Flunarizine for Vertigo: What It Does and How to Use It

If you’ve ever felt the room spin out of control, you know how scary vertigo can be. Many people turn to flunarizine because it’s originally a migraine drug that also calms the inner‑ear signals causing dizziness. In this guide we’ll break down what flunarizine is, why it helps with vertigo, and how to take it safely.

How Flunarizine Helps With Vertigo

Flunarizine belongs to a group called calcium‑channel blockers. It slows the flow of calcium into cells in the brain and inner ear. By doing that, it steadies the nerve signals that tell your brain you’re moving when you’re actually still.

The result is less spinning, fewer nausea bursts, and a quicker return to normal balance. Most doctors prescribe a low dose for vertigo – usually 5 mg once daily – because higher doses are meant for migraine prevention.

Practical Tips for Taking Flunarizine

Start low, go slow. Your doctor will likely begin with 5 mg at night. Some people feel a little drowsy the first few days; that’s normal and often fades after a week.

Take it with food. A small snack can reduce stomach upset. If you’re on other meds, ask your pharmacist if flunarizine might interact – especially other calcium‑channel blockers or certain antidepressants.

Watch the weight. Flunarizine can cause a modest increase in appetite and weight gain over long use. Keeping an eye on portion sizes and staying active helps keep that in check.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen dizziness, so drink water throughout the day.

Don’t stop abruptly. If you’ve been using flunarizine for several weeks and feel better, talk to your doctor before cutting it out. A gradual taper avoids rebound vertigo.

Know the side effects. Most people tolerate the drug well, but some report:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Mild depression (rare)

If you notice severe mood changes, muscle pain, or a rash, call your doctor right away.

When to seek help. If vertigo doesn’t improve after two weeks of consistent dosing, or if symptoms worsen, schedule a follow‑up. Sometimes the cause isn’t inner‑ear related and needs a different approach.

Overall, flunarizine offers a straightforward option for many who struggle with spinning sensations. It’s inexpensive, taken once daily, and works for both migraine‑linked and idiopathic vertigo. Pairing it with balance exercises – like gentle head‑turn drills or yoga poses – can speed recovery.

Remember, the best plan is one you discuss with a healthcare professional. They’ll tailor the dose, monitor side effects, and decide how long you should stay on the medication.

Bottom line: If vertigo has been stealing your day‑to‑day confidence, flunarizine might be the steadying hand you need. Use it responsibly, keep an eye on how you feel, and you’ll likely notice the world staying put rather than spinning.