Flunarizine: what it does and who it helps

Flunarizine is a prescription medicine often used to prevent migraine attacks and to treat chronic vertigo (dizziness that keeps coming back). It isn’t a painkiller for a single headache — you take it regularly so fewer attacks happen. People pick it when other preventives didn’t work or caused too many side effects.

How flunarizine works and when doctors use it

Flunarizine blocks calcium channels in brain cells and also has mild antihistamine effects. That combo calms the brain pathways that trigger migraines and reduces signals that cause balance problems. Doctors commonly prescribe low doses for migraine prevention (usually once daily) and for vertigo linked to inner ear or central balance issues.

Dosing, common side effects, and safety tips

Typical adult doses are 5–10 mg once a day, often at bedtime because it can make you sleepy. Children sometimes get lower doses under specialist advice. Expect effects on migraine frequency to appear after 2–4 weeks; clinicians often try it for 2–3 months before deciding if it helps.

Common side effects: drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, and dry mouth. More serious effects include depressive symptoms or movement problems (extrapyramidal symptoms) that can look like stiffness, tremors, or slowed movement. These movement side effects are more likely in older adults and can be long-lasting if not noticed early.

Do not take flunarizine if you have Parkinson’s disease, uncontrolled depression, or known sensitivity to the drug. Tell your doctor about other medicines you use—antipsychotics, some antidepressants, or other sedatives can make side effects worse. Avoid alcohol while using flunarizine since it adds to drowsiness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: flunarizine is usually avoided in pregnancy unless a specialist recommends it. If you are breastfeeding, discuss risks with your prescriber because the drug may pass into breast milk.

Monitoring and practical advice: keep a headache diary so you and your doctor can see real change in frequency and severity. Start at a low dose and report new feelings of low mood, stiffness, or slow movements right away. If you feel unusually sleepy, don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.

Buying and follow-up: flunarizine is prescription-only in many countries. Don’t buy from unverified online sellers—buy through a licensed pharmacy and have follow-ups with your doctor to track benefit and side effects. If you stop the drug, follow your doctor’s advice—some people need a gradual reduction.

If you want a short checklist: 1) Ask if flunarizine fits your migraine or vertigo type, 2) start low and take at night, 3) watch for mood or movement changes, and 4) avoid alcohol and unlicensed online sources. Talk openly with your prescriber—clear communication makes treatment safer and more effective.