Flunarizine

Flunarizine is a medicine used for the prevention of migraines. However, it cannot treat an acute attack and will only work to prevent migraines for as long as you continue to take the medicine. This medicine relaxes the brain, preventing migraine headaches.

Flunarizine may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You should continue to take this medicine for as long as the doctor advises and do not stop taking it suddenly.

Side effects associated with the use of this medicine include muscle pain, fatigue, constipation, nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and runny nose. Some other side effects that may be seen on taking this medicine are increased appetite, depression, stomach discomfort, and breast pain. It may also cause sleepiness at the beginning of your treatment, so do not drive, operate machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.

It may also cause weight gain and to prevent it you can eat a healthy balanced diet and should exercise regularly. This medicine may cause changes in your mood and you may feel depressed, therefore, regular monitoring of behavior is important. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

• Prevention of Migraine

Prevention of Migraine
Flunarizine helps improve the flow of blood in your brain and prevents abnormal activity of muscles that triggers migraines. It is a very effective medicine for preventing migraine attacks, however, it does not treat an attack that has already started. By preventing and reducing the frequency migraine attacks, the medicine can help you carry out your daily activities and improve your quality of life.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Nomigrain

• Sleepiness
• Weight gain
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Runny nose
• Increased appetite
• Depression
• Stomach discomfort
• Breast pain

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Flunarizine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Migraine headaches are thought to result from the dilatation of blood vessels in the head. Flunarizine works by preventing loss of tone and dilation of blood vessels, thus preventing the migraine headache.

• You have been prescribed Flunarizine for the prevention of migraine headaches.

• Do not take it to treat an acute attack of migraine.

• Some tips that may help avoid a migraine attack:

  • Have your meals at the same time every day
  • Avoid bright lights and extreme temperatures
  • Avoid loud music and noisy places
  • Avoid chocolates, cheese, processed food, alcohol and smoking
  • Get sufficient sleep and avoid stress

• It should be taken at night-time before going to bed.

• It may cause sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Flunarizine affects you.

• Notify your doctor if you develop skin rash, muscle aches, tremors, difficulty moving, or abnormal uncontrolled movement.

Katzung BG. Histamine, Serotonin, & the Ergot Alkaloids. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 283.

CDSCO. National Formulary of India: 2011. [Accessed 29 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:

Drugs.com. Flunarizine. [Accessed 25 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 25 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: