Flunarizine: what it does and who it helps

Flunarizine is a preventive medicine often used for migraine and certain types of vertigo. If you get frequent migraines or recurring dizzy spells that affect daily life, flunarizine can be an option when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s not a rescue drug for an active headache; it’s taken regularly to reduce how often attacks happen.

How it works and when people use it

Flunarizine blocks calcium channels in brain blood vessels and has mild antihistamine and sedative effects. That combination helps stabilize blood flow and nerve activity linked to migraine and vestibular symptoms. Doctors commonly prescribe it for migraine prevention, chronic dizziness, and sometimes for motion-related balance problems.

Expect 2–4 weeks (sometimes longer) before you notice fewer headaches. If there’s no benefit after about 2–3 months, most clinicians reassess the treatment plan.

Dosing, side effects, and safety tips

Typical adult dosing is 5–10 mg at night. Taking it at bedtime reduces daytime drowsiness. Older adults usually start at the lower dose because they’re more sensitive to movement side effects.

Common side effects: sleepiness, weight gain, and dry mouth. More serious concerns include mood changes (depression) and movement problems such as parkinsonism or tardive dyskinesia—these are more likely with higher doses and long-term use. Tell your doctor right away if you feel unusually slow, shaky, or develop muscle stiffness.

Don’t use flunarizine if you have Parkinson’s disease, severe depression, or certain movement disorders. It’s generally avoided in pregnancy and in people who plan to drive or operate machinery until they know how it affects them. Avoid combining with other strong sedatives without medical advice.

Flunarizine isn’t approved in every country, including the United States, though it’s widely used across Europe and elsewhere. If you’re considering it, work with a prescriber who can monitor mood and movement symptoms and review other medications for interactions.

Practical tips: start low, take it at night, track headache frequency in a diary, and check in after 6–12 weeks. If mood or movement issues appear, stop and contact your doctor. If you travel or need prescriptions online, use licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription—don’t risk unverified sources.

If you want help deciding whether flunarizine fits your situation—like past treatment responses, pregnancy plans, or jobs that need full alertness—talk with your clinician. They can compare options and tailor a plan that balances benefits and risks for you.