Hangover Pills: Reviews and Which Ones Work (We tried 9)?

We've all been there: nights filled with merriment, only to wake up wishing the ground would swallow us whole. It’s me, your loyal Welzo nightcrawler, and I've taken it upon myself to experiment with the so-called "miracle" hangover pills over nine adventurous nights out.

What causes a hangover?

Dr. Sarah Bartman, a seasoned alcohol researcher, simplifies the hellish aftermath: "Hangovers are the result of dehydration, the immune system's inflammatory response, and disturbances in the gut and hormones." Essentially, we're paying for our nights of revelry.

What are hangover pills?

Hangover pills are products designed to alleviate or prevent the symptoms of a hangover, which is the constellation of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur after consuming alcohol. Common symptoms of a hangover include headache, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and sometimes anxiety and depression.

Hangover pills might contain various ingredients purported to aid in the recovery from or prevention of these symptoms, such as:

Vitamins and Minerals: To replenish those lost due to alcohol’s diuretic effect.

Antioxidants: To help manage the oxidative stress caused by alcohol.

Herbal Extracts: Such as milk thistle or artichoke, which are sometimes claimed to support liver function.

Amino Acids: Sometimes included to aid in the breakdown of alcohol and its byproducts.

Electrolytes: To aid in rehydration.

We Tried 9 Hangover Pills at the Welzo HQ

1. Myrkl

• Effectiveness: A solid 7/10
• Ingredients: Fermented Rice Bran
  Vegan Capsule (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)
  L-Cysteine
  Microcrystalline cellulose
  Emulsifiers (Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide)
  Dextrin
  Vitamin B12
  Bacillus subtilis
  Bacillus coagulans
• How it Works: Boosts liver enzymes and replenishes nutrients.
• Price: £10+
• How to Take: Two pills post-partying.
• Where to Buy: Mainly online and in select chic boutiques.

My Experience: A new kid on the block, Myrkl held its own. While I didn't feel entirely sprightly, the usual headache was notably dulled.

2. No Days Wasted DHM Detox

• Effectiveness: A strong 8.5/10
• Ingredients: DHM, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, Vitamin B complex, Prickly Pear Extract
• How it Works: Promotes liver function and restores depleted vitamins.
• Price: Reasonable for its effectiveness.
• How to Take: A couple of capsules before hitting the bed.
• Where to Buy: Online stores and wellness centers.

My Experience: I was pleasantly surprised. The morning felt considerably less punishing, making the price tag feel justified.

3. Flyby

• Effectiveness: 8/10
• Ingredients: DHM, B Vitamins, Milk Thistle.
• How it Works: Accelerates alcohol breakdown and replenishes nutrients.
• Price: Mid-range.
• How to Take: Two pills with water after drinking.
• Where to Buy: Easily found online.

My Experience: Reliable, with a clear difference in my post-drink energy levels.

4. Survivor Life

• Effectiveness: 6/10
• Ingredients: Vine Tea Extract (Ampelopsis grossedentata), Pueraria Flower 10:1 Extract (Pueraria lobata Flos), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, L-Theanine, L-Taurine, Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide), Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), Vitamin B1 (Thaimine HCI), Vitamin B6 (P5P), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamine), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B7 (D-Biotin), Chromium Picolinate, Potassium Iodide.
• How it Works: Aims to hydrate and replace lost nutrients.
• Price: £12.74 - £14.99: Mid-level, reasonable for most pockets.
• How to Take: Whilst drinking, take 2 capsules for every four alcoholic beverages, and two before bed.
  
  The next day is too late as the damage has been done.
• Where to Buy: Primarily online with a few retailers stocking it.

My Experience: It didn’t quite deliver the salvation promised, but it certainly took the edge off the anguish that is waking up post-wine.

5. Morning Recovery

• Effectiveness: 7.5/10
• Ingredients: DHM, Vitamins B & C, Milk Thistle, and Ginseng.
• How it Works: Focuses on toxin breakdown and vitamin replenishment.
• Price: A bit of a splurge.
• How to Take: One bottle during or after your adventures.
• Where to Buy: Widely available online.

My Experience: A reputable choice for mild nights out. I felt rejuvenated, but not entirely reborn.

6. AfterDrink

• Effectiveness: 8/10
• Ingredients: Amino Acids, Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Extracts.
• How it Works: Promotes liver health and aims to restore balance.
• Price: Slightly on the upscale side.
• How to Take: Three pills before bed and three in the morning.
• Where to Buy: Mainly available online.

My Experience: With a generous dose, it’s an effective mitigation strategy. My groggy morning was transformed into a somewhat active day.

7. Blowfish for Hangovers

• Effectiveness: 7/10
• Ingredients: Aspirin and Caffeine.
• How it Works: Directly addresses headache and fatigue.
• Price: Highly economical.
• How to Take: Dissolve in water and drink first thing in the morning.
• Where to Buy: Online and some physical stores.

My Experience: It tackled the headache but left much to be desired in the rejuvenation department.

8. Cheers (formerly Thrive+)

• Effectiveness: 8.5/10
• Ingredients: DHM, Milk Thistle, Electrolytes, and Vitamins.
• How it Works: A holistic approach to hangovers, from toxin breakdown to hydration.
• Price: A bit on the higher side.
• How to Take: Three capsules after the last drink.
• Where to Buy: Available extensively online.

My Experience: A veritable ally in the fight against hangovers. I awoke fairly fresh, albeit with a lighter wallet.

9. Bytox Hangover Patch

• Effectiveness: 6.5/10
• Ingredients: A blend of B Vitamins, Acai Berry, and other nutrients.
• How it Works: Gradually replenishes nutrients through the skin.
• Price: Decently affordable.
• How to Take: Apply the patch 45 minutes before consuming alcohol.
• Where to Buy: Online and in select retailers.

Conclusion

Dr. Alan Sanson, a prominent toxicologist, provides a word of caution: “Hangover pills might cushion the blow, but they're not magic. It's still crucial to drink responsibly.” While some pills genuinely made the morning after more bearable, none could entirely erase the evidence of overindulgence.

Still, in the great battle against hangovers, these pills are worthy allies. Just remember, moderation in libation makes the next day's salvation a tad easier. Cheers to that!