When you take cinnarizine, a medication used for vertigo, motion sickness, and inner ear problems. Also known as Stugeron, it works by calming overactive signals in your inner ear and brain. But if you drink alcohol while on it, you’re not just adding a drink—you’re doubling down on drowsiness. Cinnarizine is a central nervous system depressant, and so is alcohol. Together, they slow your brain and body down more than either would alone. This isn’t theoretical. People have ended up in emergency rooms after mixing the two, falling, hitting their heads, or being unable to stand safely.
The real danger isn’t just feeling sleepy. It’s losing control. Your reaction time drops. Your balance goes. You might not realize how impaired you are until you’re already stumbling. This isn’t just about driving—it’s about walking down stairs, reaching for a glass, or even standing up from the couch. The central nervous system, the part of your body that controls movement, awareness, and reflexes gets overwhelmed. Studies show that combining antihistamines like cinnarizine with alcohol increases the risk of falls in older adults by over 60%. And it’s not just seniors. Anyone taking this drug should treat alcohol like a red flag.
Some people think, "I only have one drink," or "I took my pill last night." But cinnarizine sticks around in your system for hours—even up to 24 hours after your last dose. One drink the next morning can still cause trouble. And if you’re using it for vertigo, you’re already dealing with dizziness. Adding alcohol doesn’t fix it—it makes it worse. There’s no safe threshold here. No "moderate" level that keeps you okay. If you’re on cinnarizine, skip the beer, wine, or cocktails. Period.
What about other meds? If you’re also taking sleep aids, painkillers, or anxiety drugs, the risk goes even higher. These are all central nervous system depressants, drugs that slow brain activity and can cause dangerous sedation when combined. Even over-the-counter sleep aids or cold medicines with diphenhydramine can team up with cinnarizine and alcohol to create a perfect storm. You don’t need to be an expert to see the pattern: more sedatives + alcohol = more danger.
You’re not alone in wondering if it’s okay to have just one drink. But the answer isn’t about willpower or tolerance—it’s about chemistry. Your body doesn’t care if you "feel fine." It’s still processing two powerful depressants at once. And when your brain can’t keep up, the consequences aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be life-changing.
Below, you’ll find real stories and clear guidance from people who’ve been there: how to manage vertigo without alcohol, what to do if you accidentally mixed them, and how to talk to your pharmacist about safer alternatives. No guesswork. No myths. Just facts that keep you safe.
Cinnarizine helps with vertigo and motion sickness, but it can interact dangerously with alcohol, sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds. Learn what to avoid to stay safe.
