Flunarizine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Use It Safely
Flunarizine is a medicine used mainly to prevent migraine and to treat some kinds of dizziness and vertigo. It’s not a fast pain reliever — doctors prescribe it to reduce how often attacks happen over weeks or months. If you get regular migraines or unexplained balance problems, flunarizine is one option your doctor may suggest.
How flunarizine works and when it’s used
Flunarizine blocks certain calcium channels and has mild antihistamine effects. That combination calms overactive nerves involved in migraine and can stabilize blood flow in the brain. People take it once a day, usually at night, because it can make you sleepy. Typical uses include migraine prevention, chronic dizziness, and sometimes circulatory problems that cause headaches. Your doctor will decide the dose and how long to try it — often a few months to see if it helps.
It’s not for sudden headaches or acute vertigo attacks. For those, you’ll need fast-acting treatments your clinician recommends. Think of flunarizine as preventive care: fewer attacks over time if it works for you.
Side effects, interactions, and safety tips
Common side effects are drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, and dry mouth. Some people notice mild tiredness that improves after a few weeks; others may not tolerate it. Less common but important: flunarizine can cause stiffness, slowed movements, or symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, especially in older adults or with long-term use. If you notice tremors, slowness, or stiff muscles, contact your doctor right away.
Flunarizine can interact with other sedatives, alcohol, and drugs that affect movement or mood. Don’t mix it with heavy drinking and tell your doctor about antidepressants, antipsychotics, or Parkinson’s medicines. If you have depression, severe liver disease, or Parkinson’s, flunarizine may not be suitable.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special cases — doctors usually avoid prescribing flunarizine unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Always check with a clinician before starting or stopping the drug.
Want to try flunarizine? Get a proper diagnosis first. A doctor can confirm migraines or vertigo and rule out other causes. If prescribed, follow the dose instructions and plan for a trial period so you can judge effectiveness and side effects.
Buying tips: use a reputable pharmacy and avoid sites that don’t require a prescription. Many legitimate online pharmacies will ask for a prescription or offer a telehealth consult. Keep records of where you buy meds and check that packaging and labels match your country’s standards. If price is a concern, ask your pharmacist about generics or patient assistance programs.
Flunarizine can help the right person reduce migraine attacks and manage chronic dizziness, but it needs careful use. Talk openly with your clinician about benefits and risks, check interactions with any other meds you take, and choose a trusted source when buying.
