Hangover Patches vs. Energy Drinks After a Night Out After a night of drinking, many people look for a quick fix to feel alert , recover, and get back on their feet. Two popular options are hangover patches and energy drinks, but they work very differently and have distinct effects on your body. Energy Drinks Energy drinks are often the first choice for a quick boost because they contain caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. They can temporarily increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue, but they don’t address the root causes of hangovers. In fact: Caffeine can further dehydrate you, especially after alcohol consumption. High sugar content can spike blood sugar levels and then cause crashes, leaving you more fatigued later. They don’t replenish electrolytes, antioxidants, or B vitamins lost during drinking. While energy drinks may give a short-term perk, they do not support your body’s natural recovery process and can sometimes make dehydration, headaches, and nausea wors...