Cinnarizine Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take cinnarizine, a medication used mainly for vertigo, motion sickness, and inner ear balance problems. Also known as Stugeron, it works by blocking histamine and calcium channels in the brain to reduce dizziness. But for all its benefits, it’s not harmless — and many people don’t realize how common its side effects can be.

One of the most frequent issues is drowsiness, a direct result of how cinnarizine affects brain chemistry. It’s not just feeling a little tired — it’s enough to make driving dangerous or mixing with alcohol risky. Then there’s movement disorders, like tremors, stiffness, or slow motion, similar to early Parkinson’s symptoms. These can show up after weeks or months, especially in older adults. People over 65 are more likely to experience these effects, and they don’t always go away when you stop the drug. That’s why doctors often avoid prescribing it to seniors unless absolutely necessary.

It’s also worth comparing cinnarizine to meclizine, a similar drug used for motion sickness. Meclizine causes less drowsiness and fewer movement problems, which is why many patients switch when cinnarizine doesn’t sit right. But cinnarizine lasts longer — so if you need all-day control of vertigo, it might still be the better pick. Just know the trade-off.

Some users report dry mouth, nausea, or weight gain. These aren’t rare, but they’re often dismissed as "normal." If you’re on cinnarizine for more than a few weeks and notice your balance feels off, your hands shake, or you’re constantly sleepy, it’s not just in your head — it’s the medication. And if you’re taking it with other drugs like antidepressants or antipsychotics, the risk of side effects goes up fast. There’s no magic formula to avoid them entirely, but knowing what to watch for gives you power over your own care.

The posts below cover real-world experiences and medical insights about cinnarizine and similar medications. You’ll find advice on spotting early signs of movement problems, how to talk to your doctor about switching drugs, and what alternatives actually work without the same risks. This isn’t just a list of side effects — it’s a practical guide to staying safe while using a drug that many still take without fully understanding the costs.