Flunarizine: What It Does and Who Might Need It

If you get frequent migraines or long-standing dizzy spells, flunarizine is a drug doctors often consider. It’s a calcium channel blocker with antihistamine-like effects that helps prevent migraine attacks and can reduce symptoms of chronic vertigo. You won’t use it to stop an active migraine; it’s meant to lower how often attacks happen over weeks to months.

Flunarizine works by calming certain brain pathways involved in blood flow and nerve excitability. That action can reduce the brain changes that trigger a migraine and can stabilize the balance system that causes spinning or unsteady feelings.

When and how it's used

Common uses include migraine prevention and treating various types of vertigo, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. Typical adult dosing starts at 5 mg taken at bedtime. Many people switch to 10 mg if 5 mg isn’t effective and side effects are tolerable. The night dose helps with drowsiness, which is a frequent early side effect.

Doctors usually give flunarizine for at least two to three months before judging whether it helps. Stopping it suddenly isn’t usually dangerous, but follow your prescriber’s plan—some people do better tapering to limit side effects or rebound symptoms.

Side effects, risks, and who should avoid it

Expect drowsiness and weight gain in many people. Increased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation can also show up. More serious concerns are mood changes and movement problems: flunarizine can cause depressive symptoms or parkinsonism (slow movements, stiffness, tremor), especially with longer use or in older adults.

Avoid flunarizine if you have Parkinson’s disease or a history of severe depression. Use caution if you’re elderly, as the risk of movement side effects is higher. If you notice new stiffness, tremor, slowed walking, or worsening low mood, tell your doctor right away—these effects can sometimes be reversible if the drug is stopped early.

Flunarizine can add to the sedative effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. Review your current meds with your prescriber to avoid unwanted interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special cases: many clinicians avoid flunarizine during pregnancy unless the expected benefit outweighs potential risks. Discuss alternatives and testing with your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Bottom line: flunarizine can be a useful preventive option for migraines and chronic vertigo, but it comes with real risks—mainly sedation, weight gain, mood changes, and movement problems. Work closely with your doctor, start at a low dose, check progress after a few months, and report any mood or movement changes right away. That way you get the benefit while keeping side effects under control.