The usual therapeutic doses of cinnarizine cause fatigue or drowsiness in 20 to 25% of the treated subjects, especially at the beginning of the treatment. Whether it has fewer centrally sedative effects than other histamine H₁-antagonist has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Headaches and gastrointestinal ailments have been observed less frequently. Skin reactions and cholestasias are rare.

Long-term taking of cinnarizine can cause weight gain, depressive conditions, and extrapyramidal syndromes (tremor, Parkinsonism). Similarly to neuroleptic agents, cinnarizine can cause a tardive dyskinesia. Subjects who are treated with high doses (150 mg/day) are at a particularly high risk.

Cinnarizine: Interactions

Cinnarizine can increase the centrally sedative effect of other drugs (including alcohol).

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