Flunarizine is a drug most doctors use to prevent migraine and to help some types of vertigo. It works by blocking certain calcium channels in the brain and has mild antihistamine effects. People are often started on flunarizine when first-line migraine preventives don’t work or cause too many side effects.
The main effect is lowering brain excitability, which reduces the number and severity of migraine attacks. For vertigo, flunarizine can ease sensitivity in the balance system and reduce dizzy spells. It’s commonly chosen for frequent migraines, migrainous vertigo, or when patients can’t tolerate beta blockers or other preventives.
Note: flunarizine is not available or approved in every country. It’s prescribed widely in parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America but is rarely used in the United States. Ask your doctor about local availability and options.
Typical dosing starts at 5 mg once daily, usually taken at night because it often causes drowsiness. Some people need 10 mg daily, while others do well on lower doses. Your prescriber will pick the dose based on your symptoms, age, and other medicines.
Common side effects are sleepiness, weight gain, and increased appetite. Less common but important problems include depressed mood, memory issues, and movement disorders such as parkinsonism or tardive symptoms. Those movement-related side effects are more likely with long-term use and in older adults.
If you notice new or worsening depression, slow movements, stiffness, tremor, or walking difficulty, stop the medicine and contact your prescriber right away. Also avoid combining flunarizine with heavy alcohol use or other strong sedatives — that ups drowsiness and safety risk.
People with Parkinson’s disease or a history of major depressive illness should avoid flunarizine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use it after specialist advice. Always tell your clinician about antipsychotics, strong sedatives, or other drugs that affect movement before starting flunarizine.
Expect a treatment trial of at least 2–3 months to see if headaches improve. Keep a simple headache diary (dates, severity, and triggers) so you and your doctor can judge benefit. If it helps, you may continue under regular review; if not, safer alternatives include propranolol, amitriptyline, topiramate, or verapamil.
Safe buying tip: only get flunarizine from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription. Avoid sellers who skip prescriptions or offer suspiciously low prices. Ask the pharmacy about product origin and check regulatory seals or reviews.
Quick practical tips: start low, take at night, watch mood and movement, avoid alcohol, and follow up with your doctor within a few weeks. That keeps you safer and gives the best chance of benefit.
