are soul-crushing. That's a long complicated discussion ;)
    - icanhackit 11y ago
      I visited Hakushu distillery on the weekend, it was fantastic! Good ol' Chuo Line. Enjoy Nagano? If you are around sometime soon, random person, lets grab a beer/whisky. Might be back late spring. I can see neither of us publish our email addresses so I might drop a reply to your most recent HN thread/post closer to the time. I prefer to keep my HN personality(ies) and AFK personality separated. That's a long complicated discussion ;) Best discussed over a good drink/s.

graeme 11y ago

Is slow release melatonin available in pharmacies OTC? I haven't heard of it. (I'm in Canada)

icanhackit 11y ago
The 5mg slow-release tablets are available through pharmacies, whether they're OTC depends on the country/state you're in. Best bet: buy online. It was the only way I could experiment with oxytocin (the hormone released after orgasm/pair-bonding etc, not to be confused with oxycontin).
- corysama 11y ago
  During a hangover, oxytocin levels are low -contributing to the bad mood. As a topper to finish off the hangover routine I listed above, having a oxytocin hit (by whatever means you have handy) can help wrap up a hangover recovery.
corysama 11y ago
It is in the US. In my brief research I haven't found much in the way of negative effects. So, I would expect it to be pretty common. My only notes are that for sleeping, the dissolve under the tounge tablets work better than regular swallow pills. And, you don't need more than 1-2mg. I see 5mg doses sometimes. Don't know who needs those. Never thought it would be good for hangovers though. I hangover easily, so I've had lots of opportunities to research treatments. My current routine is pepto&antacid for nausea (because not much point in taking other stuff if it won't stay down). Then water, NSAIDs (hangovers have lots of cold-like effects) and salt for the bulk effects (bonus points for potassium). Then get up and get moving and breathing to help your liver oxidize. Then sugar (lost with the salts during urination), b-vitamins (will also be low) and grease (unclog your gall bladder). I have melatonin lying around. I'll have to test adding it to the routine next time I have too much fun and forget to stay hydrated.
- icanhackit 11y ago
  I have melatonin lying around. I'll have to test adding it to the routine next time I've tried regular Melatonin while hungover and though it helped with the head-pain it did what Melatonin is meant to do - it put me to sleep. The slow-release stuff is better if you need to go to work or have plans that day. It also has a lasting effect as a result of being slow-release. I found that taking it on the night of the drinking before bed didn't help - it's not an effective prophylactic.

robzyb 11y ago

> I'd stripped my stomach lining from taking them too regularly. How regularly were you taking them? This thread has me terrified over the possibility that one day I won't be able to take ibuprofen. (For reference, on average I take around 2 a month, but the value I get from them is huge.) As an aside, I also like whisky, and I've recently moved to Japan. Are you me?

icanhackit 11y ago
Are you me? Yes. I am byzbor, your competing unit for this dimension. How regularly were you taking them? At the time on a daily basis. Taking two a month will be more than fine. I can take them now - thankfully stomach lining regenerates and gastro-intestinal issues, unless quite serious, will sort themselves out. But I avoid them where possible. Aspirin, which is an NSAID but has a different mechanism of action to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, is my go-to pain killer these days. I also like whisky, and I've recently moved to Japan. 1. You're in the right place for great yet reasonably priced whisky. 2. I hope you're enjoying Japan. I've been quite a few times, chiefly Tokyo, and found while it's a great place to visit, the social expectations and work expectations are soul-crushing. Time is valuable, and sitting in an office all day feels like a poor way to spend it. As an aside, if you like beer try Tokyo Black. It's a porter that tastes like liquorish and coffee. Sounds terrible but it's delicious.
- robzyb 11y ago
  > At the time on a daily basis. Taking two a month will be more than fine. Phew! > 1. You're in the right place for great yet reasonably priced whisky. I visited Hakushu distillery on the weekend, it was fantastic! > 2. I hope you're enjoying Japan. I am! If you are around sometime soon, random person, lets grab a beer/whisky. > The social expectations and work expectations are soul-crushing. That's a long complicated discussion ;)
  - icanhackit 11y ago
    I visited Hakushu distillery on the weekend, it was fantastic! Good ol' Chuo Line. Enjoy Nagano? If you are around sometime soon, random person, lets grab a beer/whisky. Might be back late spring. I can see neither of us publish our email addresses so I might drop a reply to your most recent HN thread/post closer to the time. I prefer to keep my HN personality(ies) and AFK personality separated. That's a long complicated discussion ;) Best discussed over a good drink/s.