Q:

Is is possible to develop an intolerance for alcohol? Lately I've been getting wicked hangovers (headache, nausea, sinus pain, vomiting and I get exceptionally tired) that last all day any time I have more than one drink. This is happening when I've just had two or three drinks over the course of a long evening. I've never been much of a drinker, but I never used to get hangovers like this.

I was reading the mayo clinic's web page about alcohol intolerance, and it was describing similar symptoms, but it said it should be an immediate effect (and I usually feel fine while I'm drinking). It also said that developing alcohol intolerance could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition... I'm fine with not drinking any more, but I guess I'd like to know if this is something I should get checked out.

 

A:

That is true that alcohol "intolerance" happens at the time of drinking, but what you are describing is more of a rebound alcohol withdrawal effect, even from a small amount. This can be due to other medications you may be taking, other recreational drugs, possibly from hormonal or metabolic imbalance. It is wise to get a full screening blood panel to make sure you are not showing signs of any other medical problem.

~The Doc