Flunarizine is used to prevent migraine Headaches with or without aura (warning signs that occur before the headache begins). Flunarizine should not be used for treatment of acute migraine headaches (headaches that have already started).

Flunarizine helps to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and, to a lesser extent, the severity of the attacks. Flunarizine does not appear to have an effect on how long attacks last. The effect of flunarizine may not be seen for several weeks. Do not stop taking the medication due to lack of effect within the first six to eight weeks.

Your doctor may have suggested Flunarizine for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Flunarizine may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Flunarizine, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Flunarizine without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Flunarizine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Flunarizine if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of flunarizine is 10 mg daily taken in the evening with or without food. Those who have side effects may find 5 mg daily in the evening to be effective.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that Flunarizine be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken on a regular basis for maximum effectiveness. Flunarizine does not appear to have an effect on how long attacks last. The effect of flunarizine may not be seen for several weeks. Do not stop taking the medication due to lack of effect within the first six to eight weeks.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Flunarizine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Flunarizine with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Flunarizine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• drowsiness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• dryness of the mouth
• flushing and feeling of warmth
• headache
• increased appetite or weight gain
• nausea
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• bleeding, tender, or swollen gums
• breathing difficulty, coughing, or wheezing
• chest pain (may appear about 30 minutes after medication is taken)
• depression
• face appearing "mask-like"
• fainting
• irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat
• loss of balance control
• shuffling walk
• skin rash
• stiffness of the arms or legs
• swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs
• trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers
• trouble speaking or swallowing
• unusual secretion of breast milk

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Flunarizine.

Each red and grey, size No. 4 capsule, imprinted "APO 5" on one side, contains flunarizine HCl equivalent to flunarizine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose monohydrate, stearic acid, and talc; capsule shell: black iron oxide, D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide; edible black ink on capsule shell: pharmaceutical shellac, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and black iron oxide.

Flunarizine should not be taken by anyone with:

• an allergy to flunarizine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• a history of Depression
• a history of involuntary movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms)

There may be an interaction between flunarizine and any of the following:

• alcohol
• anticonvulsants
• tranquilizers

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Flunarizine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.