The unpleasant side effects associated with heavy drinking (a "hangover": headache, nausea, and vomiting) are caused by an accumulation of:

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Hangover symptoms are caused by acetaldehyde, which is produced when alcohol is metabolized in the liver. Acetaldehyde is then further metabolized into acetic acid and eventually acetyl-CoA. While these compounds may also contribute to hangover symptoms, it is primarily the buildup of acetaldehyde that causes the discomfort associated with a hangover.

The Unpleasant Side Effects Associated with Heavy Drinking (A "Hangover