Cinnarizine Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take cinnarizine, a sedating antihistamine used for vertigo, motion sickness, and inner ear problems. Also known as Stugeron, it works by blocking histamine and calcium channels in the brain to reduce dizziness. But this same mechanism is why it can clash dangerously with other drugs you might be taking.

Cinnarizine doesn’t just sit quietly in your system—it amplifies the effects of other central nervous system depressants. If you’re on benzodiazepines, like diazepam or alprazolam, used for anxiety or sleep, combining them with cinnarizine can make you dangerously sleepy, slow your breathing, or even cause confusion. The same goes for opioids, including codeine or oxycodone, prescribed for pain. These aren’t theoretical risks—emergency rooms see cases where people collapsed after mixing these drugs, thinking "it’s just a motion sickness pill." Even over-the-counter sleep aids with diphenhydramine can turn a normal dose of cinnarizine into a medical emergency.

Another hidden risk? Blood pressure. Cinnarizine can lower your blood pressure, and if you’re already on antihypertensives, like amlodipine, lisinopril, or beta-blockers, you might feel lightheaded, faint, or fall. This isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s risky for older adults or those with heart conditions. Even some antidepressants, like tricyclics (e.g., dosulepin), can add to the sedation and dizziness. And don’t forget alcohol. One drink with cinnarizine? You might as well be taking a sedative. The FDA and European Medicines Agency both warn about this combo.

There’s also the issue of liver enzymes. Cinnarizine is broken down by the liver, and if you’re taking meds that affect those enzymes—like certain antifungals (ketoconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin), or seizure drugs (carbamazepine)—your body might process it too slowly or too fast. Too slow? More side effects. Too fast? The drug stops working. This is why pharmacists ask for your full list of meds, not just the prescription ones.

What you won’t find on the label? That cinnarizine can make Parkinson’s symptoms worse. It blocks dopamine receptors, so if you have Parkinson’s or a related movement disorder, this drug could trigger stiffness, tremors, or freezing episodes. And if you’re on anticholinergics for bladder control or GI issues, the combined effect can lead to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, or urinary retention—side effects that pile up fast.

You don’t need to avoid cinnarizine entirely. For many, it’s the only thing that stops their vertigo. But you need to know what you’re mixing it with. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every pill, patch, supplement, or herbal product you use—even if you think it’s harmless. That ginkgo biloba? The melatonin? The CBD oil? They all matter. And if you’ve ever passed out after taking a new combo, that’s not normal—it’s a red flag.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to spot dangerous drug interactions, what to do when side effects show up, and how to talk to your provider about safer alternatives. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re based on actual patient reports, clinical data, and pharmacy alerts. Whether you’re managing vertigo, motion sickness, or just trying to stay out of the ER, this collection gives you the facts you need to take control.